Up front, the driver's the one who will have to compromise. Indeed, the seats don't offer much in the way of support, and though electrically adjustable, this proves rather tricky. The button meant to lift the seat actually makes it swing forward, making the driving position hard to find. Once you're well ensconced, however, it proves relatively comfortable.

The Hyundai Sonata Limited is graced with a long list of equipment.

Another important detail is that the Hyundai Sonata Limited is graced with a long list of equipment, including dual-zone air conditioning, a premium stereo system and steering-wheel-mounted controls, remarkable features for a car in this price range.

An engine beyond reproach
In its more elaborate version, the Sonata sports a 249-hp, V6 engine, a slight improvement compared to the last generation. The result is immediately apparent: the engine responds with nary a protest, and its acceleration, linear and quiet, ensures excellent flexibility in all conditions.

One can criticize its thirst in the city, but it completely makes up for it on the highway. See for yourself: after a week of driving and several hundred kilometres, the Hyundai Sonata averaged a combined rating of 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres, rather spectacular for this type of vehicle.

It offers the same efficiency in terms of comfort and suspension. The Sonata gives us a quiet ride, absorbing both the road's imperfections and the ambient noise without ever betraying their presence. However, this predilection for comfort makes dynamic driving more hazardous, as the rather soft suspension tends to cause exaggerated rolling when cornering and literally propel the Sonata's muzzle downward when braking firmly.

Excellent value
It's true that the Hyundai Sonata doesn't take your breath away, no more than it sends a shiver of pleasure down you spine when you slip behind the wheel. Not to mention that Hyundai, in the minds of many, still has something to be forgiven for. Some old prejudices are hard to shake.

But to brush the Sonata aside would prove very poor judgment indeed. It is genuinely difficult to find a better compromise in this class, especially knowing that the Sonata's base price is well under $25,000.

Current Korean vehicles are increasingly better assembled, increasingly reliable and offer virtually unbeatable value. And the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is probably the best example of this.

Photo Credit : Marc Bouchard, Hyundai