Korean automaker Hyundai’s all-new Sonata has been named as the best midsized car by AutoPacific, a US-based future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm.

In addition, Hyundai has ranked within the top three mainstream brands in the owner satisfaction segment.

The all-new Sonata has been recognised as part of the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards for offering outstanding quality. The new model launched in Africa and the Middle East last year and has sold 25,034 units to date.

AutoPacific conducted the research as part of its 19th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. These awards are based on 66,000 survey responses from owners of new 2015 model-year cars and light trucks.

The annual survey measures owner satisfaction on 50 separate attributes. These awards identify the most satisfying vehicles on the market and are an industry benchmark that measures how satisfied owners are with their new vehicle.

Jin (James) Kim, vice president and head of Hyundai operations in Africa and Middle East said: “This is an important award for us as AutoPacific not only considers the customer’s ownership experience but their experiences with overall quality and safety too and therefore it is fully comprehensive. There was also some tough competition within the midsized car category and it is testament to the quality of the all-new Sonata combined with value, technology, design and safety.”

George Peterson, president at AutoPacific said: “Hyundai is continually improving owner satisfaction in key areas like reliability and quality, yet it is also hitting the mark with safety, braking, handling, styling and seat comfort, not to mention a very satisfying warranty programme.”

The seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture design language, stiffer body structure, enhanced ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and more convenience features, a statement said.

It features advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System.

The Sonata’s smart trunk gives owners a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, so putting items away is easier and more convenient. The owner simply needs to approach the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items inside when hands are full. - TradeArabia News Service