The one thing that marks the Sonata out as a Korean automobile is the toothy grille. The Sonata is an impressive car which disguises its bulk very effectively by its elegance. The tasteful ten-spoke aluminium alloy wheels shod with 205/65 VR15 rubber (the Indian version will come with 195/65 R15 Bridgestones) fill up the wheel wells, endowing the car with an athletic look when viewed in profile. Even with the slightly smaller Indian tyres, HMIL claims a 175 mm ground clearance for the Sonata which is good.

The same attention to quality and finish extends to the interior. Open the door and slide into the plush driver's seat to a world of near opulence. The large dia steering wheel with the wooden rim inserts immediately grabs your attention as does the wood-framed large instrument panel with its twin clocks, fuel and temperature gauges plus various telltale lights. Move to the centre console on the dashboard and the same high quality feel continues with wood grain surrounds flanking the air vents and the switches for the climate control system plus the audio system.

The front seats provide good side and thigh support. Rear seat occupants are provided more room and better comfort. The Sonata's rigid body structure is coupled with superbly optimised independent suspension all around. At the front there is double wishbone type suspension gear with gas charged shock absorbers while a multi-link set-up is used at the rear, again with gas charged shocks. The precisely weighted steering is accurate and just quick enough keeping in mind the car's dimensions. All this - chassis, suspension and steering, plus those 15-inch tyres help endow the Sonata with an outstanding ride quality which is apparent at any speed.

And finally let's zero in on what moves the Sonata. HMIL has banked on its own designed Sirius 2.0 litre, dohc, 16-valve four-cylinder motor. This engine puts out 133bhp at 6000rpm and has a strong torque (177.6Nm at 4500rpm) spread which is the key to the long-legged performance of this luxury saloon. Helping the overall vehicle dynamics are hydraulic mounts employed to locate the engine and transmission to the chassis, making for very good NVH qualities. A five-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission offered, but an auto box could come at a later date.

The Sonata will come with a good level of equipment though it can't be called comprehensive. Dual airbags in front, ABS brakes, TCS traction control system, high end audio system with optional CD-changer, state-of-the-art air con with climate control and electrochrome mirror are some of the additional features which the prospective Sonata buyer can look forward to. A 64-litre fuel tank should give the car a good operating range.