Hyundai Sonata
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. This big saloon is well built and well equipped - but we still can't see why anybody would want one.
Review
The Sonata demonstrates how far Hyundai has come in the last few years - it's a vastly better car than the version it replaces. Yet despite acceptable design and excellent standard equipment, it's still hard to see much of a point for it in brand-obsessed Britain, especially when poor residual values are taken into account.
Design owes much to the previous generation Audi A4 among others, but overall the Sonata is a respectable enough looking machine. The cabin feels a bit more old-fashioned, with lots of cheap-feeling plastics and some fairly cheesy trim materials, but it's spacious and comfortable. Equipment levels are excellent - even the most basic 2.0 CDX gets climate control, stability control, satnav and leather trim. The boot is massive, too.
Driving dynamics come as a distinct let-down, though. The Sonata suffers from wallow-prone suspension and a frequently crashy ride, making progress over rougher road surfaces feel far from comfortable. Grip levels are modest, and keen drivers will search in vain for anything to get excited about on a "B" road.
Three engines are available. The basic 2.0 litre petrol unit is brisk enough considering the chassis's modest talents, and apart from outright speed it's hard to make any case for the range-topping 3.3 litre V6. The 2.0 CRDT diesel version is respectably rapid, but it gets loud when worked hard.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
One of Hyundai's better recent efforts - the square-cut aesthetics are handsome if unmemorable.
Handling
2 star
The driving experience is stodgy and inert - this isn't a car that you'll ever have any fun driving.
Comfort
2 star
The spacious cabin and comfortable driving position are really let down by the crashy ride and loud cruising.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
Well assembled and backed up by Hyundai's bombproof five-year warranty.
Performance
2 star
Basic 2.0 litre petrol engine sounds coarse at higher revs, but gives respectable urge. 3.3 litre V6 is fast but very thirsty - while the 2.0 litre CRDT diesel is let down by noise and harshness.
Roominess
4 star
If you're looking for serious space then the Sonata delivers. Lots of room for both front and rear seat occupants plus an enormous boot.
Running Costs
3 star
2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines give decent fuel economy and servicing is cheap - but retained values are likely to be very poor. This is the sort of car it's very hard to sell on.
Value for money
4 star
Excellent standard equipment means the Sonata certainly delivers you plenty of car for your money, but it's still a questionable medium-term investment.
