New Car: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Following leaked images of the all-new Korean-market 2010 Hyundai Sonata earlier this month, Hyundai has finally let the curtain fly, giving us details and official photos of its revamped mid-sized sedan entry. In the U.S., we'll know the car as a 2011 Sonata, as it won't be sold here until mid-2010. Sales will begin soon in Hyundai's home market of Korea, however.

True to previous images we've seen, the new Sonata features styling that features plenty of four-door-coupe-style styling touches, which should distinguish it from more conventional sedans. With what Hyundai refers to as "fluidic sculpture" styling, the car is immediately more eye-catching than its predecessor, and the new Sonata is said to extend that appeal to the interior with the use of premium materials. Hyundai hopes the upmarket changes will make the Sonata a strong competitor in the mid-size sedan class against segment leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, as well as further a shift in brand image started by the full-size Genesis sedan, introduced last year.

"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality, and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's vice chairman, said at the Sonata's Seoul, Korea launch. "The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values."

The 2010 Sonata launches in Korea with the expected 2.0L Theta II MPi four-cylinder engine that produces 163 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. A new six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with an optional six-speed manual available. In January, the Korean market will get an optional 2.4L Theta II GDI direct-injection engine that will be featured as standard in the U.S.-bound 2011 Sonata. Reports also suggest that a hybrid version of the new Sonata is forthcoming.

Hyundai has included a host of technological features in the new Sonata, including an 8-in. infotainment and navigation screen, JBL Premium Sound system, electronic parking brake, heated rear seats, and Amplitude Selective Dampers. Details are unknown about options available in the U.S.-spec 2011 Sonata, but we expect most of these to carry over.

The 2010 Sonata will be priced between 21.3 million and 25.95 million Won in Korea (roughly $17,600 to $21,450). Hyundai predicts annual sales volume to be 60,000 units in Korea alone just this year. When the Sonata enters full production in 2011, Hyundai is looking for sales of 450,000 sedans per year on a global scale.

We expect the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's U.S. debut to come at the either the Detroit or Los Angeles auto shows. Meanwhile, how do you think the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will stack up against the competition when it arrives in showrooms Stateside?