Currently reading: New Hyundai Sonata launched
High-res pictures and early details of the new Hyundai i40

This is the new Hyundai Sonata, which was launched in Korea today.

The new Sonata is expected to be sold as the i40 in Europe, and will go on sale in the UK in late 2010. European sales are expected to begin with an estate version, with saloon and hatch models following later in 2011.

New Hyundai Sonata picture gallery

Hyundai believes the new Sonata represents a huge leap forward for the company in terms of styling and quality.

"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's vice chairman at the launching ceremony for the car in Seoul. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values."

The engine range is described by an insider as "exceptional" and will include the 'R' diesels recently announced for the ix35 and Santa Fe, plus a series of small petrol and diesel engines.

The new Korean spec Sonata is 4820mm long, 1835mm wide and 1470mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2795mm -making it a little longer and wider than the outgoing car, and slightly lower.

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Overdrive 19 September 2009

Re: New Hyundai Sonata launched

Quote:
"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's vice chairman

I know Hyundais have been improving, but isn't this guy getting a bit carried away with that Peugeot 607 look alike?

DSP123 19 September 2009

Re: New Hyundai Sonata launched

Brave design. If it drives as well as it looks then, for me, it will stop the 'taxi' comments just as the Coupe appealed to those who were untainted by badge snobbery.

Yes, it is still somewhat derivative. But the overall effect is pleasing, at least to my eyes - it's nice too, to see the interior styling matching the exterior for once. Too many times, especially with euro designs, the money runs out and the interior is the saving venue.

Comments about Aiwa stereos may well be accurate, but for me the dash design is preferable to the constantly recycled Audi, Merc and Beemer designs and makes the likes of the Insignia's dash seem outmoded already.

This company has come a long, long way in a short time since recycling old Mitsubishi components.

As has been observed in the past "If you want reliability, see what the mini-cabber's use".

Lee23404 18 September 2009

Re: New Hyundai Sonata launched

JonathanLGardner wrote:
If this i40 looks like a Passat CC wannabe then isn't the Passat CC just a Mercedes CLS wannabe?

In concept yes, but not the design details. It's those details which I can see in the Sonata. The creases down the bonnet, side of the car etc.