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Total redesign puts Sonata in spotlight
(Coventry Evening Telegraph Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)HYUNDAI is setting its sights on becoming the fifth biggest car manufacturer in the world over the next few years.
The Korean company now has a diverse 10-model range, from the recently launched new Getz city car to the big off-road Terracan. There's no problem with quality. All Hyundai products are well built and by and large will run trouble free for many years.
Its smaller motors have proved increasingly popular and Hyundai sales are on the up and up. But depreciation has been an issue when it comes to bigger saloons such as the Sonata.
So Hyundai hopes the fifth generation Sonata will turn the tide in that respect.
It has had a complete redesign from the ground up with an allnew 2.4 litre petrol engine, more rigid body, additional safety features, including six airbags, and an increase in interior space.
It does look better than the previous model. I think it's a dead ringer for the Audi A6.
Looks aside the latest Sonata is a better bet than the old model.
Much more thought has gone into its interior layout and the materials used are of higher quality.
There's also more room inside with ample space for five adults plus good boot space which has increased by 64 litres to 462 litres over the old model.
Instruments are simple and easy to understand and reach.
Good all-round vision is made possible by fully adjustable driver's seat and the turning circle is good, making parking no problem.
Leather trim is standard on the Sonata but this can mean a bit of sliding around when cornering. I found the seats none too supportive when cornering. The Sonata still tends to wallow on fast, tight bends. On the open road and on motorways the Sonata rides well with very little road or engine noise but around town the ride is a bit harsher and over rougher surfaces not so good.
I drove the manual version of the Sonata and was pretty impressed with the new engine.
It's quick off the mark with a 0- 62mph sprint time of under nine seconds and it has a claimed top speed of 132mph. The five-speed gearbox is smooth but has a lot of travel.
Hyundai claims the 2.4-litre, 160bhp all-aluminium four-cylinder engine will return around 33mpg on a combined run.
Safety and security features include driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard plus electronic stability control, deadlocks, remote central locking, active front head restraints, antilock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Other goodies include CD radio and MP3 disc player, trip computer, height and reach adjustable steering wheel.
The Sonata comes with a generous five-year unlimited mileage warranty which is transferable from owner to owner.
ROAD TEST
Hyundai Sonata
2.4 CDX
FAST FACTS
MODEL: Hyundai Sonata 2.4 CDX 4dr
PRICE: pounds 16,495
MECHANICAL: 160bhp, 2,359cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
MAXIMUM SPEED: 132mph 0-62mph: 8.8 secs
COMBINED MPG: 33.2
INSURANCE GROUP: 12
CO2 EMISSIONS: 198g/km
BIK RATING: 26%
WARRANTY: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage' 6yrs paint' 6yrs anti-rust
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