Hyundai Motor Co.’s brand-new Sonata sedan has received a modest bump in price over the outgoing model that reflects various updates in handling and safety, the carmaker said Wednesday.

The price for the base 2.0-liter-engine Sonata LF with a continuously variable valve lift has been set at 22.7 million won ($21,000), a gain of 600,000 won from the current sixth-generation Sonata YF that has been in production since 2009.

It said for the highest trim level, the new car’s price goes up to 28.8 million won compared to 27.9 million won set for the top-tier standard-trim Sonata sold at present.

“The gain in price reflects significant upgrades in technology and safety features that have been incorporated into the new car,” a Hyundai official said. 

Besides a completely revamped exterior that highlights Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, the seventh generation Sonata has upgraded suspensions, improved braking and a host of other safety features. (Yonhap)