2011 Hyundai Sonata: 2009 L.A. Auto Show

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata introduces the South Korean manufacturer's new design language - called "Fluidic Sculpture" - to great effect, and earns our pick as Most Significant at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show for several reasons.

Most obvious is the fact that the new design theme transforms Hyundai's bread-and-butter sedan from "ambiguously styled" to "great-looking" - and, truthfully, desirable. From its coupe-like silhouette (all the rage today in more-premium sedans) to its sweeping lines and dynamic surfacing (full of both motion and emotion), the Sonata shows a level of thought and refinement of design that clearly demonstrates how far this brand has come, seemingly quite quickly.

Kudos to Design Manager Andre Hudson who has penned a production sedan that could as easily masquerade as concept car.

The launch of a stunningly attractive Sonata seems particularly timely considering how lost its two chief rivals - Camry and Accord - appear to be in terms of design. With the stratospheric sales volumes in this category, even a small shift in market share can mean big business.

Then there's the technical side of the equation, with the Sonata forgoing V6 engines in favor of a line of 4-cylinder powerplants featuring direct fuel-injection. This strategy offers improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and comparable power, which should help Hyundai retain its recently earned "Most Fuel Efficient Automaker" status.

Telling such a strong design story may be the newest Sonata's most significant achievement. It means that to Hyundai's corporate message of compelling value and economy one may now add design - vehicles with appeal not only to brains, but also to hearts.

For Hyundai, a Most Significant development.

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