Five things you need to know about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata
Cars
I'll make you a bet.
When you think of the Hyundai Sonata, you think of this and not this.
But in a year's time, when you think of Hyundai Sonata, you are gonna think of this.
This is the all new 2020 model.
And it is way more striking in person than the outgoing model, which you probably couldn't even remember Happened with me, and I'll teach you five things you need to know about why this one may end up on your shopping list.
[MUSIC]
This Alabama built eighth generation model codenamed D-N.
8 is, you guessed it, longer and lower, but not wider.
It's striking four door coupe like roofline somehow manages to avoid a tight backseat.
Designs most unusual detail is the chrome trim that brings the side windows and flows down the hood into the headlamps.
Novel comic strip technology means LED daytime running lamps remain hidden underneath the shiny stuff until illuminated.
There are two new smart stream four cylinders paired with an eight speed automatic.
2.5 litre naturally aspirated engine and the up level 1.6 litre turbo that I drove.
Both are oddly close and outputs but the latter is forced induction and world's first continuously variable valve duration system enables more torque down low and better efficiency.
[MUSIC]
On my Alabama drive, the power train felt refined and delivered ample thrust.
But if you're looking for a hot rod look elsewhere.
I'm guessing a more powerful engine option is on the way.
So now this dashboard is said to have been inspired by a drone swing shape, either way, it's low in linear And I particularly liked the way the 10.25 inch touchscreen found on premium models doesn't just look like an afterthought.
Materials in my limited tester were suitably upscale, and overall comfort and visibility was good, with pleasingly low noise, vibration and harshness levels.
There's a lot of unexpected tech available in this new Sonata, including an Android digital key app to unlock doors, share temporary keys and remember driver preferences, including audio presets, seat settings and even head up display height.
Right now, Apple doesn't allow the iPhones near field communications chip to be used this way, but it sounds like that may change soon.
There's a boatload of advanced Driver Assist including standard Ford collision avoidance link keep assist and smart cruise control.
So not as in cluster blind spot View Monitor is cool, but the cars biggest party trick is the optional remote smart parking assist.
It allows the sedan to be turned on and moved forward and backwards to enter or exit tight spaces while standing outside the car.
Think of it as a simpler, less abuse prone version of Tesla smart summon.
[MUSIC]
So in a nutshell, that's the all new 2020 Hyundai Sonata.
It's got striking new looks.
Plus it's loaded with tech.
I'll need this back on my home roads in Michigan to find out just how I think about the way this car really drives.
But for right now, i am really impressed and you might be too
[MUSIC]
[BLANK_AUDIO]
