Hyundai Sonata

Unveiled in June, the Sonata is the first Hyundai built with the European market firmly in its sights. And at first glance, Korea's leading car manufacturer has not disappointed.

The Sonata has received an extensive facelift in a bid to win customers on the Continent and in the UK, and the result is a big improvement on the old model, with a sculpted bonnet and twin headlamps influenced by the looks of Mercedes and Jaguar. The front grille has been restyled to create a business-like and purposeful appearance, while new com-pact tail-light clusters are positioned below a sweeping bootline. The body is now 35mm longer than the outgoing model, giving more space inside.

And despite the knockdown price, an impressive array of standard equipment will be bringing the battle to the Sonata's big-hitting rivals. All versions come with air-conditioning, electric windows and a CD player. The driver also gets an electrically adjustable seat, as well as a remote release for the boot and fuel cap. But there's more than expensive toys to impress buyers.

The V6 is genuinely quick. Offering 170bhp and 245Nm of torque, the car leaps from 0-60mph in a reasonable 9.7 seconds, and the top speed is 136mph. The rough six-cylinder engine has been improved by using a smooth Porsche-designed auto gearbox.

Spacious and well equipped for the money, the new Sonata looks certain to make a real dent in the picky European market this time around.

For Hyundai, the new Sonata is a step towards a stronger foot-hold in European and British markets. More space, high levels of standard equipment and a competitive price add up to a sensible and attractive package.

At a glance

*On sale in UK this month, priced from £14,499 to £17,499nAvailable with both 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre V6 engines

*Dramatic styling improvements