Hyundai isn't famed for the design flair of its cars, but much like sister brand Kia it's garnering a reputation for smart, reliable and appealing vehicles that can be bought for reasons other than strict parsimony.
The Sonata, unveiled in
LA, adds yet more credence to that reputation thanks to its
Mercedes-Benz CLS inspired styling. Hyundai calls it 'fluid sculpture' and although you're looking at the US-spec car here, the European one will look very similar indeed.
Due in 2011, the Sonata will possibly be called the i40 when it gets here, which makes sense because that will give Hyundai's model line-up some consistency, as well as separating this newcomer from its dullard forebear. The car unveiled in LA has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol under the bonnet, but because we love our diesels here, we'd expect the European car to launch with a version of the 2.2-litre 'R' diesel found in the
new Santa Fe.
Mark Nichol - 3 Dec 2009