Singing Sonata’s praises

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has a difficult job on its hands. For the fifth generation Sonata is, in effect, a Toyota Camry. It's pleasantly designed, nicely built, and well thought-out. It goes, handles and stops efficiently. It's spacious, and though not as exciting as some in the class it's better than others.

But it won't light a fire under your tail, or have your neighbours lying awake at night, jealous of your car. Competence is an unexciting message - but one Hyundai must transmit if it is to continue to climb the sales tables.

The message certainly got across during our rain-lashed drive south down Taupo's western coast. This Sonata doesn't have the incisive handling or nimbleness of a few of its competitors. But it's less ponderous and more predictable than others.

And though the interior is hardly cutting edge, it's pleasant, and displays an attention to detail, fit and finish that puts many pricier cars to shame. Thank Hyundai chairman Chung Mong Koo for some of this. His stated aim is to win Toyota's quality crown, and he held up Sonata production for an expensive two months to correct a few quality issues.

But quality wasn't front of mind as we arced around sweeping bends and skimmed tight, water-slicked apexes. More important was that the car was nicely balanced. There's the same basic front suspension layout as before, but with a new subframe and larger bushes, while the rear's an all-new multi-link system.

Quibbles were few. The steering feels slightly vague, though it's supernaturally communicative next to the Renault Megane's. And the five-speed auto is reluctant to change down, and slower than expected to swap cogs.

But the fact we felt confident enough to cruise at the open road speed limit in such atrocious conditions spoke volumes in favour of this car.

Doubtless the knowledge that Bosch 8 ABS and traction control aids were waiting in the wings helped.

Meanwhile the 3.3-litre V6 engine's 171kW at 6000rpm and 304Nm at 3500rpm felt strong enough. Smooth, too. Like the smaller 2.4, it's a new engine with an aluminium block that cuts weight, and with continuous variable valve timing that can work on 45 per cent of cam movement to reduce emissions and improve performance.

But the 2.4 would be my pick. At 119kW at 5800rpm and 219Nm it's got less power and torque on tap, and there's only a four-speed auto or the five-speed manual. The latter is a new three-shaft type with higher torque capacity and a self-adjusting clutch.

But that four-speed auto seems quicker to pick up than the five, and the gears are nicely spread to make the most of what's on offer. You barely notice the power difference while a slightly better balance from the lighter car and almost as strong a pull off the line sweeten the deal, as does the lower price.

Price is still a strong point for this Sonata. After all, that 2.4 manual starts the bidding at $32,990. Add four grand for Elite trim, or seven for Elite and the 3.3-litre V6 engine. Not bad at all for a car this size, let alone one that comes across as well as the Sonata does.

Hyundai is keen to make the point that it's affordable, not cheap; and that's right. But the fact remains the price has been deliberately pegged to attract bums on seats. A decent car with generous spec makes a persuasive argument.

All Sonatas come equipped with ABS brakes, with electronic brake distribution and brake assist plus ESP. The Bosch 8 system is the latest generation, and among other items offers less pedal vibe when ABS activates.

All Sonatas have six airbags, steering-wheel audio controls and cruise control. They've even got a windscreen wiper de-icer, for goodness sake. The Elite spec adds 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16s, leather and power controls for the seats, a reverse parking sensor, climate control air - the list goes on.

All get the same spacious body, with plenty of rear legroom and a generous 463-litre boot.

Pay more for the V6 and its chrome muffler extensions, by all means. You will, after all, get a claimed 0-100kph time of 7.7 seconds for your money.

Either car impresses in areas that show many vehicles up. There are no shortcuts here. No plastic seams hidden inside pockets. Nice rubber mats in cubbies with pleasant open-close action. Little extensions that slide out of the sun visor. Lit, flapped vanity mirrors for both sides - even Holden's Commodore can't manage that until you start spending up large.

You can't help but feel that local Hyundai staff, while pleased to have a car that lives up to its promise, aren't quite sure what to do with it. It's uncharted territory. They've never had a credible competitor in the important medium-large segment that makes up a good 35 per cent of the market.

But they don't have much to worry about. Because with Sonata, Hyundai's got a truly mainstream car that's across-the-board competent yet also offers a good deal. 

Hyundai Sonata

Engine: 2.4-litre four, 118.5kW at 5800rpm, 219Nm at 4250rpm; or 3.3-litre V6, 171.4kW at 6000rpm, 304Nm at 3500rpm.

Transmission: Four speed auto or five speed manual (2.4); five speed auto (3.3); front wheel drive.

Brakes: Ventilated front disc and solid rear with ABS, EBD and BA.

Suspension: Independent double wishbone with anti-roll bar front; independent multi-link rear with anti roll bar.

Price: $32,990 (base manual) to $39,990 (V6 Elite).

For: Nicely built and designed. It's a Camry - and a well-priced, well-specced one at that.

Against: It's a Camry - so character-challenged. And has yet to prove long-term build quality to match the Toyota.