Y3 Sonata

The second generation Sonata was Hyundai’s big gamble to secure the huge American Camry market.

Its pleasant styling, spacious cabin and much-improved handling, ride and refinement levels (thanks to an advanced multi link rear suspension set up) certainly brought the model back into contention.

Hyundai reintroduced a four-cylinder engine (a new 102kW 2.0L twin-cam 16-valve unit) as the range mainstay, along with a modestly revised, auto-only, 107kW 3.0L V6.

A driver’s side airbag, four-wheel disc brakes, electric windows and central locking were standard on all models, which were now called GLE 2.0, GLS V6 and new luxury Levant V6.

The latter added a sunroof, leather upholstery and cruise control.