Hyundai Motor has shared with us pictures of the upcoming eight generation 2020 Model Year Hyundai Sonata. This time, the latest iteration of the Sonata embodies Hyundai’s latest design language called the Sensuous Sportiness design concept. It is a fully transformed vehicle following the release of the previous generation Sonata in 2014 which somehow did not catch the eye of the Malaysian consumer unlike the one prior to that.
From the look of this new Sonata, it is bold and unique again. A brave design unlike the very matured, very European (some say Audi-like) 7th generation Sonata. I personally love the styling of the 7th gen, but it seems it must have been too tame for most who loved the more futuristic styling of the 6th generation Sonata. Anyway, the fashion forward styling is back with a vengeance, as it has a coupe-like and edgy styling which I predict could be popular again. Unless the market has shifted its stance to SUVs, that is. But that is another issue altogether.
“Sonata celebrates innovative coupe-like silhouette,A short overhang, sloping roofline and low deck lid create a balanced feel, and Hyundai’s signature chrome accent now goes all the way into the hood, making it look even longer. It also has LED lighting built in. These cues bring the Sensuous Sportiness design to life.” said Sang Yup Lee, senior vice president and head of the Hyundai Design Center of the new Sonata.
Note the unique chrome accents in the bonnet and the width of the bumper.
Hyundai says that the all-new Sonata takes its inspiration from the award-winning Le Fil Rouge concept, which debuted at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Like the concept car, the production Sonata attracts immediate attention with its Sensuous Sportiness design. The new Sonata is 30 mm lower in height and is wider by 25 mm. Its wheelbase is enlarged by 35 mm, and its whole length by 45 mm. Its proportions are very sporty indeed.
As for its styling, the Sensuous Sportiness Sonata’s frontal section is defined by two elements: a bold, voluminous shape evoking a smooth sphere and a cleanly demarcated hood. Furthermore, the Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, which resembles the grille of a sports car with its rhythmic visuals, is sleekly connected to the hood, strengthening the overall perception of the front.
The Daytime Running Lights, embedded with Hidden Lighting Lamps (initially previewed in the Hyundai HDC-2 concept car from 2018). These are the first for a Hyundai vehicle and are a chief design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata’s light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be of a chromic material when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on. This will be a new design element of Hyundai aside from the Sensuous Sportiness styling language and will be seen on future Hyundai cars.
As for the interior, Hyundai's designers aimed to alleviate the distracting large screens featured in many luxury cars today and instead threaded the two displays together on the 2020 Sonata, using a unique S curve. These displays are seamless, with no parting lines (especially the infotainment system screen - pretty unique with a frameless look to it at the top), and have capacitive touch buttons. Additional features include a satin chrome accent on the steering wheel, which looks like an aircraft yoke, and shift-by-wire transmission controls in the centre console / transmission tunnel to free up storage space.
The new Sonata looks good. More unique actually. While I liked the previous generation as I stated above, it would seem that Hyundai owners here like the fashion or futuristic touches and with this model, those styling cues are back. It should be popular with people here (ASIDE from any shift towards SUVs as I stated) and that is a good thing as Hyundai actually make cars that feel solid and nice to drive. More should actually be trying them out over here.
No comments:
Post a Comment