2009 Hyundai Sonata Embera diesel review, road test

Almost five metres long, the Hyundai is more the large American-targeted saloon. Long of beam, with flowing lines, Audi A6-like headlights and a rear like the earlier Accord’s, the Sonata takes clues from everywhere. But the design works reasonably well.

The Sonata features independently sprung wheels, discs brakes on all four wheels and ABS as standard. The Sonata’s diesel four-valve cylinder heads and Variable Geometry Turbo put out a considerable amount of boost allowing it to make a very healthy 142bhp. The Sonata has a six-speed manual gearbox. The difference in torque, however, is substantial too.