LARGE SONATA LOOKS GOOD, HONDA LOOKS BETTER
The new Sonata is considerably larger than the car it replaces. Now longer than the Accord too at 4.8 metres, the new Sonata is only 15mm shorter than the giant Camry. It's also taller, slightly wider and built on a longer wheelbase than the older car. There is a sea change in the looks department too, the Jaguar-like look now relegated to automotive history. Bold, strong lines mark the new design, with proportions and overall balance flawless. The Sonata's long and high bonnet bucks the low-bonnet trend set by the Accord and Camry, going for a fuller, larger snout. Audi-like in weight and detail, the headlight clusters look similar to the A6's headlight pods. The nose does not work as well however, as the Sonata lacks the heavy, substantial look the Audi grille delivers. Other interesting details include heavy ridges along the V of the bonnet, mild wheel arches and a bold line that goes all the way back from the trailing edge of the headlights. The taillights are obviously inspired by those on the Accord, but are better integrated into the pretty rear of the car. The classy two-tone rear bumper, almost flat rear windscreen and the sculpted flanks make the derived rear of the Sonata actually look better than the clumsy rear of the Honda. The wedge-shaped nose of the Accord is the more attractive, those really cool headlights responsible for more than half the car's appeal.
Both cars use a similar suspension setup on paper at least, double wishbones for the front wheels and independent multi-link type used at the rear. Anti-roll bars are used all round, ABS is present on both cars and both have driver and passenger airbags. The Accord's fit and finish is better, but the real shock is how close the new Sonata comes. The Korean is also the one with the slightly tougher build and it looks better planted on its larger 215 R16 tyres.