The earliest iterations of the Hyundai Sonata set the bar for family sedans, but the new 8th iteration is anything but standard. The unmistakably upgraded interior no longer feels like a family-mobile. Of course, some might say that the design overhaul is just part of the fully re-designed Sonata, but the interior change goes beyond a generational jump. We met with Researcher Shin Seung-hyun on the Hyundai Interior Design Team to get a scoop on his insights on the new Sonata's interior design.
The Sonata's new design themes are Sensuous Sportiness and Light Architecture
Light architecture is the design language dictating the interior of the new Sonata
Q. Could you briefly introduce the theme behind the 8th Generation Sonata's interior design? Light Architecture seems to be a recurring phrase.
Hyundai's new design philosophy is Sensuous Sportiness, and Light Architecture which we interpreted for interior design. It may still sound cryptic, but the words are almost self-explanatory. Light is used to depict levity and also luminosity. Light Architecture adds illumination to the design lexicon of lines and planes. On the exterior, the hidden LED DRL (Daytime Running Lamp) with the chrome gradation was a main example. On the interior, it less about the illumination and more about a sense of levity.
The design intent is quickly obvious when you sit in the cabin, facing forward. The seemingly buoyant crash pad over the top of the dashboard conveys what Light Architecture is.
The new Sonata's interior conveys a sense of both luxury and advanced technology
The intuitive design is largely attributed to the ambient light on the lower side of the dashboard, as well as the sense of levity presented through light design. The heavy, thick, and rigid-looking areas were renovated with a configuration that conveys an image of minimal cross-section, such as in the new dashboard, door, and console design. Such design considerations and advanced technologies, passengers experience a sense of luxurious, high-tech environment within the cabin.
Shin focused on striking a balance between sportiness and accustomed familiarity
Q. The 8th Generation Sonata features a sporty and dynamic exterior design. Its interior on the other hand, is relatively calm and grounded with a sense of minimalistic opulence. Was this pairing of opposites intentional with the interior and exterior design?
Generally speaking the interior shares its design intent with the exterior. However, for the new Sonata, we approached it slightly differently as a space that people occupy. It is the environment that surrounds the passenger, so we wanted a refined interior design that suits a medium-size sedan. We wanted the driver and the passenger to understand that they were in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere inside the sedan, so that was what we focused on.
Aspects of the sporty design was kept for consistency with the exterior. The overarching frame and interface were designed for the driver, focusing on a sporty driving experience.
The Sonata's unique interior design
Hyundai Motor is taking design away from the typical family-car look of the past. The global market has diverse demands, and Hyundai is answering them. There is a common concept across all models, but each model does have its own personality. The recently released Palisade's interior is similar to the new Sonata for this very reason, but the Sonata has elements added that are appropriate for a mid-size sedan.
The SBW (Shift By Wire) transmission buttons are a textbook example of the new interior concept of the Sonata
Q. So that explains some of the similarities between the new Sonata and the Palisade. Then what are the key differences in interior design?
the Sonata's interior conveys a relatively lighter, sporty, dynamic image befitting a mid-sized sedan. Differences can be found also in detail and choice of material. The button-controlled transmission SBW (Shift By Wire) is a major example.
The Sonata and the Palisade do in fact, share common SBW components. In the Sonata, the SBW button sits on a slightly different design that reflects the interior, and the high-gloss black material feels more exclusive. Plenty of attention was given to less visible areas. For example, the turn indicator and windscreen wiper lever tips both have diamond patterns on them. A similar pattern can be found on the HVAC dials, and are intended to improve tactile experience and usability.
The carefully detailed finish of the HVAC dial is a great example of the luxuries of the latest generation Sonata
Q. The SBW was such a breakaway function from previous Sonatas. Was it implemented without hesitation?
We knew that the 8th Generation Sonata in many ways represented Hyundai Motor, and also convey a forward-looking message in terms of our design. We wanted the new Sonata to present a step forward in design and technology. We boldly went forward and implemented the SBW.
Once the decision was made for SBW implementation, the team collaborated with the engineers to find the most ergonomic design for the driver to press the button.
Usability of the area around the center console was enhanced by the SBW
Q. The missing stick shift, or even the transmission lever might be a point of contention from more conservative drivers. There is a certain tactility or viscerality that comes with it. How has the response been?
I am confident that those drivers will be won over.
You don't look back once you've used the SBW. That's how convenient it is. You'd be surprised how quickly you adapt to it, and beneficial it is. It frees up so much space on the center console, for example, and that space can be repurposed for so many other things.
In the case of the new Sonata, this includes 2 large cup holders to the right side of the center console, as well as spacious storage area just in front. Even the overall design is cleaner and more compact. These changes may seem trivial, but I hope that our efforts to present a refreshing driving experience does cause an impact.
Striking balance between cutting-edge tech and design
The full-digital cluster is the most apparent of the new Sonata's high-tech features
The 8th Generation Sonata's interior has several eye-catching features in addition to the SBW buttons. For one, the display screen is larger than the previous model. The latest iteration Sonata took steps forward with the 12.3-inch full-digital cluster and the 10.25-inch large-screen AVN. The 12.3-inch cluster uses a sporty UI with a youthful sensibility, appropriate for all the included driving modes such as sports and eco.
Shin says advancements in technology allowed the sleek design throughout the interior
Q. Latest technology allows for conveniences, such as the large display, but does it also pose challenges in terms of design flexibility?
This is quite clear. Better technology does help us implement high-tech design. For example, we're getting thinner bezels and panels. These advancements open up new opportunities and options to achieve sleeker designs.
The chrome from the door handle, and the ambient lighting on the dashboard bring together the interior design into a unified language
Q. Anything in addition to SBW that you want to discuss?
I do want to discuss the door handle. It is the possibly the most interacted part of a car that gets the least amount of attention or appreciation.
The chrome line starts from the door handle and brings the perception of the whole interior being a connected space. A similar design decision can be found on the outside as well, and that is the DRL, which connects the hidden lighting and the chrome line. It was a means for us to emphasize uniformity of design throughout the interior and exterior.
The interior design of the Sonata was certainly very challenging, but all the positive reviews have made it more than worthwhile
Some pressure is unavoidable because the Sonata is such an iconic flagship model for Hyundai, but I am pretty sure I am content with the end result. The market response to the new Sonata's design has been more positive.
What I am not sure about, and would love to know is, what are the potential Sonata owners saying on the showroom floor after experiencing the new design in person for the very first time
