LA AUTO SHOW: Has The All-New Hyundai Sonata Just Captured The Flag?

Hyundai is absolutely relentless, especially after reporting the absolutely astounding news of a 46 percent increase in sales, year-over-year, this past November. Now, they have a new car to display and it is aiming for the big dogs.

Yes, the mid-size sedan segment.

Today, Hyundai took the wraps off of its new Sonata. And, on paper it sounds pretty damn enticing, if I say so myself. It has MORE power, MORE room and BETTER MPG than the competitors that it is slotted to go up against.

If you ask me, it looks like the Accord and Camry are in the crosshairs with the red laser on their figurative foreheads.

While Hyundai's used to be frowned upon with a poor image, the new crop of Genesis cars -- sedan and coupe -- has brought the brand from out of the basement with loyalists and journalists alike. This brings us to its latest creation, the Sonata, will it forge on in 2010 and continue with Hyundai's landmark year of success in 2009?

We want to know! Let us have it, SPIES!

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1dott8 - 12/2/2009 10:47:41 PM

+8 Boost

hyundai designs are getting better.

Agent63 - 12/3/2009 3:27:33 AM

-2 Boost

They have absolutely NOT captured the flag. However they are edging closer and closer to it's targeted competition. They actually stylish cars with a level of sophistication on the interior that's never heard of Hyundai branded cars. Kudos!

B7FAN - 12/3/2009 7:31:40 AM

+3 Boost

you really cant hate on hyndai think about the very first sonata and now this one even though it looks like a copy cat lexus ES it still looks nice. Hyundai the company in general has came far from where they were back in the late 80's

NewBeginning - 12/3/2009 11:47:05 AM

+2 Boost

Most of Hyundai/Kia cars are now designed in Germany.
New CEO of Hyundai/Kia is obsessed over design.
You will see world class designs from Hyundai/Kia soon.

LACMAN - 12/2/2009 11:25:20 PM

+10 Boost

I am at lost for words. I know there are many who will hate but this vehicle, at its price point and category, will shake up the competition. I say give credit where credit is do. Congrats to you Hyundai! I hope it drives as good as it looks.

Geez, just when I thought Genesis was all they had left in their bag! The auto industry SERIOUSLY better watch out for Hyundai if this is their "movin' on up" strategy...

(*You guys, dont deboost me on this one. Let it ride if you dont agree.) One or two looks of this vehicle and you cant disagree with me... COMING FROM HYUNDAI

Agent009 - 12/3/2009 9:21:49 AM

+6 Boost

Finally seeing what we have been harping on all along? We weren't Hyundai fanboys, We just looked at them and wonder just how everyone else is going to keep up. Believe me there are other models in the pipeline to position Hyundai in between Toyota and Lexus. Game on!

Steve - 12/2/2009 11:29:33 PM

-5 Boost

I take off my hat to much of what Hyundai has accomplished, but that face is hideous, on an epic scale. The "where does it end" lights and that overly emphasized line where the hood and quarter-panels meet, are really off the mark, to my eyes. I'm amazed that this car is made by the same folks that make the sexy Genesis coupe.

EL34 - 12/2/2009 11:46:59 PM

-4 Boost

Sorry, I am not diggin' the front end or the dash.

The car is on a hit of LSD.

EL34 - 12/2/2009 11:49:16 PM

-7 Boost

The line on the side of the car looks like a scar.

_43LE - 12/3/2009 9:18:16 AM

+4 Boost

EL34 is just bitter because Hyundai has just leapfrogged the US automakers.

Joe_Limon - 12/3/2009 12:45:34 AM

-1 Boost

Ahh, so is this what Sebring buyers are gonna buy next?

AudiNewEngland - 12/3/2009 2:13:24 AM

-2 Boost

Wait, some of you guys like this?

JUGNU - 12/3/2009 6:34:10 AM

+4 Boost

At this price point and class, one can't be very critical of the design. To me overall design of the car looks good (only the grille is huge and bland). It is making it's competitors camry, accord...etc look a generation older.
There is a big chance Sonata will seriously dent sales of camry and accord and might become the #3 best selling car in less than 2 years time.
Good Job Hyundai.

JUGNU

freeagent - 12/3/2009 7:04:26 AM

+2 Boost

the design is a bit overdone, but the strong value proposition will propell significant increases in sales for the Sonata

kpaxx - 12/3/2009 8:24:01 AM

+3 Boost

An improvement but it sort of looks like a four door solara!

fatandsassy - 12/3/2009 10:19:37 AM

-1 Boost

I reminds me of a camry, c class, audi exterior.
The interior really looks good.

It would be hard for me to purchase such a car because I am not a fan of Hyundai but this car really could be a great competitor. It really comes down to pricing. If they can keep it under $19,000 base and not charge stupid $$$ for options this could be a great car for just running around in, and high school kids, college grads.

PerformanceGuy - 12/3/2009 1:33:39 PM

-2 Boost

Have to agree, it would make a good car for younger high school to college aged kids.

Mason3Robert - 12/3/2009 10:54:50 AM

-6 Boost

LOL...Its nice, but I strongly believe they havent caught much of any flags...When Toyota and Honda redesign, they are going to come so "tough". im not sure if Hyundai realizes this.....

3.5 - 268HP?

440 Watt JBL? Well infinit is same company so okay....

Sport Tunes Suspension? SE Camry....

Why does the interior look like a cockpit to space?

Looks slightly "chunky"

Def not a huge fan of those enormous pipes that they carried over

Looks confused overall...no real direction or sourced from several other cars....Lexus, Accord, Es...

Yonder7 - 12/3/2009 11:18:57 AM

-8 Boost

For me ....Accord still the owner of the flag.

theoptimisticpessimist - 12/3/2009 11:52:00 AM

+3 Boost

"Capture the flag"

Are we back in summer camp or just ran out of automotive cliches?

4ron - 12/3/2009 12:06:15 PM

+3 Boost

If Hyundai wants to make a real statement in the midsize segment, they have. Bold and highly detailed. Congratulations, Hyundai!

PerformanceGuy - 12/3/2009 1:09:59 PM

+1 Boost

Have to say no, it will satisfy the current Hyundai owners though.

The_FNG - 12/3/2009 8:01:44 PM

-1 Boost

Definitely better looking than the current Accord Sedan, though I still really like the styling of the Accord coupe.

richard112360 - 12/3/2009 9:23:33 PM

-1 Boost

Looks hideous to me. They sissified the all new Hyundai Sonata. It now looks like a girlie car. I'll take the the Camry and Honda over this thing.

Epik - 12/4/2009 12:15:42 PM

+2 Boost

This is one of those cars that actually does look better in person. Like it or not, this thing is going to grab your attention on the street. More than someone in a 3 series or c class, let alone camry/accord.