Three Things the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Needs

"The new Sonata will offer improved quality, better mileage, and have a milder but more sophisticated look," said Lee Sang Hyun, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities Co., in the article. "This will help Hyundai capture a broader audience and boost its sales in global markets."

Well, obviously the Sonata is going to need strong sales to be considered a success because a car manufacturer can't live on accolades alone. The Sonata needs to be Hyundai's top seller as it has been in the past to have an impact on keeping sales on pace.

That's going to come about if Hyundai succeeds in getting the message across that quality is the top of the list on the new model. Industry insiders are aware of the woes the brand has suffered and word is getting out to the buying public. Convince both groups and there's going to be a corresponding rise in sales.

Better fuel economy – again that the public can believe and achieve. Right now the four-cylinder Sonata is rated at a combined 28 mpg. That number needs to crest 33 mpg to catch the public's attention. Anything not improving the mileage by a combined 5 mpg could be met with a collective yawn.

All indications seem to point to Hyundai designing the 2015 Sonata to be more sophisticated looking. It's inspired by the 2015 Hyundai Genesis but it's not a replica of the full-size sedan. That's a good move on Hyundai's part because duplication could make the Genesis less aspirational for upscale buyers.

Of course, time will tell. Look for strong indicators on all three fronts when the new Hyundai Sonata is introduced later this month in South Korea and in the US in April at the New York Auto Show.