The new flagship 3.3 V6 is luxuriously appointed, and over and above the trim of the 2.0 litre models, features: a six-disc autochanger, Air Quality Control System, reversing sensors, electro-chromatic mirror, power sunroof, power-adjustable heated front seats and a windscreen-wiper de-icer system. An entirely new colour combination has also been added to the line-up for the 3.3 V6, which is available in Prestige Dark Red Mica paintwork with a beige leather and wood trim interior.

 

All three new engines boast highly competitive performance qualities.  The 2.0 litre petrol and diesel models are available with a choice of manual transmission, five-speed petrol and six-speed for the diesel, or four-speed H-matic automatic transmission for £1,000.

 

The 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC 2.0 litre petrol model has power (143 bhp) and economy (42.8 mpg Extra Urban Cycle) to compete with the equivalent engine model from Ford’s D-segment volume leader, the Mondeo.

As well as increasing Sonata’s appeal to retail customers, the new engine line-up should also make the Sonata more attractive to company car drivers and fleet managers. With 67 per cent of cars in the Sonata’s segment being sold to fleets and with fleets taking 71 per cent diesel, Hyundai expects to make greater inroads into the fleet market with the arrival of its new diesel Sonata. Already fully equipped for the most demanding business user, the 2.0 CRTD CDX Sonata will cost from as little as *£72.58 a month, or *£18.15 in tax for a business user (*22 per cent tax payer driving a 2.0 CRTD CDX manual).

 

Sonata service schedules remain the same as the rest of the range at 10,000 miles or 12 months, which ever comes soonest.

 

Meanwhile, like all the new Hyundai’s the Sonata is covered from purchase by three year’s RAC roadside assistance.