More details of sexy 2019 Hyundai Sonata revealed

• 2019 Hyundai Sonata revealed in Korea
• Brand new platform makes world debut
• Two petrol engines, eight-speed auto the only gearbox
• Due in Australia later in 2019

Despite the fact that many car companies are moving the focus away from the humble mid-sized sedan, Hyundai is going the opposite direction with its new Sonata mid-sizer.

More details have been previewed ahead of Hyundai’s four-door, five-seat sedan’s expected Australian launch later this year, including information about its brand new chassis, and a peek at a new potential engine for the Australian spec car.

The Sonata competes against cars like the all-conquering Toyota Camry, as well as the Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat.

We’ve covered the Sonata’s new sexy looks here, but it’s far more than just a handsome face. Hyundai has upped the ante when it comes to tech specs for the Sonata, which also marks the worldwide debut of a brand new Hyundai platform.

Unimaginatively called the 3rd Generation Platform, the Sonata’s new underpinnings (above) are stronger, lighter and roomier than the last generation of the car, with a lower centre of gravity for better handling and more high-strength steel in key areas.

The front overhang is shorter, too, while the roofline is lower and the wheelbase is longer, meaning more room for rear seat passengers and lower seating positions for all occupants.

It’ll use MacPherson struts up front for its suspension and a multi-link arrangement for the rear, and – for overseas markets at least – be able to be fitted with an all-wheel-drive layout. The suspension will also be tuned by Hyundai's local gurus to better match our roads.

Spec-wise, the Sonata will be built with two engines. The familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s used in cars like the i30 and the Tucson will be pushed into service in the Sonata, making a claimed 134kW and 234Nm.

The second engine is a new one; it’s a larger 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol that doesn’t use a turbo at all. It’s projected to make 142kW and 245Nm. Both engines will be backed by a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission.

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While the platform has the ability to run an all-wheel-drive system – it’ll no doubt form the basis of cars like the next generation Tucson SUV - we’d be surprised if an all-paw Sonata is offered in Australia.

On the safety front, the Sonata will feature a phone-operated digital key, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to open the car and pre-start it (tap-and-go payments use NFC technology). As well, a new head-up display system and vastly updated driver aid technology will, says Hyundai, allow the car to be classed as a Level Two autonomous car.

Lane-centering assist up to 145km/h, exit assist for all four doors, advanced AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, reversing collision avoidance, extended blind-spot view monitor and new digital side mirrors are all part of the Sonata’s safety kit.

Staying with the interior, the centre console will feature a 10.3-inch HD multimedia screen, while a 12.3-inch digital dash will also debut. A novel steering wheel design also features in the press images, while some of the Sonata’s controls will remain as centre console-mounted dials, rather than being hidden in the multimedia system.

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Specs and prices for Australia haven’t been announced yet, and while we’d expect AEB and adaptive cruise control to be standard, other systems may be kept for higher grades or pack upgrades.