Hyundai's all new Sonata should be causing its opposition some sleepless nights. Consigning its predecessor's quirky aesthetics to history, the newcomer's larger, more attractive 'euro' style is just the ticket to generate some showroom traffic.
Mix typical Korean value for money with an impressive list of standard safety features, and you have a package set to tug at the purse strings of medium and family car buyers.
Value for money
Pricing
Kicking off the four cylinder range is our manual test car at $25,490. Add $2,000 for the auto version. Next is the Elite 2.4 (auto only) at $31,490. With high levels of standard equipment the only option for either car is metallic or mica paint at $225. Bear in mind the solid colours are limited to Ebony Black and Noble White.
Standard features
For the money you receive airconditioning, power windows on all doors, cruise control, 6 speaker CD, MP3, cassette audio system, remote central locking, front foglights and leather trimmed steering wheel.
Design & function
Space & practicality
There's more than enough interior space, the light grey trim adding to the roomy feel. Don't worry about finding homes for everything there is a good sized glovebox and door pockets plus a useful centre console box. Most importantly a 'curry hook' is standard fit keeping the take-away secure.
Luggage is easily accommodated in the huge boot. For longer loads the lockable 60/40 split rear seat provides added room. Unlocking the seat means reaching into the boot to flick the lock, and that is quite a stretch.
Comfort
The firm front seats feel a bit miserly compared to the car's generous interior dimensions. Lateral support is sparse, and the lumbar adjustment can be clumsy to use. Some additional width and padding wouldn't go astray. They're not uncomfortable, but could be better.
Getting the steering wheel just right can be a niggle; the height adjuster moves in definite increments which may not suit everyone. If you're travelling in the rear you certainly haven't drawn a short straw. Even with the front seats set at the limits of their travel rear leg room and foot space is excellent. Wide and tall, the cabin provides excellent rear head and shoulder room. Comfort in the centre seat is the usual compromise, but the outer seats are nicely shaped and supportive. A centre armrest is another plus.
Ergonomics
The broad expanse of dash is as simple in its layout as it is to use. While it may not have trendsetting style, its blend of function over form makes life easy. Straightforward instrumentation sits ahead of you with the centre dash sound system mounted above the air-conditioning's simple rotary switches.
Only the fuel cap and boot release might take a bit of finding, situated above the driver's door pocket. Put simply, if you don't know where everything is in five minutes, you haven't been paying attention.
Vision front and rear is very good, the large rear screen providing a good view when parking.
Safety
At the time of testing the Sonata hasn't received an ANCAP rating, but there is no denying that for the money its list of features is extensive. Standard across the range are dual front and side airbags, plus front and rear curtain airbags.
Active front head restraints and front seat belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners complete the package. Assisting primary safety are four wheel disc ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and traction control only appear on the V6 model. There's no ignoring the seatbelt warning chime, its volume nagging you to buckle up.
Build quality & finish
If a 'vox-pop' is anything to go by, Hyundai are on a winner. The car always drew favourable comment from passers-by - most convinced it was a new model from Europe.
Overall fit and finish is well executed, although the metallic paint's glossy surface was marred by some inconsistent colour. Light grey trim is almost 'de rigueur' in this category, but the Sonata has enough differing textures to keep it interesting, and the contrasting dark grey door cappings and dashcover lend some relief.
Of course pale upholstery and kids are grime magnets, so keeping the interior sparkling might take some effort.
Security
As tested by NRMA Insurance the Sonata scores 65.5/120 for security, putting it just ahead of the Mazda6, but well behind the top scoring Subaru Liberty's 93.5 result.
On the road
Fuel
On a diet of standard ULP the Sonata's 8.3l / 100km average puts it marginally ahead of rival Toyota's four cylinder Camry which returned 8.8l /100km.
Performance
Certainly no one expects a four cylinder sedan weighing close on 1500kg to scorch down the road, but the Sonata is something of a surprise. Keep the revs above 3000rpm and the all new 'Theta' powerplant has enough mid range urge to provide rapid enough progress.
It doesn't lose out in stop start traffic, and bigger hills at freeway speed won't faze it. But overtaking will require a downshift or two.
Ride
Compliant and controlled the Sonata easily smooths out most bumps. While poor surfaces will move the car around a bit at higher speeds you're generally well insulated from the worst of it.
Handling & steering
Belying its economical purchase price is the chassis' competent dynamics. Australian Sonatas are fitted with firmer European spec suspension. The wishbone front, multi-link rear design gains stiffer springs, Sachs shock absorbers and thicker sway bars. Throttle adjustable understeer is the order of the day with some initial softness from the front as you commit to a corner. Once it settles onto its springs it maintains its line, the Hankook tyres keeping a good hold on the bitumen.
Despite its larger dimensions the Sonata has a compact feel. There's enough feedback through the steering to keep you informed, but it isn't super precise, and across rutted corners you can get some steering rack shake.
Braking
Now with substantially larger brakes than its predecessor, the four wheel disc system did a good job during our emergency brake test. Especially since the surface was slick with rain. In normal day to day driving they are more than up to the job.
Smoothness & quietness
This is another area where Hyundai have done their homework. Quiet and roomy the interior makes for relaxing suburban crawling and long distance touring. Spoiling proceedings was the hair trigger clutch on our test car, making smooth starts a test of skill. Once moving everything is fine, the five speed's light shift action an advantage in city traffic.
Summary
The Sonata is solid value for money. Its stylish shape, extensive safety features, space, and road manners give it some distinct advantages. Buyers who may have resigned themselves to a small or medium size car can now consider something larger and not break the bank. Hyundai have uncorked a genie which other manufacturers would no doubt like to see back in its bottle.
