Rendering of New Hyundai Sonata Released

As you can tell from the image, it has beautifully sculpted headlights that seem inspired by the 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The front grilles seem similar in their design, yet the Sonata's seems more proportionate to its size (i.e. Hyundai didn't aim to force the grille across the product line like other manufacturers do).

From the side view, it looks like Hyundai is shooting for a coupe design for its four-door midsize sedan. That could mean the Sonata is targeting a high bar like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A3.

Don't dismiss that automatically because Hyundai is going to need an absolute homerun from the Sonata to restore lackluster sales. Targeting a near-luxury model while offering a much lower price could be just the push the brand needs.

Also, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, which debuts at the New York Auto Show in April, is going up against some tough competition like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and especially the Ford Fusion. It also has to be on the lookout for the 2015 Subaru Legacy that was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. That's a midsize that could totally destroy the Sonata based on looks alone.

Of course, the most important thing Hyundai needs to get right with the new Sonata is quality. The sedan has been suffering of late because of a bad reputation for mechanical problems. Bring out a stunning looking car (just like the current generation was when it first arrived) and make sure it runs right and then Hyundai should have a winner from the 2015 Sonata.

Anything less and it could take the brand years to recover for this model. Sure it has a great warranty but nobody wants to bring their cars to the shop. They just want them to run right.