Korean challenger ups ante

Hyundai i45 offers value for money, but is its 'fluidic sculpture' your cup of tea? Photo / Supplied

Hyundai took a great leap forward with the Sonata, as much in terms of customer perception as in sales. So the i45 replacement has big shoes to fill - and a healthy sales target to achieve in a market still trying to regain its feet.

What's new
The body, a swooping arc flowing back from a flamboyant face. There's a 122kW/198Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine that delivers a claimed thirst of 7.6l/100km, plus a direct injection 148kW/250Nm 2.4-litre petrol with a claimed 7.9l/100km thirst, both mated to a six-speed auto.

There's a spacious cabin, a large, 523-litre boot, and frills for the Elite spec that include heated seats - front and rear - rear parking sensors, auto wipers and sport suspension.

No diesel yet - though it may arrive with next year's wagon variant. No word on whether the US-bound hybrid and turbo cars will be built in right-hand drive.

The company line
Hyundai continues to plan for world domination in changing times. It's decided that concentrating global production in once place is unwise at best, and is consolidating six plants outside Korea. Its factories are at 97 per cent capacity, as it forecasts a small rise in global sales this year - and a lift in profits.

They'll come thanks to reduced costs from an ongoing programme to simplify its line-up via platform sharing, using Volkswagen as a model.

Back in 2002, 22 Hyundai group platforms underpinned 28 models; last year, 37 models used 18 platforms. By 2013 just six platforms will be deployed to create 45 models.

Hyundai NZ's chief operating officer Tom Ruddenklau says the money saved through platform and engine sharing will allow the brand to focus on quality and a return on R&D investment.

What we say
That shift in focus has been evident for some years now, though some punters - and competitors - have still to realise that cars like the outgoing Sonata and the i30 were not flashes in the proverbial pan, but threatening salvos across the bows of established industry leaders.

This i45 replaces the Sonata in a bracket that relies heavily on business sales. Many of those sales are made to user-choosers who may be restrained by price, but still want a looker.

I'm not sold on i45's lines; Hyundai calls its design philosophy "fluidic sculpture" - a phrase as over-worked as the car's self-consciously carved face. But the flanks and tail are elegant, and the cabin's smart - input from the US, Germany and Korea managed to avoid "designed by committee" blandness.

On the road
Our launch drive included demanding back roads and quite a bit of gravel. Ride was comfortable and handling predictable - corrupted only in extreme situations by body roll. Meanwhile, the cabin proved pleasant and spacious.

Why you'll buy one
You like Hyundai's commitment to safety, with ESP, six airbags and hill-start assist for both forward gears and reverse plus the high-vis vest, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

You get a lot for the money too, whether taking the $41,990 2.0 or the 2.4 that starts at $44,490.

Why you won't
Fluidic sculpture it may be, but you're not a fan of modern art.