Hyundai Sonata SLX

HerCar Rating Model Reviewed Hyundai Sonata SLX CRDi 2.0 litre auto diesel $32,490* Other models priced from SLX manual petrol $27,990 HerCar 3 word summary Sensible family car

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HerCar Review

The Hyundai Sonata is a really comfortable car to sit in and drive. It has smooth acceleration, minimal outside noise, and all the goodies you want. You've got a couple of models to choose from with variants including fuel type-petrol or diesel, transmission type-man or auto and specification level. The model reviewed is an auto diesel SLX. If you want more gear, including leather seats and reverse parking sensors, go for the Elite.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

There is great visibility out of the sides and front and particularly the rear, thanks to the large rear window. The dash layout is stylish and simple with everything in easy reach and easy to see. Audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel as is cruise control. The volume buttons are a little tricky to use at first, as they are partly hidden by the steering wheel. After a week in the car, I got the hang of them.

Safety

Safety is covered very well with 6 airbags, stability control, ABS, traction control and Electronic Brake force Distribution. It has all the stuff to protect you in an accident and the stuff to help you avoid one.

Rear Passenger Comfort

There's plenty of room in the back for 3 adults with generous head and leg room. There's a centre armrest which doubles as a storage box with cup holders. There are also pockets on the backs of the seats for small toys and books.

Storage

There's plenty of storage including a large centre console box, large glove box, centre storage nook, sunglasses holder, door pockets and 4 cup holders-2 in the front and 2 in the rear. The front door pockets can also hold water bottles snugly.

The boot is huge easily swallowing up 2 large suitcases and whatever else you want to throw in.

Green Factor

It has great fuel economy, sipping 7 litres every 100 kms. Its GreenVehicleGuide rating is only 3.5 stars (out of 5) due to the fact that it is diesel, which emits more particulate matter than petrol variants.

What We Love

We love the CD player, auto headlights on, 12 volt power outlet in front and boot, air conditioning, power windows and door mirrors.

Summary

Overall the Sonata is great value for money. Whilst it's a little bland looking, the huge list of standard features and good fuel economy makes it a very sensible choice for your family car.

If you are considering this, you might also like to test drive the Holden Epica, Toyota Camry and Ford Mondeo.

Features of Model Reviewed

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Hyundai dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: December 2008