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Saloon

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

SONATA

High spec and a low price, but not a great buy

Used Hyundai Sonata Saloon 2005 - 2009

For the age of car you're getting and the amount of kit, the Sonata looks cheap. However, take care not to stump up too much for a nearly new car because the Sonata depreciates rapidly in its early life.

Servicing bills are steep - you're looking at the kind of money it takes to maintain a BMW 5 Series and a big chunk more than for a Ford Mondeo. Still, the remainder of the original five-year warranty should cover any reliability issues. If not, Hyundais tend to be cheap to fix, according to Warranty Direct.

Economy's fine, too. The 2.0 turbodiesel stretches to a wallet-friendly 46mpg. Even the 2.0 petrol is gentle on the juice at 35mpg. Both qualify for group 10 insurance, again easy enough to stomach.

The 2.4 petrol will net you group 12 insurance and an average of 33mpg, but you'll feel the pinch with the V6 model (group 15 and 28mpg).

High spec and a low price, but not a great buy

This Audi-meets-Honda-shaped Sonata was launched in 2005 with a 158bhp 2.4 petrol engine, and this is the pick of the bunch for its all-round balance of price, performance and economy.

In 2006, however, it was ditched and three new engines appeared. The cheapest of those on the used market is the 143bhp 2.0 petrol, while a 138bhp 2.0 CRTD turbodiesel gives more muscular real-world pull and good economy. The 232bhp 3.3 V6 petrol version is hot-hatch swift (0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, and a 143mph top speed) but it's far too much power for this chassis to cope with.

CDX is the only trim level - and you'll want for nothing. All models come with climate control, leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav, electronic stability, an alarm and six airbags. The V6 version also has an auto gearbox, six-disc CD changer, rear parking sensors and electric sunroof.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

The previous Sonata had bullet-proof reliability, and this version looks like being the same. So far, there are no reports of major problems to concern used buyers. That may be because any gremlins are ironed out quickly and quietly during the generous five-year manufacturer warranty. Even so, the Sonata does give the impression of being robust and long-lived, if serviced on time.

A full service history is an absolute must-have. It's vital if you want to enjoy the balance of that original warranty and you'll find it harder to resell the car without it.

Be choosy over condition, too. Ignore anything with body damage, a scruffy cabin or kerbed alloys unless the price reflects it. If the alloys are scraped or the tyre tread uneven, check for misaligned suspension. Other than that, ensure all the electrical gadgets, including the climate control, work.

It looks in a different league from the previous version of the Sonata. You wouldn't call it handsome exactly, but it's certainly strong, clean-lined and tidy.

The interior also has a more classy look than the old car's. Every model comes with leather upholstery, and the soft-touch dash covering and door cappings add to the sense of luxury. There's also just about every gadget you could expect - and a few more besides - to keep you comfortable and safe.

It isn't short of space, either, for passengers or their luggage. The boot is huge and, should you need it, the rear seat splits and folds for even more carrying space.

For all that, though, the Sonata just doesn't cut it on the road. The engines are mediocre and the dynamics are worse. Most family cars - never mind executive contenders - do it all so much better.

Used Hyundai Sonata Saloon 2005 - 2009 reliability

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Used Hyundai Sonata Saloon 2005 - 2009 review

The previous Sonata had bullet-proof reliability, and this version looks like being the same. So far, there are no reports of major problems to concern used buyers. That may be because any gremlins are ironed out quickly and quietly during the generous five-year manufacturer warranty. Even so, the Sonata does give the impression of being robust and long-lived, if serviced on time.,A full service history is an absolute must-have. It's vital if you want to enjoy the balance of that original warranty and you'll find it harder to resell the car without it.,Be choosy over condition, too. Ignore anything with body damage, a scruffy cabin or kerbed alloys unless the price reflects it. If the alloys are scraped or the tyre tread uneven, check for misaligned suspension. Other than that, ensure all the electrical gadgets, including the climate control, work.

What to look for when buying a Hyundai Sonata 2005 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Hyundai Sonata Saloon 2005 - 2009 reliability

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