Hyundai Sonata

As well as the curvy front and tidier back end, the body is 35mm longer than previously, freeing up more interior space for passengers and luggage.

Cabin improvements are less obvious, but 'intelligent airbags' now sense the presence of front-seat passengers, while a sophisticated air-conditioning system automatically filters out exhaust fumes. It's well built, too, matching the standards of Japanese-built rivals.

The automatic transmission adapts to the driver's style and makes the most of the all-new 2.7-litre V6. Giving 170bhp and 245Nm of torque, there's plenty of power and refinement, but the overall driving experience is spoiled by a choppy ride together with excessively heavy steering, despite speed-sensitive power-assistance.

On sale from January next year, the Sonata will also be available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, five-speed manual gearbox and three trim specifications. Prices are set to be similar to those of the previous model, ranging from £13,000 up to £18,000 for the range-topping V6. The Sonata remains a spacious and well equipped saloon for the money, while better styling and build quality will improve its standing in the UK. But the likes of Ford's Mondeo or the Volkswagen Passat still make better long term propositions.

Acres of space, refinement and good equipment are all here at competitive prices. But image remains a serious problem for the Korean car industry, and Hyundai will simply have to hang on and hope with the Sonata.

At a glance

* Fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata with better styling

* 2.0-litre and 2.7 V6 engines

* Priced from £13,000

* Expected in UK next year