When Korean automaker Hyundai dives into a new market segment, the process might be long but the goal is usually achieved. That's exactly what happened in the mid-size sedan market, which Hyundai had initially ventured into with a rather ill-designed Sonata. But two years ago, the model was redesigned from the ground up. The result looked very sharp -- and still does today. The new Sonata is a clear step ahead of many competitors and proves to be a serious threat to the Japanese queens.
Predictable
Driving a Hyundai Sonata for several days in a diversified range of road and weather conditions (including snow) is the best way to assess its true merit. I came out of this road test positively impressed, as this Korean sedan is extremely predictable in terms of driving dynamics -- and that's not a bad thing. Sure, the steering lacks a bit of on-center feel and fails to deliver a significant amount of feedback from the road, but such a "buffer zone" is exactly what most mid-size sedan buyers look for in a car, namely ride comfort.
As for output, the Sonata can move forward with no hesitation, despite rather linear accelerations. The 162-hp, 4-cylinder engine teams up with a 4-speed transmission (automatic, of course) to deliver a remarkable performance.
The suspensions are a bit too soft, which is essentially felt when trying to push the car in less-than-straight lines. On long stretches of road, however, they prove their worth by soaking up bumps, potholes and other hazards on our winter-ravaged Canadian roads without overly bouncing. Passenger comfort is never compromised. Of course, the flawless interior also helps a lot.
Liveable interior
There's plenty of room and the layout is well thought-out. In GLS trim, the seats are covered in cloth, yet they do not jeopardize the quality and refinement of the interior. That said, a higher-end variant is available with a full leather package. Seat support is pretty decent at all positions, although it's clear that the emphasis was put on long-term comfort instead of short, aggressive drives. Therefore, side bolsters are more subtle.
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| The suspension is a bit soft but offers a smooth ride. |
Predictable
Driving a Hyundai Sonata for several days in a diversified range of road and weather conditions (including snow) is the best way to assess its true merit. I came out of this road test positively impressed, as this Korean sedan is extremely predictable in terms of driving dynamics -- and that's not a bad thing. Sure, the steering lacks a bit of on-center feel and fails to deliver a significant amount of feedback from the road, but such a "buffer zone" is exactly what most mid-size sedan buyers look for in a car, namely ride comfort.
As for output, the Sonata can move forward with no hesitation, despite rather linear accelerations. The 162-hp, 4-cylinder engine teams up with a 4-speed transmission (automatic, of course) to deliver a remarkable performance.
The suspensions are a bit too soft, which is essentially felt when trying to push the car in less-than-straight lines. On long stretches of road, however, they prove their worth by soaking up bumps, potholes and other hazards on our winter-ravaged Canadian roads without overly bouncing. Passenger comfort is never compromised. Of course, the flawless interior also helps a lot.
Liveable interior
There's plenty of room and the layout is well thought-out. In GLS trim, the seats are covered in cloth, yet they do not jeopardize the quality and refinement of the interior. That said, a higher-end variant is available with a full leather package. Seat support is pretty decent at all positions, although it's clear that the emphasis was put on long-term comfort instead of short, aggressive drives. Therefore, side bolsters are more subtle.
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| The dashboard is understated and very ergonomic. |