These are the first spy shots of the new Hyundai Sonata, which will go on sale in late 2010 and which company insiders believe will have sufficient 'wow factor' to sell on its looks as well as dynamic merits.
The pictures were taken during a photo shoot in Korea, and leaked on to the Hyundai Blog website over the weekend.
They are believed to show the car designed for the US and Korean markets, although the European bound version is not reported to be dramatically different.
The interior photo shows a dramatically new, modern design direction, while the exterior is also dramatically different.
"We expect the car to be close to or class leading in every department such as emissions, handling, ride and so on, but what really marks it out is that it will sell on its looks as well as all its other attributes," said a Hyundai insider.
"The design of this car is every bit as big a leap forward for the sector as the Accent to the i30 was for its sector."
European sales are expected to begin with an estate version, with saloon and hatch models following later in 2011.
The engine range is described by an insider as 'exceptional' and will include the 'R' diesels recently announced for the ix35 and Santa F1, plus a series of small petrol and diesel engines.
Thanks to: Autocar
