By EWAN KENNEDY
A medium-large car, the Hyundai Sonata is one of the many contenders starting to line up to replace the Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore and Toyota Camry when they disappear from the local car-making scene.
Hyundai’s use of front-wheel-drive means it’s not that much smaller than the big Holdens and Fords in the cabin and boot.
Build quality of Sonata was on the cheap ‘n’ cheerful category way back then, but has improved out of sight since its early days.
For the 2017 sales season Hyundai has concentrated on improved handling and additional equipment, but has left Sonata’s styling alone.
In the suspension department, the Sonata Active and Elite have been upgraded to 215/55R17 Continental Conti Premium Contact 5 tyres.
Both already have alloy wheels. Sonata Premium gets 235/45R18 Michelin Pilot 3 tyres.
To complement the improved handling all Sonatas now have steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The mid-level Sonata Elite gains automatic wipers, heated front seats, front parking assist system and an electronic parking brake.
Sonata Elite buyers now have the $2000 option of a panoramic glass sunroof.
The Sonata Premium has an increasingly advanced range of safety aids: lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and, best of all to our way of thinking, smart cruise control.
Hyundai Sonata has a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and comes with iCare Customer Care Program.
Prices begin at $30,590 for the 2.4-litre petrol Active and climb to $45,490 for the topline 2.0-litre turbo-petrol Sonata Premium. The mid-spec Elite turbo sells for $38,350.
