2014 New York - All-new Hyundai Sonata uncovered

If we are asked to pick one car that completely shook up and transformed the high-volume, hugely-popular and big-earning midsize marketplace globally, we would point our collective fingers towards the Hyundai Sonata. When the sixth-generation Sonata went on sale in 2010 across major global markets, it brought in oodles of style and aggression that were hardly seen in the mainstream midsize sedan segment. With its fluidic exterior styling and swoopy interior appointments, the Sonata stood out in the crowd dominated by mundane-looking sedans. Needless to say, awards and accolades poured in, sales flourished and the Sonata gave 'Brand Hyundai' a huge fillip.

Hyundai wants to cash in on that and the all-new, seventh-generation Sonata that was unveiled earlier this week at the 2014 New York International Auto Show aims to make the Sonata more sophisticated and luxurious. Employing the brand's "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" design philosophy, the new Sonata loses quite a bit of muscle and aggression that made the previous-generation model popular. The sharp cuts and creases in the sheet metal are replaced by taut and gentle lines, making the new Sonata look more sophisticated and dignified. An upright hexagonal grille, sharp headlights, sleek taillights and simple character lines define the new Sonata. Thankfully, the coupe-like roofline and the athletic profile are retained in the new model. And boy, the Sonata Turbo in that bright orange shade looks damn sexy! By the way, Hyundai calls that colour 'Urban Sunset'.

The interiors are all-new as well, quite literally. A simple, straightforward cabin with intuitive center console that's angled towards the driver marks a total contrast from the angular dashboard of the previous model. Atleast at first glance, the cabin doesn't create that big an impact visually. Two 4-cylinder engines, a 2.4-liter Theta II and a 2.0-liter turbocharged Theta II, both equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing (E-CVVT) powers the new Sonata. As with every new Hyundai model, loads of safety kit find their way into this car as well. Apart from the standard stuff, a knee airbag, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System, heated and ventilated seats, smart trunk and a host of Multimedia options makes the new Sonata a well-kitted family car.

While we aren't sure the critics and brand fanatics would be impressed by the toned-down external and internal looks of the new Sonata, we are equally sure that most of the general public out there who go and actually buy these cars are going to love this near-luxury transformation that Hyundai's most important model is embarking upon. Should Toyota and Honda be worried? Yes and no. Yes because the new Sonata will continue to sell in big numbers snatching customers away and no because the new Sonata won't make the Camry and Accord look bland like the previous generation model did.