HYUNDAI’S new Sonata is as much of a departure from what went before as its Euro-inspired looks suggest. Inside, it’s hard to imagine a more efficiently packaged mid-size four-door sedan. Passenger space genuinely challenges Commodores and Falcons, while the inclusion of things like side curtain airbags and active front head restraints as standard across the range adds credibility to Hyundai’s claims of a potential five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Then there are two all-new engines – a four-cylinder and a V6 - both of which exceed current emission requirements by ludicrous margins. On top of that, Hyundai has no illusions about its perceived role on the new-car market and has carefully priced its impressive newcomer to seriously challenge the likes of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.