Hyundai SonataTransform

Hyundai has released the first photos of its Sonata Transform sedan, one of the most important vehicles in the carmaker's lineup. This is its first major facelift since it was launched in 2004.

The new design is a departure from its predecessor and the styling language has shifted from what was geometrical to a more organic and softer form, with rounder bumper surfaces and softer edges at the radiator grille and around the headlamps. The lower grille area - with fog lamps pushed out as wide as possible - is more robust than the design it replaces, allowing for the car to exhibit a better stance when viewed from the front. Inside, the Sonata was completely redesigned, with improvements including a sleeker more dynamic flow in the interior form.

Though the Sonata is the bestselling and most-recognized car in the Korean market, the Sonata Transform has been charged with of reigniting the carmaker's declining US market share, which is dominated by the Japanese manufacturers. But while D1-sized family sedan sales have been steadily declining in the US, their influence is still significant.