All-New 2020 Hyundai Sonata Previewed, Launch Imminent

It's tough to develop cars for a shrinking segment, but Hyundai still believes in giving it their all with their latest models. The all-new Hyundai Sonata is a lot closer than you think.

Hyundai is making a comeback in the Malaysian market, with the launch of the Kona right around the corner - but one of the other superstars of their range is going to get a massive update in the form of an all-new generation. It's the all-new Hyundai Sonata, and during the quick test of the Kona, we were offered a short preview of their up-and-coming D-segment sedan.

It's going to be coming in a singular variant - the Smartstream G2.5 - and it comes loaded with features as well as packing a design language and build quality that represents another massive leap forward for the Korean brand. The petrol-powered 2.5-litre engine produces 180 PS and 232 Nm of torque, sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed conventional automatic transmission.

The interior is very generously packaged, as packed into that sleek and fluid dashboard is a heads-up display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality on a floating 8-inch display, an entirely digital 12.3-inch full TFT-LCD instrument cluster, and wireless charging. Electric seats, six airbags, and a Smart Trunk System are also present, as is Blind-spot View Monitoring and LED DRLs.

But really, the party piece is the overall design of the car. It's simply show-stopping, with curves and creases that give it a look so unique and captivating it could easily be mistaken for a European luxury sedan. There's even thought as to how those daytime running lights blend with the bonnet, as the chrome trim which runs over the bodywork is subtly integrated with the DRLs themselves for a completely unique look.

Perhaps the only strange omission is the lack of active safety systems, but in all fairness, these systems are more sought after on paper than in practice. The reality is these systems are still fairly flawed and need years or decades of refinement before being completely useful in all situations.

Bookings for the all-new Hyundai Sonata are not yet open, but you can expect to see this model launching a lot sooner than you think.