Hyundai Sonata New Rise

The current LF Sonata by Hyundai has been given a much-needed minor change it deserved following a hunch that its stale styling never appealed to the general public. Called Sonata New Rise, this minor change will see a much improved styling on the current-generation model and then some.

So, here comes the 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change and for this minor change, the front face now mimics the one as seen on the new i30 while it features the most dramatic rear view in the Sonata history. In addition to the new rear lamp designs, the big SONATA lettering and the Hyundai logo are plastered in the middle, which reminds everyone of the old EF Sonata from the late 90's but with a bit more feel. For turbocharged models, it has been given sporty cosmetic treatments to make it look assertive and sporty for a midsize saloon.

Inside, there are small changes occured and much to the dismay for speedo boys everywhere, the touch screen is now standard and no matter what you're doing, it will never come off and that idea of a CD player-less dashboard is becoming more rampant to the cars of today because carmakers starting to get annoyed over speedo boys changing the car's radios so they have done the inevitable. They give the interior some irreplaceable tech to scare some speedo boys, especially with a smartphone mirroring feature that works well with iPhones and other smartphones via MirrorLink. Sounds convenient, yet scary from the hands of speedo boys so I'm afraid your luck has run out. You can't find the radio anywhere and you can't replace it. The end.

Anyway, back to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change, it still offers four engine choices from last time such as a 1.6L T-GDi, 2.0 CVVL, 2.0 T-GDi, and the 1.7 CRDi-VGT engine. That's three petrols and a diesel offered in the 2018 Sonata and get this; in the more powerful 2.0 T-GDi engine, it has been offered with an 8-speed automatic, which sounds rewarding but somewhat regular if you may ask.

Safety wise, the 2018 Sonata comes with a Lane Departure Warning system assisted by a Lane Keep Assist function, as well as High Beam Assist and Dynamic Bending Lights for better nighttine driving, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata minor change starts at 2.255 million up to 3.253 million Korean Won and its available to order now. So, with the new look in one of the fastest-selling executive midsize saloons in South Korea, can the new Sonata rise up to the occassion? Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company