Those are the words of Low Yuan Lung, managing director of Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), who believes that the 2020 Hyundai Sonata can make an impact in the Malaysian D-segment by reinventing the norms typically associated with the fast-shrinking sector. 

Hyundai's eighth-generation Sonata isn't your average 'uncle car' after all; not on the surface at least. And if you're smitten by its cavalier futurist's sense of fashion, the good news is you can now place a booking at any authorised dealer. HSDM is only asking for a RM888 booking fee up front, which is a relatively small sum for a car that's expected to take the fight to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat. 

What you need to know before writing that cheque is that the Malaysian-spec car will be powered by a 2.5-litre MPI engine good for 180PS and 232Nm of torque. This naturally-aspirated petrol mill from Hyundai's new 'Smartstream' family of all-aluminium engines is mated to a six-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission with four drive modes: Eco, Smart, Sport and Comfort. 

Kit-wise, the new Sonata will ride on 18-inch alloys in Malaysia, with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) fitted for good measure. The cabin is as digital as the edgy exterior suggests, with a 12.3-inch LCD display making up the instrument cluster, which is further complemented by a head-up display. The eight-inch floating infotainment unit is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other convenient features confirmed for our market include a wireless charger, memory-enabled driver seat and 'smart trunk system'. Six airbags and blind spot monitors are among the safety equipment listed. 

HSDM confirms that the 2020 Hyundai Sonata will be officially launched in Malaysia before the year ends, so expect to see it in the metal at your nearest Hyundai showroom very soon.