Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata interior
2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior: Click above to enlarge
We've already seen the exterior pics of the next Hyundai Sonata, and though the mule was well disguised, it had attractive proportions. What those images didn't reveal was the new Sonata's cabin, but a new spy shot shows a nearly production-ready interior.
The first thing that caught our eye in the Sonata interior is the dual cockpit design, giving the driver and front passenger their own living quarters. There also appears to be a smattering of high quality materials, which makes sense given the highly competitive nature of the mid-size segment. Though the steering wheel is partially blocking the center stack, it appears that Hyundai is taking a page out of the Volvo playbook by using similar HVAC controls. Volvo uses the silhouette of a seated occupant in button form, making it easy to choose hot or cold air to the floor, dash, or windshield. The new Sonata steering wheel looks positively hideous in the spy photo, but we're guessing that it's unfinished and won't look this unpolished in production form.
The Hyundai Sonata may still be a way from production, but the increased amount of spy photos surfacing tells us that this Hyundai is rapidly approaching its debut. At any rate, the Sonata is looking more impressive with each pic, and the final product looks like a lock to be a vast improvement over an already decent mid-size sedan.
Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Pics
[Source: Hyundai Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tango 8:52AM (4/27/2009)
looks great, but hopefully the plastics are soft enough my fingers wouldn't be sliced off
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Gary 9:51AM (4/27/2009)
Having soft plastics in a car interior is very important to customers because automotive magazines can't stop talking about how important they are to have... because you constantly have your hands on your dashboard.
wolverinejoe80 12:24PM (4/27/2009)
another interior pics
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2010sonatainterior.jpg
Fernando 1:21PM (4/27/2009)
I really dislike the gated shifter. Why can't they get the clue, like Acura did, and just put an automatic shifter that goes straight back (with paddle shifters for the manual part)??????
wolverinejoe80 10:52PM (5/07/2009)
http://cfile203.uf.daum.net/image/19026A1E4A0222D71819A3
new interior!
Shawn 8:55AM (4/27/2009)
Well, if they're going for the look of a generic econo box interior, they got it down pretty well...
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XJ 11:01AM (4/27/2009)
My guess is that this is a base version of the interior, not to mention, some parts look camouflaged. The current Sonata interior looks better, but I can see some improvements in the lines on this one. I just don't know if it will appeal to the masses like the current one does. After all, the Sonata is their bread and butter. And it looks like they're trying to go the sporty route.
http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/news/auto_shows/2008_chicago_auto_show_auto_shows/production_debuts/2009_hyundai_sonata_auto_shows/2009_hyundai_sonata/2009_hyundai_sonata_1/1146683-1-eng-US/2009_hyundai_sonata_1_gallery_image_large.jpg
j_jones99 9:10AM (4/27/2009)
looks like every other car in its class, cheap plasticky interior
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Frank 9:27AM (4/27/2009)
Maybe we need to cover interior bits in shag carpeting fromt he 70's so you guys will stop bitching about "plasticky interiors".
guerro 2:57PM (4/27/2009)
Many people keep bitching about plastic interiors. Instead of just complaining about what they shouldn't be made of, maybe you folks could share your thoughts on what the interior SHOULD be made of. Metal? Wood? Hemp??? I think there are many valid reasons why the interiors are made of plastics. Weight reduction being one that comes to mind.
ConceptVBS 3:51PM (4/27/2009)
People think plastic is bad. You have no idea how much improvement in life plastics have contributed to society.
artso06 6:07PM (4/27/2009)
Plastics aren't bad. However why people bitch along w/ myself is because the plastics that are on many automobile dashes are the same grade plastics of your garbage can in your front yard. 35,000 dollars for a car should get you soft touch materials. Modern man materials have come a long way since even the 80's, so to still have plastic dashes like then is just distasteful. Everything doesn't have to be covered in leather, however many buyers don't WANT to feel like the companies cut corners for that extra penny (cough cough GM.....) Also, another factor is people are noticing how terrible a 10 year old car looks that has a plastic dash. Softer more flexible materials usually don't rip and hide the wear and tear better than plastics, which over time warp with heat, crack, or fall off.
Luis 9:09AM (4/27/2009)
Happy-shiny steering wheels covers!
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ConceptVBS 3:51PM (4/27/2009)
It's a pre-production model.
DJ 9:23AM (4/27/2009)
Given how far Hyundai has come in a short period of time in design, quality and performance, there are still two areas for improvement.
First, it's steering wheels. Still look like something from a 70's Datsun.
Second, the logo. It just looks cheap, dated and uninspiring. Now that Pontiac is toast, maybe a variation of their arrow?
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Rhawb 12:21PM (4/27/2009)
The first point was exactly what I came to say. I think they could very easily improve the image of their interiors simply by redesigning their steering wheels. It reminds me of those goofy steering wheels car companies were building when airbags were still a new feature.
Flamespoke 2:01PM (4/27/2009)
If you take a close look at that steering wheel. It resembles the Toyota Camry's wheel. Now do you still think it looks dated?
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/auto_shows/naias_2006/6672559/0601_naias_069+2007_toyota_camry_xle+front_interior_view.jpg
Rhawb 2:56PM (4/27/2009)
@flamespoke:
Yes, it's the el-cheapo shiny black vinyl that does it. I think the Camry has an awful steering wheel as well, but they cover it in pleasant materials. Nice materials can take a dreadful steering wheel at least up to "bad," which is right about where I'd put the Camry's steering wheel.
ConceptVBS 3:51PM (4/27/2009)
@rhawb
Its a pre-production steering wheel. Why put effort into making the steering wheel look nice when after testing the car it will go into the junkyard? ITs a waste of money.
anthonypbhs 9:24AM (4/27/2009)
Am I the only one who is tried of the deep barrel set gauges? I hope the cup holder area is a little "dressier" on the production version.
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