Hyundai Sonata update arriving in Oz mid-year

Hyundai will launch a refreshed Sonata in the Australian market around the middle of 2017, the manufacturer has revealed.

The importer made the announcement hot on the heels of the facelifted model seeing the light of day at a design plaza in the South Korean capital Seoul, earlier this week – timed to pre-empt the car's premiere in Geneva.

According to Hyundai, the Sonata's new styling marks a change in design language that will progressively flow through to other models in the range.

The Sonata's interior layout has also been revamped, with enhancements for the centre fascia including climate control and audio controls. A seven-inch colour touch screen is introduced, with the option of an eight-inch screen compatible with satellite navigation also available. Steering wheels have been updated across the range, with Turbo models migrating to a bespoke design that features a flat-bottom rim. Seats in the Turbo models are also reshaped, adding support in the side bolsters. And a revised gearshift knob incorporates switching for four drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart.

Hyundai has lifted the Sonata's connectivity credentials with an extra USB port – located in the rear of the centre console – and wireless smartphone charging. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are to be offered as standard.

Safety gets some attention too, with the new Sonata set to gain optional Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, dynamic cornering lights and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Mechanically, changes to the Sonata are confined to an eight-speed automatic transmission for the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder variants.