Category: Large Family 
Price Range: No data available
Sharp-suited looks, generous equipment, voluminous space, praiseworthy build quality
Jangling ride, lack of initial diesel option, soggy cornering, traditionally high deprecation
Faced with the twin drawbacks of being a petrol saloon in a class that favours diesel hatchbacks, the latest Sonata fights back with a crisp design, generous equipment and a keen price. Well built and spacious, it still can't shake off its unsophisticated US driving style.
The Sonata has been designed to eradicate Hyundai's Achilles heel - poor security. The company comes right at the bottom of the Thatcham-awarded New Vehicle Security Ratings, with most of its models achieving no better than three of the 10 stars awarded for the ability to resist theft and break-ins. So the new Sonata becomes the first Hyundai to come with deadlocks as standard, on top of an alarm and immobiliser. That should also keep the insurance ratings low.
Passive safety is a priority too. A total six airbags come as standard, as well as active headrests to help prevent whiplash in a rear-end shunt. To prevent the accidents occurring in the first place, traction control will also be standard on top of ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution.
