In an effort to create the same instant name-recognition that Toyota has achieved with the Prius, Hyundai is reportedly considering an all-new body design for its upcoming Sonata-based hybrid.

Hyundai-Kia Motors Research and Development president Woong-Chul Yang believes that many Prius buyers choose the car not only for altruistic reasons, but also because its unique design sets them apart from other drivers as environmentally conscious consumers.

While Hyundai’s upcoming hybrid is based on the Sonata, it’s likely that the Sonata in question will be the 2010 model, which has been spied recently in testing.