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Brian Bonitto, Special Assignment Editor

HYUNDAI dealers, Key Motors Limited, threw their hat in the ring recently to introduce themselves as serious contenders for the mid-size sedan crown. Their challenger: the 2011 Sonata.

"It is a direct competition to the Camry and Accord," said Christopher J. McFarlane, Key Motors' sales and marketing manager. "The new Sonata has all the features of the BMW 5 series, but with a lot more style and elegance."

McFarlane, who was speaking at a launch event held at New Kingston's LIME Golf Academy two Fridays ago, said he expected the redesigned Sonata to replicate its North American success.

Raising the bar

"It is sweeping the US and had a 156 per cent increase in sales last month," the Hagley Park Road-based point man told Automotives.

McFarlane said the Sonata has raised the bar on features, technology and reliability.

With its sleek design, the new-look Hyundai is bound to command second glances. The wheelbase is three inches longer than its predecessors and one inch longer, overall, than the 2006-2010 models.

Customers have the choice between a two-litre, 176-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, or a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, 198-horsepower engine.

Keyless entry; keyless start; paddle shift; remote-control trunk/hatch release; computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, and range for remaining fuel, are standard on the new sedan.

Complements

Factory alarm with immobiliser, audio system with CD player, which reads MP3, complements the new ride.

And the price range?

"$4.75 to $5.3 million and $100,000 gift certificate for Swiss Stores," said the sales and marketing manager.

The new Sonata comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000 kilometres.

"You get value for your money. Come to our dealership and give us a look ... . You'll be more than impressed," he added.

brian.bonitto@gleanerjm.com