Hyundai hints at dramatic change for the Sonata facelift

Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the first teaser images of the facelifted Sonata, due to arrive on global markets during 2018, with the carmaker planning to give its mid-size sedan a “dramatic design change”. New sheet-metal and trim details will bring the current-generation Sonata, launched in 2015, into line with the Hyundai’s evolving design language, which is progressively introducing more sophisticated architecture and styling to the brand.

The new design architecture centers on Hyundai’s brand new signature, the “Cascading Grille’. The Cascading Grille symbolizes the momentous flow of molten steel and the elegant shape of the Korean celadon vase, bringing a more distinct identifier to the Hyundai range. It is the centerpiece of a sensuously sculpted front end, creating a much more confident gaze and a purposeful stance.

The low and wide radiator grille makes the hood appear longer and sleeker, which is counter balanced by the raised trunk lid, shifting the side profile architecture to a more dynamic attitude. The chrome lines around the side windows extend forward to the headlights as they did before, but now they go further to the front of the car and under the headlamps for a unique, sophisticated look.

From the side, the sleek and sensuously sculpted volumes are complimented by fine technical details such as the head lamps, tail lamps and directional spoked wheels. The rear license plate holder was moved downward to fit onto the bumper and a large Sonata logo is added to the center of the trunk lid, projecting visual self-confidence.