Hyundai Sonata Review
Published: 10th September 2005
Hyundai Sonata
Overall we found the Sonata perfectly OK to drive - it is one of those cars that you just get into and drive - no fuss - no drama - it just does its job.
Ease of Use
The Hyundai Sonata is very easy to drive and visibility is excellent all round. The new Sonata is longer than the outgoing model and although visibility is good we feel that parking sensors would be helpful when parking a vehicle of this size.
The Sonata is easy to get in and out of with wide door openings and relatively low sills making it ideal for people with mobility problems.
The boot is exceptionally large with 462 litres of boot space, 64 litres more than the previous model. The boot is fitted with an emergency release handle. The 60/40 split rear seat makes it easy to carry larger or longer items when necessary and the rear seat backs are lockable giving you a secure boot. The boot is also equipped with a light, luggage hooks, 12v power socket and a full-size alloy spare wheel.
The controls are all ergonomically laid out and easy to operate. In fact the only annoying thing about the Sonata is that the indicator stalk is located on the right hand side of the steering wheel and you find yourself switching on the windscreen wipers when you want to indicate and vice versa. However, this is the case with all Korean cars and you soon get used to it.
When we first sat in the cabin we were expecting the Sonata to be equipped with Satellite Navigation as a colour TFT panel was positioned within the dashboard. On switching the ignition on we realised that this was in fact the stereo and what a terrible choice it was. We found that the only way to control the radio or autochanger was via a non-intuitive remote control. There was no way of switching the volume up or down or even switching the stereo off without using this remote control which unfortunately was not lit at night.
The projector style headlights were powerful and the Sonata also features front foglights, rear fog light and twin reversing lights.
On a practical level the Hyundai Sonata 2.4 CDX is equipped with adjustable intermittent front wipers, aerial - integral glass element, dual tone horn, electric headlight beam levelling, heated rear window, instrument panel brightness control, 12v power outlet in cabin, remote boot release, remote fuel filler flap release, trip computer, electric headlight beam levelling, cruise control, cigarette lighter & illuminated ashtray and door courtesy lights.
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