SecondHandSense: WHEN THE Korean manufacturer, Hyundai, arrived onto the European and American markets not all that long ago, it had to create a strategy that would allow it to compete with household names and turn a profit eventually.
So, the Sonata was launched in the late 1990s to make a mark on the medium car segment where competition can be fierce and pricing keenly matched. The strategy was based on price and equipment levels - Hyundai had to match the former and go a good deal further on the latter.
Until 2005 the Sonata was not many people's first choice. Bland styling and a lack of identity did not help and, while the price was right, the technology did not impress.
Since 2005, the Sonata has improved in terms of styling, but only just. It has clean lines rather than the dull, low profile of the previous model, but it still lacks the kind of defined character and appeal of its competitors. However, equipment levels are good. Multiple airbags, air conditioning, traction control, ABS and brake force distribution are all standard.
The first petrol model of the newer 2005 line-up had a redundant 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel. Later that year, Hyundai caught up with a 2.0-litre petrol, but the engines and transmissions may not be as slick as those of competitors and tricky roads are not the Sonata's forte. The diesel, of course, is by far the more attractive option.
The Sonata has a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash-test programme and there are no major recalls in recent years.
A 2006 petrol model with 34,000km, an automatic gearbox and the above listed equipment - plus alloys and leather trim - costs €17,995. A similar car with the diesel engine and with 48,000km on the clock is on offer for €18,995.
A comparable A4 would have an asking price of about €28,000. However, the diesel offers good value and could be had for a great deal less in the current climate.
• Star rating: 5/10