Hyundai Sonata : CONTRASTING MELODIES

Fancy something a little bit different? Hannah Rainford looks at the Hyundai Sonata.

Hyundai doesnt exactly top my list of desirable manufacturers. You can call me a brand snob if you want, but there are several other marques that I would initially consider before Hyundai. After several minutes of deep thought, I started to question my own judgement. For the astrological of you, I was born under the star sign Aquarius, which gives me a passion for everything a bit different.

Therefore, in true Aquarian style, I should be looking at manufacturers like Hyundai. Korean manufacturers have struggled to have their models accepted in the UK market. However, brands such as Kia are starting to make an impact and hopefully the others will follow suit. I like my cars to be quirky and to stand out from the crowd and because of this, the Sonata would not be my model of choice.

To me, it looks like your run of the mill budget saloon car. I couldnt tell you how many Sonatas I have seen on the roads because they arent instantly recognisable.

My first peek at the car made me think twice. I sat in the back of the Sonata and had lots of space milling around my legs. The rear would comfortably seat three, unless you want the luxury of having an armrest with pop out cup holders. The Sonata would be great for long journeys with the kids; there are seat pockets to put magazines and comics in, but unfortunately no side door pockets.

I found lots of cubby-hole space in the front of the Sonata. The overhead console provides storage for your sunglasses and there are several other spaces located mainly in the centre console. These are perfect for loose parking change, some chewing gum and your favourite lip balm. If you need a lot of luggage space, then you will love the Sonata.

The boot is quite long and deep and you could probably fit at least four suitcases in the back with plenty of space on the top. I did have some difficulty gracefully reaching the back of the boot. I found I had to either climb inside or sit with my back to the car and stretch - and Im average height! My main concern with the car was that it didnt fit in my driveway. I became one of those drivers who leave the back of their car spilling out of the pavement, becoming the bain of many pedestrians lives.

Even when very close to the brick wall at the front of the car, the Sonata still encroached on the footpath. So if you are thinking of buying one, make sure it fits in the space where you plan to keep it.

The UK engine line up is built around one trim level (CDX) and the 2.4-litre petrol engine, offered with either manual or automatic transmission. Hyundais 3.3-litre unit will not be coming over to the UK but we will be seeing a 2.

0-litre VGT common rail diesel unit, teamed with either a six-speed manual or a four speed automatic. The Sonata was lovely to drive, maybe a little bit harsh on the brakes and on the acceleration at first, but that soon fades as you get used to the car. The model I drove had the additional satellite navigation system installed, which costs a mere £695. I found this very confusing, as it is operated either by a small remote control, which could be located to the left of the steering wheel or there are controls on the wheel itself.

The great thing about the Sonata is that you do get an awful lot of car for your money. I could hardly believe the £17,022 starting price. The only downside is that, unless its a Hyundai that you really want, a Mercedes A-Class or an entry level BMW will look much better parked in the driveway. The Sonatas success over in this country will depend on how much the model depreciates by.

Hyundai will claim that the Sonata is purchased by more mature customers who keep the car for a long spell, therefore offsetting the steepest section of the depreciation curve, but in order to gain valuable conquest sales, the Sonata really needs to be eating into other markets and that means the corporate sector. Gimlet-eyed fleet managers wont want a car that loses money hand over fist. Although many would finger the Sonata as a depreciation disaster, the original actually fared a lot better than many realised. After three years, the old Sonata V6 retained around 36% of its value compared to 31% for a Vauxhall Vectra V6 GSi.

Even a Volkswagen Passat fared only slightly better, given that you would have paid far less upfront for the Hyundai, it would have worked out a far better buy on a pence per mile basis.

I could live with one, but I think that I would get a bit bored after a while. There is nothing exciting about the Sonata; it appears just to be another run of the mill medium-range car. If you are looking for a well-equipped motor on a budget, then this could be the car for you. The price you pay for the Sonata includes many features as standard that you would be charged extra for on many of its rivals.

Overall, it certainly represents plenty of metal for the money.