Ahead of the launch, selected motoring journalists were given a surprise preview of the eighth generation Hyundai Sonata
The next all-new Hyundai Sonata which will be launched later this year. Malaysia will be the first market in South-East Asia to debut the D-segment saloon which is built on a new platform with a new 2.5-litre all-aluminium engine. There is also a sportier silhouette with a coupé-style roofline.
The naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine called Smartstream G2.5 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Output from the multi-point injection engine is 178bhp with 232Nm of torque. 18-inch rims are standard.
A chrome strip underlines the LED headlights and daytime running lights and runs parallel from the bonnet, along the shoulder line under the windows, to the C-pillar. Breathers on either side of the front grille are integrated into the front bumper. A chrome strip frames the breathers and connects them visually, running through the large grille, separating it into a larger upper section and a narrow lower section. A black skirt runs along the base of the body from front to rear to draw the eyes along the sporty lines. The crease lines on the body panels illustrate the “Sensuous Sportiness” design language
The C-shaped LED rear tail lamps feature fins at the top to channel airflow and improve aerodynamics from roofline.
The interior is sumptuous leather with intricate stitching. New features in the Sonata include a 12.3-inch full TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster with custom displays for the various drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport or Smart Eco. In Smart Eco mode, drive mode is selected autonomously in response to throttle input from the driver. There’s no gear knob or lever. Gears are selected by pushing R, N, D or P on the gear console.
Also new are the 10.25-inch (10.25″) navigation infotainment system, head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and NFC digital key.
Electronic safety features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Automatic High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lane Follow Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Around View Monitor (AVM). Blind-spot View Monitoring is also available: objects on the left- or right-side blind spots can be seen on corresponding positions on the driver display.
There’s no indication of price but is estimated to be around RM200,000, the price range of its segment competitors, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata is likely to launch by the end of November 2020.
“Sensuous sportiness” 
LED tail lights 
Coupé-style roofline 
Chrome detailing 
LED headlights & DRLs 
aerodynamic fins 
18-inch rims 
new aluminium Smartstream engine 
Digital displays 
12.3-inch display 
Blind-spot view monitoring 
10.25-inch display 
Push-button gear selection 
induction charging pad 
500-litre boot
