Hyundai Sonata

New Sonata turns out to be a disappointment after all the promise of the Audi-like looks. Its 160bhp engine has a few rough edges which become all the more prominent with the optional four-speed automatic gearbox. The interior is a big improvement over previous Hyundais with plenty of room for five adults to travel comfortably, and manages to look upmarket in general. It is let down in a few places, though, not least by the cheap looking aftermarket audio system and blanked switches on the steering wheel where you know the audio controls should be. The Sonata offers a reasonable drive as long as you don't expect too much of its chassis.

CDX, V6, CRTD

All the important things are here, such as CD, alloys, electric windows and mirrors, leather, ESP, but why only air conditioning instead of automatic climate control? For example, the cheapest Citroen C5 is almost as roomy and is more comfortable, and has automatic climate control and that is listed at £14,995 before you take account of the cashback offer, as does the Honda Accord 2.0 SE which is only slightly more expensive to buy than the Sonata. In any case, as Citroen dealer should sell you a loaded C5 2.0i Exclusive auto for less money than the list price of the Sonata auto.

2.4 CDX