Sonata gets over 10,000 preorders

The new version of Hyundai Motor’s midsize sedan Sonata has already been preordered more than 10,000 times ahead of its launch later this week, suggesting that the automaker’s once best-selling sedan is making a comeback.

According to Hyundai Motor on Sunday, preorders of the new version of the midsize sedan placed between March 11 and March 15 amount to 10,203, or 2,000 orders per day on average.

Preorders of the new model exceed the average monthly sales of its predecessor, at 5,487 units.

Hyundai Motor said the popularity of the eighth-generation model is largely due to the improved technologies and sporty design.

“The enhancement in high-tech features such as connectivity with smartphones, including digital keys and personalization features, as well as the sophisticated and innovative designs have attracted young customers,” said a Hyundai Motor official.

The Sonata, the first new version in five years, has enhanced connection with smartphones, including enabling drivers and three other nominated users to unlock the vehicle using their smartphones, as well as adjust seat positions and side mirrors.

Additionally, footage from the vehicle’s black box camera can be viewed on smartphones.

The company said that 48.9 percent of preorders came from individual customers, 10.9 percentage points higher than for the last generation.

Drivers in their 20s accounted for 14 percent of individual customer preorders, higher than the 5.3 percent that ordered the previous generation.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]