Stylish Sonata loaded with features

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is not your average automobile. As you step inside, it screams futuristic and sophistication. You can't help but marvel at the many features the manufacturers were able to fit in.

The executive-level, 2.4 litre, mid-sized car is packed with features for one's driving comfort - from Bluetooth radio to headlight washers to the sunshade packing itself away when the transmission is put in reverse, this vehicle is loaded on features.

With its new design, the Sonata's interior is sufficiently roomy to accommodate the legal three persons in the back, with a lot of space to spare. However, the hot and cold seats, while offering a little added comfort for the ride are a bit hard in comparison to the plush feel one would have come to expect.

In the event you share cars, the Sonata makes it easy for you to find your driving position as the seats adjust the way you want them at the touch of a button.

The design of the car is nice; however, the rear-view mirrors on the sides are a bit too small for the vehicle's size and just do not feel proportional. Once inside the Sonata, this is even more evident.

Being an executive-level vehicle, the Sonata's trunk has more than enough room to accommodate those golf clubs and carry-on bags for the weekend away. And if the space is impressive, then the Sonata has stepped it up even further. With a little practical ingenuity, the people at Hyundai allow you to open the trunk hands-free.

If you have the keys in your pocket, all you have to do is stand at the trunk and the car senses the key and opens, so there is no worry if your hands are filled with shopping bags.

Executive feel

The Sonata gives the feeling of an executive-style car and such is the handling. The steering is adjustable to three driving modes - eco, normal, and sport. The steering does what you want it to do, but it is not exciting. When shifted from one mode to another, it is quite hard to tell the difference as the steering does not handle differently.

It seems like you are driving a bigger unit and that is attributed to how bulky the Sonata feels. On the highway, it feels a little slow, especially when overtaking.

Still, rolling on 17-inch tyres, you get a comfortable ride. Yes, you do feel a little bump in the road but nothing so disconcerting that you feel cheated out of a smooth ride. The low cabin noise facilitates conversation.

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is a nice car, packed with cool features for modern-driving pleasure, but it is not a fun vehicle to drive. It does what you want it to for the most part but departs from expectations in some area. It is not one of those cars that will 'be all on to all man'.

It has character, a sophisticated one, and will not let you forget it.