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In a 10-model comparison of similar sedans published in Motor Trend, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol Sonata (pictured) came in second over a number of high-profile rivals, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The achievement should not be underestimated — think of Motor Trend as Wheels, Motor and Top Gear combined but without the endless Commodore/Falcon comparisons. The mid-size family sedan segment is the most keenly contested in the US.
Motor Trend cited the Sonata's interior styling (for which the car isn't noted in Australia), roominess and best fuel economy in the top five.
However, locally, the Sonata remains somewhat anonymous, with a meagre 117 sold in July. The most recent addition to the range is a diesel variant with a 2.0-litre commonrail direct-injection turbo unit that produces 110kW/305Nm.
The Sonata diesel ranges from $30,990 for the SLX manual to $36,990 for the elite auto. Hyundai has also improved the Tucson compact SUV with a new face and an equipment upgrade. The model line-up remains the same, as do two petrol engine choices — a two-litre four-cylinder (104kW/184Nm) for the two-wheel-drive City versions and the ageing 2.7-litre, V6 (129kW/241Nm) for the AWD jigger.
Stability control (incorporating traction control) is standard across the range, and a Bluetooth audio system is found in all Tucson variants. It allows wireless streaming of music from a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone or music player. The audio system has USB and auxiliary sockets for iPod, MP3 and USB inputs.
Tucson City SX is $25,490 for five-speed manual and $26,990 for four-speed automatic, and has new-design alloy wheels, dual front airbags, four speakers, front fog lamps and automatic headlights. City Elite is automatic-only at $29,990 but has full leather trim, front and rear passenger side curtain airbags, front side airbags, six speakers and power glass sunroof.
The auto only AWD SX is $31,490, but a full airbag pack is extra.
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