In other words, the 2011 Sonata doesn’t go unnoticed. And believe it or not, in today’s market that’s considered a good thing.

In the central span of the dash, stylized HVAC controls are shaped like a passenger. Original indeed. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)

Hyundai’s designers didn’t stop at the sheet metal, either. They took the same approach with the cabin as well. The enfolding dash seamlessly integrates into the sedan. And the use of two tones of grey, softer on the bottom, deeper on top – in the case of our tester, at least – creates an impression of space and luminosity missing from all-black, funereal cabins today.

The central span of the dash narrowly groups together the crucial commands, such as the HVAC controls in the stylized shape of a passenger, yet another original touch.

Comfortable
The Sonata GL we tried out was the entry-level model. The GLS, Limited and Limited Navigation variants are all better endowed.

Which doesn’t mean the GL is unworthy of the Sonata title. Sure, it doesn’t sport fog lights and the steel wheels camouflaged by ridiculous plastic hubcaps certainly don’t scream quality. However, the list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, remote access as well as power windows and rear-view mirrors. You’ll also find six airbags, including two side curtains, active headrests and stability and traction control systems.

What about heated seats, you say? When you choose the 6-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission (with manual mode, thank you very much) instead of the manual, also 6-speed, gearbox, they’re delivered standard. You can’t say as much for the equivalent versions of the Camry, Accord and Fusion – who don’t even offer heated seats.

What about heated seats, you say? When you choose the 6-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, they’re delivered standard. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)