2023 Hyundai Sonata takes on aggressive new look
Major overhaul for Korean brand’s Sonata mid-size sedan also includes revamped interiorThe sharp-looking new 2023 Hyundai Sonata has been unveiled, showing off a significant exterior revamp and a new curved dashboard display.
To premiere at the Seoul Mobility Show this week ahead of an Australian launch in the second half of the year, the new Hyundai Sonata marks a significant mid-life facelift for the eighth-generation medium-size sedan that arrived here in mid-2021 after being launched overseas four years ago.
The sporty range-topping N Line is expected to continue as the sole model offered in our market.
There is no mention of mechanical updates for the 2023 Sonata, so expect the N Line to continue with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (213kW/422Nm) that drives the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s emphasis is clearly on the revamped exterior, most strikingly with the front-end design.
The traditional headlight arrangement and cool bonnet-lining daytime running lights have gone, replaced by new ‘hidden’ lights and a Staria-style full-width ‘seamless horizon lamp’.
The new lights are paired with a wider, redesigned grille along with crisp new contours and a revised bonnet. New 19-inch alloy wheels are also included.
Hyundai calls the aerodynamic new look ‘The Sportiness’ and says it makes the Sonata look more aggressive while simultaneously improving fuel economy (no official improvements claimed) and making it more stable at speed.
The headline changes at the rear comprise a new H-shaped lighting signature, reshaped lip spoiler and contrasting new boot insert that emphasises the new full-width brake light strip.
Inside the cabin is a Hyundai-first curved display for a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen, the perimeter lines of which complement the new horizontal lines of the exterior.
A touch-type climate control unit injects an extra element of modernity along with an IONIQ 5-style steering column-type shift-by-wire gear selector, the latter freeing up more storage space on the centre console and room for an extended driver’s arm rest.
Australian pricing and specs are still to be released, but expect the facelifted 2023 Hyundai Sonata to move up from its current $52,065 plus on-road costs.
Related: Surging demand yields long waits for hot Hyundai N cars
Related: Hyundai Sonata N Line 2021 Review
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