Hyundai Sonata: It's not what you think

These days, you would be forgiven for mistaking the Toyota that just whizzed past you for a Mercedes-Benz. Or that Honda tearing up the road for a BMW. It happens all the time and it is not our fault. Blame the carmakers. So worried are they about being left behind in the race for making the best cars that they seem content to copy what everyone else is doing. But if you are copying the best in the business, such as the German examples we mentioned earlier, then you are on the road to success — if you do it well, that is.

In essence, we are able to buy what looks and performs like a high class prestige car for much less money. Happy days in these financially testing times.

Hyundai, the fourth largest carmaker in the world, may soon break into the top three if it carries on the way it is going. The Korean brand has been creating elegant looking cars for quite some time now, despite a dodgy period in the mid-eighties. This upwards trend is showing no signs of abating. On the contrary, they are getting better not just in terms of looks, but driver comfort, and performance have come on in leaps and bounds too.

Their cars might not be as gorgeous as say, Astons, but then, not much is. Though compared to its dull predecessors, this sixth-generation Sonata GLS has taken a massive stride forward in terms of design. The new saloon has a smart and sophisticated look with its high belt line and Merc-like front end. The four-door has a gorgeous ‘swoosh' type line running from the back to the front and across the chrome grille. It looks fabulous from every angle. It looks more European than Korean.

"The new Sonata will raise Hyundai's brand values with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," said Euisun Chung, Hyundai's vice chairman. It looks like he was spot on.

So, what's new? Well, there's a fresh interior with contemporary styling which is certainly in line with the firm's latest offerings like the new Tucson SUV. The dashboard illuminates when it senses darkness to resemble a funky discotheque. The soothing blue lights are mesmerising and the interior is among the best in the mid-size segment. A two-tone steering wheel, which is light and responsive, is a neat touch, and the dark mahogany trim adds style to what is essentially a classy looking car.

Unfortunately, too much plastic has been used which takes the shine off the perforated beige leather seats somewhat. Little attempt has been made to dress up the centre console — a shame because the rest of the interior is very well put together indeed. It's been upgraded to a dark matte finish with accented silver trim and though it's definitely not ugly, you just know it could have been better.

The Sonata has intelligent keyless entry with start button, power-folding mirrors, HID headlights, chrome door handles, automatic AC, rear parking sensors, driver's power-adjusted seat, 18in alloys, stability control and six airbags.

At 4,820mm long, 1,835mm wide, 1,470mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,795mm, the new Sonata is bigger than the model it replaces but it's also slightly lower, so it ends up looking a lot sportier. The front-wheel-drive four-door coupé's 2.4-litre four-pot makes 178bhp and its six-speed tiptronic shifts effortlessly. It could have used a bit more torque than the 229Nm on offer but this is not the car to thrash about. It offers a refined drive and comfort is of paramount importance. However, and this must be next on Hyundai's ‘to do' list, it doesn't handle all that well.

The car tends to drift from left to right even at slow speeds and when you touch 100kph, it becomes an ordeal to keep it in a straight line.

The quiet engine begins to scream as if it's in pain when you bury the accelerator. It seems to struggle, but drop it into third with the paddle shifts on the wheel and it comes alive. It's not sportscar performance by any stretch but the 2.4-litre delivers a thrill in its silky smooth way.

The green economy light in the middle of the dash is fun to keep an eye on — it tells you when your driving is environmentally friendly — or not, as the case may be.

An ultra smooth ride quality provides another plus point, although the suspension set-up is not on the softest side. On anything but level ground, the car jigs around, so keep it on those finished roads and not works in progress. It tackles corners with aplomb and remains firmly planted.

With every revision of its line up, Hyundai is proving to be more than a worthy competitor. This car is a fine example of how to play and win in a crowded field. Toyota and Honda must surely be in a bit of a panic thanks to this new Sonata.

Specs & rating

Model Sonata GLS

Engine 2.4-litre inline four Transmission Six-speed Tiptronic

Max power 178bhp @ 6,000rpm

Max torque 229Nm @ 4,000rpm

Top speed N/A

0-100kph N/A

Price Dh89,900

Plus Good looking, comfortable ride

Minus Lacks power, tends to drift