Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata may not be a new offering, but completely redesigned for 2012, it is more refined, better equipped and more freshly styled than the model it replaces. From a design standpoint, Hyundai has rolled in a healthy dose of its "fluidic sculpture" design, which makes it an inflated Verna in profile. However, the massive chrome grill flanking the cat’s-eye HID headlamps, complemented with two aggressive lines running on the bonnet, puts the Sonata head and shoulders above the contenders. The sophisticated fluidic design character is reflected on the two-tone beige-and-black interior, too. This, combined with Hyundai’s proficiency in interior packaging, has created an interior ambience that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. Under that long, curvy bonnet is a 2.4-litre GDi petrol engine capable of developing 201bhp at 6300rpm. Hyundai offers just two variants of the new Sonata – a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. In the automatic version, the motor doesn’t always respond instantly to your foot, especially while overtaking. Yet, it is equipped with paddle-shifters that help you stay in the preferred gear. Although it feels like the suspension is tuned towards comfort than handling, the new Sonata proved entertaining and agile on twisty roads, especially when compared to the earlier model. Overall, Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be, thanks to its spacious cabin, relaxed seating, solid build quality and quiet highway ride.