Hyundai's all-new Sonata saloon debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year and it has just gone on sale in the UK in a simple two-model range.

Only one engine is available for the Sonata in the UK, a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit that develops 160bhp (at 5800rpm) and has peak torque of 162lb.ft of torque at 4250rpm. Until Hyundai launch a diesel version (expected by the end of the year), sales will be restricted despite a highly competitive price tag. The manual 2.4 CDX model is just £16,495 on-the-road, with the automatic version exactly £1,000 more.

This car is actually the fifth generation of the Sonata, and Hyundai claims that the car has been redesigned from the ground up. It is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing car and Hyundai quotes the VW Passat as a rival, which is actually a little smaller in most directions. The Sonata is particularly well equipped, with 17-inch alloys, air conditioning, Electronic Stability Program, leather, six airbags and cruise control all as standard, so like for like it will undercut the Passat.

We will reserve judgement until we drive both cars, but it is very likely that the Passat will be of higher quality, where as Hyundai buyers are not concerned so much with image or status as they are value for money. Hyundai reckons that the handling will be as good as its German rival too thanks to a sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension set-up. It is likely to be biased towards comfort rather than be a sporting drive. It is expected that 80% of Sonata buyers will opt for the automatic. We would urge buyers to try the car out with this 'box before buying as we've tried the four-speeder in other applications and were not impressed. Watch out for our reviews of both the Sonata and the new Passat on the main Road Tests page.

Shane O' Donoghue - 3 May 2005