Hyundai Sonata speaks with its “inside” voice

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The Hyundai Sonata has been updated for its 2009 model year. Not that it shows very much on the outside. Only the most ardent Hyundai-o-phile (and how many of those can there be?) that would notice the slightly deeper grille, tweaked lights and subtly revised bumpers.

However, anyone who has expressed misgivings about previous Sonata interiors will be pleasantly surprised by the new model. Lush, soft-touch plastics help form a tidier, sleeker dashboard and center console. With an all-new model two years away, Hyundai decided to blow most of its mid-life refresh budget allocation on the cabin and the driving experience, where the consumer will feel it the most.

There are revised seats, handsome blue-lit dials, the option of voice-activated satellite navigation (the first time such a feature has been made available in a Sonata), iPod connectivity, a USB socket for other MP3 players, plus plenty of leg and shoulder room front and rear (the Sonata is a fraction of an inch wider than a Toyota Camry).

It’s the clear the company has worked hard on improving things like power output, throttle response and handling (although the latter still couldn’t be described as the car’s strong suit), while also keeping an eye on emissions; the model powered by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine qualifies as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 2009 Sonata is on sale now, starting from $18,795. That price includes a decent level of standard equipment. And there’s even an available moonroof.

-- Colin Ryan

Photos: Hyundai