Hyundai will launch a facelifted version of the Sonata, early next year in the Chinese market. Like in India, the Sonata has failed to strike an accord with the Chinese customer who find the design in-appropriate and not to their taste.

 The company has put in a further investment of $50 million to improve the exterior look which even you will agree look a lot more promising now. The large front grille with horizontal slats is a lot more pleasing than the current vertical slats ‘tooth like’ grille. The all new tear drop headlamps feature nice detailing with a projector headlamp sharing the space with a normal halogen lamp. The front also feature redesigned fog lamps, a new bumper and a redesigned hood to complete the all new front fascia. Changes at the rear are restricted to a new set of tail lamps and a new rear bumper.

The insides haven’t gone unnoticed with new roof design for more headroom and new equipment like push button starter, Infinity radio unit with JBL sub-woofers, “shark” antenna and chinese language DVD navigation system.

This is Hyundai’s second ‘designed for China’ model after the Elantra, whose sale jumped by 21% after the redesign.

The new Sonata looks a lot nicer than the current car which is a bit too bland for Indian tastes and competition like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Are you listening, Hyundai!

Jump over for the gallery images.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata for Chinese Market