Set to make a grand debut at the Seoul Mobility Show on March 30, the rejuvenated 2024 Hyundai Sonata is the latest evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design ethos. With its futuristic aesthetic, the Sonata is scheduled to land on Australian shores during the latter half of 2023, featuring striking design updates influenced by the brand’s other notable releases such as the Staria MPV and Kona SUV.

The forward-facing LED light bar, aptly named the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’ — a feature present in the latest Hyundai models — takes center stage. This design element, along with the separated headlight clusters positioned below the daytime running light strip, enhances the car's unique and robust front end.

The rear design also embraces a similar aesthetic, showcasing a full-width tail light bar, signaling an array of changes aimed at strengthening the Sonata’s advanced, high-tech image. The N Line, in particular, exhibits a more aggressive stance with quad-tipped exhaust treatment and a ducktail-type spoiler lip, building upon the standard model’s tailpipe-shaped trims.

Complementing the Sonata’s exterior are new alloy wheels, which scale up to 19 inches in diameter, with the top-of-the-line models boasting cutting-edge machine-face designs.

Inside, the Sonata's cockpit showcases substantial design revisions, reflecting both in terms of technological advancement and interior fittings. The dashboard adopts a more horizontal layout, with twin 12.3-inch displays nestled within a single curved housing — a first for Hyundai. Further enhancing the high-tech ambiance, the new steering wheel flaunts Hyundai’s dotted logo design, which is Morse code for ‘H’.

In a departure from traditional controls, the HVAC system employs digitized rotary dials for temperature adjustments while other functionalities shift to a touch panel display, reminiscent of Genesis models. This change, Hyundai believes, further solidifies the car’s high-tech appeal.

To promote a more spacious interior, a column-style shift-by-wire selector has been introduced, a design element first seen in Hyundai's Ioniq EVs. The center console is now outfitted with a palm rest for added comfort, while the revamped cupholder and tray unit offer increased storage and convenience.

While full details are yet to be disclosed, we anticipate that the Sonata will offer cutting-edge features such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates and augmented reality (AR) navigation, features already seen in Hyundai's latest models like the new Kona.

In terms of performance, we expect an updated range of powertrains, possibly including a 1.6L four-cylinder turbo, a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, a 2.0L petrol-electric hybrid, and the N Line’s potent 213kW/422Nm 2.5L turbocharged four.

Despite declining sedan sales globally, the Sonata, particularly the N Line, remains a strong contender in its segment, boasting competitive performance and a host of modern features. Hyundai anticipates a successful run in Australian showrooms, riding on the vehicle's fresh aesthetics and enhanced capabilities. Complete details about the 2024 Hyundai Sonata will be confirmed soon, as we move closer to its Australian launch in the second half of 2023.