REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Misunderstood

While many people, including Hyundai dealers, are wondering about the future of the Sonata, the Korean firm’s engineers have been working relentlessly to develop an all-new sedan of international calibre. The new Sonata, whose allure leaves few indifferent, is the fruit of the concerted labour of designers in Korea and California, and reveals a secret that is still too well guarded.The Sonata is available in two versions, the base GL with a four- cylinder engine and the more elaborate GLX, powered by a V6. The Sonata is recognizable because of its flowing lines, slightly flared fenders and rocker panels that dip at door level.

When you get inside, you see that the passenger compartment is roomy, functional and very attractive with leather upholstery available at extra cost. Access to front seats is easy and this car can easily accommodate "six-footers" while providing them with plenty of head, leg and hip room. The driving position is almost perfect thanks to a tilt steering wheel and a computer- designed adjustable bucket seat that molds and supports very well. On the other hand, if the passenger’s seat is not as comfortable, at least headrests are height adjustable. In the rear, leg room is adequate but headroom is at a premium. Rear doors should be just a bit wider to provide easy access.

The dashboard houses indicators and gauges that are logically grouped together in a cluster, to make them easy to read, and main controls are easy to find and activate without taking your eyes off the road. Since it has no sill, the trunk is easy to load and its volume is very adequate, but it could be a bit deeper. Visibility is virtually panoramic, and the heating system is well able to handle even Siberian winters.The GL is equipped with a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horses. As for 24-valve DOHC 2.7 litre V6 that powers the GLX, it is remarkably smooth and responsive. With its 181 horses, it is very energetic and can reach high rpms. The completely new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, another Hyundai creation, behaved very confidently. Its gear ratio is fully adapted to the V6 and the combination is capable of adjusting to just about any driving style. The GLS has optional traction control that works in tandem with the car’s ABS brakes.

On the tightest corners and steepest hills, the Sonata grips the road and never lets go. The suspension’s efficiency keeps tires in full contact with the asphalt at all times, even over the biggest bumps. In short, the Sonata rides smoothly, calmly and quietly, without the slightest rattling. As for the variable assist rack and pinion steering system, it is responsive and precise, though a bit light.

To summarize: this Sonata is a pleasant surprise.

PROS
Exemplary handling
Quality assembly and finishing
Impressive styling

CONS
Average power
Lumbar support (left-side bucket seat)
Access to rear seats

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: * * * *