Hyundai’s wider, taller and roomier Sonata is all set for introduction next year, following its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show last Thursday.

The new Sonata is 55mm longer than the current model, and its wheelbase has been extended by 30mm. Front legroom is up by 10mm, and rear legroom by 30mm. The front and rear tracks are also significantly wider, which together with a lower ride height gives the car a more aggressive stance than the current model.

A new range of engines will feature, including a newly developed 2.4 litre ‘Theta’ DOHC petrol engine, a potent ‘Lambda’ 3.3 V6, while an all new 2.0 VGT common rail turbo diesel will follow. The exact engine line up and transmissions for Australia have yet to be announced.

The new 2.4 litre unit has 161PS of power on tap at 5800rpm, while the 3.3 V6 produces 233PS at 6200rpm. The 3.3 V6 is mated to a new five speed H-matic gearbox (which allows the driver to switch between a ‘stepped’ manual or full automatic), while the diesel is being developed with a six speed manual or four speed automatic.

Safety was a priority for Hyundai engineers when designing the new Sonata, and all models will come with front, side and rear curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and three three-point seatbelts in the rear.

Now onto its fifth generation, the Sonata is Korea’s best selling car.

Hyundai expects to sell 230,000 Sonatas throughout the world in 2005.