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. DISLIKES Clutch action Front seats lack support 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 air-conditioning, power windows on all doors, cruise control, 6 speaker CD, MP3, cassette audio system, remote central locking, front foglights and leather trimmed steering wheel.
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Hyundai’s latest Sonata has stepped on a few toes in the large car segment. Externally the new V6 is almost identical to its four cylinder sibling –dual tailpipes being the only clue to the extra power. Yes, they share the same attractive Euro style body, but have decidedly different personas. DISLIKES Small front seats Light coloured trim marks easily well shaped, fine for a long trip, and the centre armrest is a welcome bonus. But anyone riding in the middle might feel short-changed by the lack of support. ERGONOMICS Functional and uncluttered, the dash layout is a model of simplicity. Large instruments face the driver, with the high set audio controls just to the left. Three rotary switches look after all of your air conditioning functions. The boot and fuel cap releases are tucked away under the driver’s armrest. Thanks to its large windscreens, front and rear vision is very good, making manoeuvring easy.
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