THE unloved medium-car market is has been on the decline for many years, but Hyundai says it won’t give up on its Sonata and i40 players.

It sees the segment as providing an important balance for customers of fleet and private buyer choice and to prove the point, this week launched the upgraded, mid-life edition of its Sonata sedan.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer Mr JW Lee says his company must continue to turn up on the field and he wants to be in as many segments as possible, even though he is aware that medium-car segment sales are faltering.

The upgraded Sonata, distinguished by its large grille opening, narrowed headlights and restyled boot, is a better car than its predecessor but fights rivals with just as much tenacity to remain in the segment.

How Sonata will perform against the next Toyota Camry, to be imported from Japan next month, remains to be seen.