In a rare double feature, Hyundai threw the covers off a pair of updates today instead of choosing to drag the news cycle out over a couple of weeks. Even more rare? The rigs in question are both sedans.
This is good news in a world where companies have been quick to ditch their car lines (ahem, Ford) in favor of SUVs and crossovers.
First up is the Sonata, receiving the Robocop headlight treatment (technically called the ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’) which has appeared on other machines such as the next Kona. The rear changes less dramatically but now adopts a variant of the H-pattern which is also working its way across the lineup. Big news also shows up in the form of all-wheel drive, functioning under the HTRAC banner and now available on Sonata sedans equipped with the 2.5-liter engine.
Speaking of motivation, power choices include a gasoline-powered 2.5L mill, a 2.5L turbo, and a 2.0L hybrid. Specs are not listed yet for ’24 but in other years those first two engines made 191 and 290 horses, respectively, while the hybrid was good for a system output of 192 ponies. Alert readers will notice no mention of the 180-horsepower 1.6L turbo for the upcoming year. Inside, we note a typically clean horizontal style found in most of today’s cars from this brand, along with an Ioniq-esque gear selector relocated to the steering column. Also, the ‘H’ badge has vanished from the steering wheel.
A size smaller, the 2024 Elantra now has a slightly less alarming maw, with a new two-piece grille broken up by a color-keyed spear. There are also changes to the front fender shape, wheel designs, and sundry trim. Side airbags are now on board for rear seat passengers, there’s a new instrument cluster design, more USB outlets, a better wireless charging pad, and a vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. As with other years, there are again a yaffle of engines including a brace of turbos and a 1.6L hybrid electric. Those looking for grins need to check out the N, rated last year at a stout 276 horsepower.
Why is Hyundai shoveling money into the four-door game? According to the company, our market snapped up nearly 3 million sedans across all brands in the last year. We suggest there’s still a good appetite for this segment and have long felt some manufacturers gave it up for dead far too quickly.
[Images: Hyundai]
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via Autobuzz Today
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