Hyundai Sonata Elite

Hyundai continues to impress with each new model it releases.. 

The quality, engineering and styling of all their vehicles is now among the best in the world. 

After winning many hearts with its new Genesis luxury model, ( on test elsewhere on this blog) Hyundai has applied the same level of sophistication and prestige to its latest mid sized Sonata.

The room inside Sonata's cabin is exceptional.. even with the driver's seat adjusted for my tall frame there's still ample space behind it to sprawl out. The front doors open at almost 90 degrees for easy access.

The leather faced seats are initially a bit firm, but after a while you appreciate the support. Night time dashboard illumination is excellent.. most dials and switches  picked out in a lovely classy electric blue.. easy to read and operate. 

Everywhere you touch is padded or soft feel material. The sound system is also exceptional.. half the maximum volume will be enough for most people.. full noise is almost enough to shatter the windows. I didn't put it up to maximum for fear of blowing an eardrum.

Standard equipment includes bluetooth,satellite navigation,cruise, multi position electronic lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat and auto everything. 

Approaching the car at night, using keyless entry,the wing mirrors swing out, and puddle and door handle lights switch on.The foot operated parking brake is a minor annoyance, (a lever or electric brake please Hyundai) but it doesn't detract from the overall level of comfort and quality in the cabin. The only other downside is pretty average headlights..they are simply not bright enough and you'll be wanting to fit some aftermarket globes,  especially if you do a lot of highway driving.

The Sonata's ride is a revelation..smooth and supple , soaking up all but the largest bumps with arrogant ease.In my view it's far superior to most of Sonata's segment rivals.
Cornering is also in another league.. Sonata is one of the best handling in its class..sitting flat and poised through the bends with little fuss..It's the equal of much more expensive rivals in this area.

There's no wind or road noise at urban speeds and on the highway just a faint whisper from the tyres. But it's the engine which impresses most.

The previously mundane 2 litre four cylinder powerplant has been transformed with a turbo, delivering astonishing acceleration and performance for a car in this class.

180 KW and 350 nm of torque will fling the car down the road with quiet, surprising urgency.
The six speed automatic transmission is  the perfect partner for transmitting Sonata's newfound performance.

Fuel economy during my week with the Sonata averaged around 9 litres per 100 kilometres.

If you're in the market for a mid sized sedan, don't just look at Camrys, Accords, Mazda 6 ,Nissan Ultimas and Mondeos....drive the Sonata and I believe you'll find a certain something that's missing in its competitors. Not the least of which is a five year unlimited kilometre warranty.
Sonata prices start at just under 30K to almost 42K for the top spec Premium model.

Peter Sellen