Hyundai livens up Sonata range

• Two new petrols, one diesel
• Performance is up, and thirst is down
• Leather and sat-nav standard on all

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Hyundai has overhauled its Sonata family car range with three new engines and more equipment.

Buyers can now choose from a 143bhp 2.0-litre CDX petrol at £16,995, a 138bhp 2.0-litre CRTD diesel from £17,995 and a 232bhp 3.3-litre V6 petrol at £19,995. The original £16,520 2.4-litre petrol has been scrapped.

The entry-level petrol is 15bhp less powerful than before, but the 0-62mph time drops by more than a second to 10.5sec. Top speed falls from 132mph to 127mph, but combined fuel economy improves by 2.1mpg to 33.2mpg.

The Volkswagen-sourced diesel brings the Sonata to 62mph in 10.7sec, to a top speed of 126mph and returns 46.3mph on the combined cycle. The auto-only V6 petrol manages the sprint in 7.8sec, tops 143mph and returns 28mpg.

Specification levels are improved across the range with all models now coming with leather upholstery, climate control, Smartnav satellite-navigation, stability control, MP3-compatible CD stereo and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Range-topping V6 models also benefit from six CD changer, electrically adjusting and heated front seats, reversing sensors and an electric sunroof.