Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Sport

There was once a radio commercial in which two very confused individuals cracked their heads to identify a certain car. One of them believed it was a Mercedes while the other insisted that it had to be a Jag. A third voice interrupts to end the guesswork and reveal the true identity of the car. That was how people came to know the Hyundai Sonata - a car which packed the visual selling points of desirable continental marques in a package that cost notably less than a Japanese runabout.

Oh, but how the time have changed. Like its sister company Kia, Hyundai no longer suffers from an identity crisis. It now revels in an image it has carved for itself, one that was kickstarted by launching the current-gen Sonata several years ago. As the car's cutting-edge design wowed the world, those who drove it were left a little wanting. It still felt very Hyundai behind the wheel, which was disappointing given its new, great looks.

Now, Hyundai are at it again. The 2.0 variant gets a new 'Nu' engine, the very same unit used in the smaller Elantra. Output is similar to the outgoing Theta engine but the new powerplant is lighter, making the new car less front-heavy which consequently reduces the likelihood of understeer. From the driver's seat, the new engine feels and sounds more refined too. It may not win you many drag battles but the two-litre unit does the job well as a day-to-day workhorse.

One of the Sonata's weakest areas was its steering. In its latest from, it is clear that the Hyundai engineers have tackled the issue, tweaking the electric steering to offer more feedback and sharper response round the bends.It is far from perfect, because feedback is not as sharp as required on fast and tight corners, but it is still a good try nonetheless. It is another step forward.

The Sonata shines on the inside as much as it does outside. The dashboard has been tidied up for a cleaner look and to make room for more cubbyholes. The cabin is made up of a curious mix of cheap plastics and high-grade materials but everything feels well put together in the end. Legroom is abundant especially in the rear while ride comfort is commendable. This is a car the passengers can easily doze off in on long hausls as long as the driver does not go beyond the speed limit often, which is when wind noise begins to intrude into the cabin.

Back when this Sonata line first popped up, many of us believed that Hyundai had finally found its groove. The truth was, Hyundai were merely on its way. There were still creases to iron out and gaps to fill. This updated Sonata represent a step closer - it's further proof that Hyundai can make a car that looks good and drives well too. No wonder the Japs are scurrying.