How the D-segment 2020 Hyundai Sonata is redefining sexy

Now let’s admit it, D-segment sedans are hardly what you would call sexy - they are a lot more utilitarian, a lot more business, a lot less pizzaz. They were built as a status symbol - an indication of having made it - less as a style statement. 

That is until the arrival of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5 Smartstream. 

In this article, we highlight for you why sexy is back! 

1. The Sensuous Sportiness design language

Futuristic looking and sporty - that is the theme Hyundai is taking with their current generation of vehicles and they’ve hit the nail bang on the head. The first of which that we get to witness is the new Hyundai Sonata and it’s safe to say it is the most futuristic D-segment sedan we have in the market currently, especially when viewed from the side with its many curves and accents that initially seem at odds with each other but in reality is a piece of art, sensuous almost. Add to that the arrival of the new Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai will easily take the award for Best Looking Cars of 2020. 

2. The face that set turning a thousand heads

A neighbour of mine on his evening walk stopped and complimented me on my ‘Aston Martin’. I told him thank you but that sexy cascading grille + gradient daytime running lights staring back at him was from Korea, it was the Hyundai Sonata 2.5 Smartstream. This was a theme that we found repeated throughout our time with the car, double-takes, approving glances, or questioning looks - as many are still unfamiliar with Hyundai’s new design language. 

3. The rear that makes you want to Stop & Stare

Aaah, that bum, the way that long LED strip connects each brake light!

is quite eye-catching and distinctive. At traffic lights, it’s hard not to stop and stare at that rear as it creates quite the visual impression. The Smart Trunk feature is also a welcome addition for when you have your hands full with your groceries. Walk up to the car, it senses the key fob and automatically opens the trunk for you.   

4. The interior that becomes home

Comfy seats, 8-way adjustable with lumbar support. The Sonata has you covered every each way. What surprised us however was the space in the rear. A 180cm adult would be able to sit very comfortably in the rear for long drives on those plush seats. The interior also comes with all the creature comforts and then some typical of D-segment sedans. Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Wireless Charging, USB charging ports, climate control, rear air-con vents are standard. 

Quite cool though is the Blind Spot View Monitor where at the activation of the turn signals the camera on the dashboard comes on to show you the view outside preventing you from turning into another vehicle in your blind spot. Very nifty this. 

5. The wheels that are testament to the notion of ‘attention to detail’

Now the wheels on the Sonata are a work of art. The knurled weaves are testament to the work that has gone into making the Sonata as detailed as it is. Even the centre caps have a 3D-like weave pattern going on. 

6. The Smartstream powertrain

There are four drive modes in the Sonata, Comfort, Eco, Sports, and Smart. It’s most at home in Comfort mode. The Sonata will pick and go but it is no sports sedan. It’s a cruiser that will return you frugal fuel consumption. Have no doubts though that it will handle the curves with surety, the steering is quick and responsive. It’s a cruiser, not a trunk road warrior, and judged accordingly, it dispatches the miles with ease and a smile on your face.

You definitely should take this head-turner for a test drive, be sure to enjoy the stares while you’re at it!