The sixth-generation Hyundai Sonata, which began development in 2005, takes the Korean automotive giant to a new level of style, sophistication, and quality. The 2010 Sonata has been engineered to offer quality and luxury, whilst growing the perceived quality of the Hyundai brand.

Hyundai’s Director of Marketing Stanley Anderson says, “The all-new Sonata follows in the footsteps of the ix35 in driving the Hyundai brand ever more upmarket, without compromising our reputation for great value. The stunning lines of this car not only compete with, but in fact overshadow, many more established players in this segment, and once you get under the skin and start adding-up the high-tech features behind the scenes you realise that it is not just a gorgeous face either, but a comprehensive and very attractive new player in the premium sedan market.”

First seen on the Hyundai ix35 SUV, Hyundai engineers have applied the brand’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language to the Sonata to great effect. Long, light, and low, the high beltline and low roofline lend the vehicle a sleek profile, punctuated by chrome detailing highlighting the car’s shape down its entire length. The face of the vehicle is defined by the large grille together with the chrome strip beginning at the headlights and extending outwards.

The interior mirrors the fluidic exterior design language, with a flow-through centre console and instrument panel. Blue back-lighting for the instrumentation and dashboard, together with chrome highlights and gloss-black inserts give the cabin a decidedly premium ambiance. On the whole the Sonata feels well put together, but we did have a few niggles with the cabin – the roof-mounted sunglasses holder wouldn’t close once opened; the digital display on the centre console disappeared at one point after a brief period being parked with the ignition on; and finally the paddle shift levers behind the steering wheel have a cheap and nasty action to them. Fortunately however, these minor quibbles weren’t enough to taint our impressions of the Sonata’s interior being welcoming and having a luxury ambiance for the money.

On a more practical level, there is plenty of room for all passengers and the panoramic sun-roof (fitted as standard to the Executive model) serves to further enhance the feeling of space and openness. A foot-operated parking brake has made more storage areas available between the two front seats, along with 12-volt power socket and connections for iPod and personal music devices. The Sonata’s standard equipment list is comprehensive, including features such as electrically adjustable front seats with memory function (height adjustable on the driver’s seat); anti-dazzle rearview mirror; rear park assist; cruise control; tinted windows; 6-speak radio/CD/MP3-player and more. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split, which expands the 463-litres of boot space to 523-litres.

Underpinning the car’s sleek and luxurious image is fully-independent suspension at all four corners. McPherson struts in front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear ensure a competent ride that absorbs the majority of road imperfections without compromising passenger comfort or driver control. The new Sonata is also equipped with Amplitude Selective Dampers – special shock absorbers which vary in stiffness or compliance depending on road conditions. However, the Sonata is foremost an executive and family sedan, which means it’s not partial to spirited driving and protests with understeer and obvious bodyroll when pushed. Fortunately the Sonata is safe to control under such circumstances and remains predictable in its behaviour, despite having over assisted steering that offers about as much tactility as the air we breathe.

Motivating the new Sonata is Hyundai’s new Theta II engine. The second generation engine boasts straightened inlet tracts for a better spread of torque, as well as being significantly lighter than earlier-generation motors, which reduces engine inertia so that less power is consumed by internal inefficiencies. At a capacity of 2.4-litres, the Sonata engine produces 131 kW of power and 228 Nm of torque while emitting just 195 g/km of CO2 and requiring an average of 8.2 L/100km of petrol. Performance is adequate, with the benchmark 0 – 100 km/h sprint taking 9.5 seconds and top speed of 208 km/h. With peak torque available at 4 000 r/min, overtaking generally requires a downshift or two on the 6-speed automatic transmission, which yields brisk acceleration.

Apart from the less than satisfactory feel and action of the paddle shift levers, interaction with the 6-speed transmission is positive. Changes are smooth and prompt, while a sequential mode allows the driver to manually control the gearbox via the gearshift itself. Thanks to a flat torque-converter, the new transmission is 40.6 mm more compact and 12 kilograms lighter than the 5-speed gearbox it replaces. At the same time it’s also simpler and therefore more reliable, using 62 fewer parts, which should equate to better reliability.

A host of active and passive safety features are present in the new Sonata. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, provide added safety in emergency situations, while Hill Start Assist Control holds the car in position on inclines for two seconds until the powertrain takes up the load and the vehicle pulls off. A full complement of six airbags help to ensure occupant safety and the Sonata’s body makes use of ultra high-strength steel in the crash structure for the most rigid vehicle possible in the event of a collision.

At just under R300 000, the Sonata offers good value for money both in specification and styling. The new Sonata strengthens Hyundai’s image of a brand with a ‘penny-wise premium’ appeal, something more established ‘luxury sedan’ manufacturers will be only too aware of.

What we like…

• Good looks.
• Premium ambiance not expected at the price.

What we would like…

• Improved paddle shifters or none at all.
• More direct power-steering and a modicum of steering feel.