2009 Hyundai Sonata: a Camry for less...

There's no doubt about it, the designers at Hyundai did a terrific job revamping the Sonata. You won't find any eccentric lines of flashy gadgets here. The idea was simply to appeal to the most consumers possible, particularly the crowd - and it's a sizeable one - that normally goes for the Toyota Camry, the best-selling mid-size sedan on the market.

Obviously, Hyundai could not go after Camry buyers without offering a top-notch product. But when it comes to quality, Hyundai excels. Believe me, the initial quality of this Sonata is superior to that of most of its rivals, including the Mazda6, Nissan Altima and Pontiac G6. I can already hear the cynics saying, "Yeah right, as if a Hyundai could be better than a Mazda or Nissan!"  To them, I'd like to point out that since 2006, U.S. Consumer Reports have found fewer problems per 100 vehicles in Sonatas than in Camrys and Accords. You can pick your jaw up off the floor now.

Surpassing the teacher?

In short, the Sonata is a very high-quality product. In several regards you could even say the pupil has surpassed its teacher. But in addition to quality, which it has already proven it has, Hyundai had to offer a product that was well-adapted to the demands of North American drivers. Here again, the manufacturer has outdone itself. 

When they redesigned the Sonata in 2006, they were obviously aiming for a layout that would be both simple and easy on the eyes. And though the result is not exactly spectacular, it's not ugly, which means they accomplished what they were going for. At worst, you could call it bland, but anyone who'd go as far as saying that is simply not part of the Sonata's target market.

Naturally, the Sonata was inspired by its masters. The back end bears a resemblance to the 2005 Honda Accord, while the roof and side windows are reminiscent of an older version of the Camry. 

Comfort to spare

The Sonata offers a pleasant interior for anyone and everyone, with seats that are comfortable for drivers and passengers alike. The bucket seats and the bench have just enough bolstering to be cozy, but not too much so. There's also a remarkable amount of space up front and in the back. The driver, however, will have to make do with a rather high driving position even though the seat can be adjusted vertically. Some will like it, others will not.

As for the interior look, it's consistent with the exterior lines. In other words, it's sober. Fortunately, the stylists chose to combine different shades, which means some interesting colour combinations are available. Some versions have even been spruced up with simulated wood trim, which adds a little warmth to the cabin. I will admit, however, that the greenish instrumentation lighting is rather unsightly. It would be better off with bluish lighting, like in the Santa Fe and Veracruz.

Two impressive engines are offered. The 2.4-litre in-line four is both smooth and highly fuel efficient. Meanwhile, the powerful 3.3-litre V6 offers excellent performance, plenty of flexibility and, once again, a smooth ride. No, you can't get the same amount of power as in the Camry, Accord or Altima (each of which features approximately 270 horsepower), but most drivers will find the Sonata offers more power than they need anyway. So, really, it's not a handicap. 

After doing Montreal-Toronto in this sedan, I can assure you that this vehicle is synonymous with "comfort." It's sound-proofing is surprisingly good, comparable to the Camry's. The well-balanced suspension provides excellent comfort, but it's firm enough to keep the car in contact with the road. And the steering? It's more precise than what you get in a Camry, but a little less that the Accord's, which is more sporty. 

Pretty price tag

By now you'll have gathered that the Sonata has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to even its most popular competitors. And yet, did you know that it offers the same equipment for approximately $4,000 less? Not only that, but it comes with a five-year or 100,000 kilometre basic warranty - something the Japanese manufacturers don't offer (except Mitsubishi). The fact that financing and leasing rates are often ridiculously low and will speak for themselves should also be figured into the equation.

In sum, the Sonata offers plenty of convincing arguments other than its price, which is simply the frosting on the cake. So why isn't it the top-seller in its class? A lot of drivers must still think a Hyundai will make them look cheap. But what about you? Are you ready to be seen behind the wheel of a Hyundai?