There's a new mover and shaker in the R200 000 category and it's a babe of note. Hyundai has dumped its boring, bland Sonata and come up with a model, way way better than its predecessor.
Gone is all that chrome and the crappy interior. Banished is that rear that wasn't quite sure what it was. In its place is a streamlined - yet bigger - beautifully contoured machine that purrs on the open road, delivers performance that can't be faulted, has a swish, classy interior and a price to drop jaws.
For just R199 900, you're getting a car that easily competes with its rivals inand offers more value for money.
The beautiful leather upholstery, the digital speedo (with lekker big numbers), the 2.4-litre engine, the steering-wheel that adjusts up/down-in/out, the enormous boot the anti-lock brakes, stability control, rear parking sensors, self-locking door, air-con, trip data computer, radio/CD/MP3 player and power windows...
Naturally there's a host of inflatable stuff to cushion a crash - and (not so naturally these days) a full-sized spare wheel.
The Hyundai lads, sisters, are the same people who created the marvellous little Getz, which is selling like crazy worldwide.
This Korean manufacturer has proved its reliability and solidity over the past five years and now has a reputation as one of the leaders in car manufacturers.
The fifth-generation Sonata, also available in auto (four-speed, R209000), is perfect for those of us with families, the businesswoman who's looking for value for money as well as a performance vehicle (they've made it quieter and smoother and it can top 210km/h).
The Toyota Camry is seen as the Sonata's main rival but the Koran competes pricewise with smaller cars such as the Golf which are also less well-specced.
I loved the size of the car. Space is a must for me and there was more than enough. Because of the eight-way positioning driver's seat and the adjustable steering wheel I was able to get exactly the right driving position.
On sweeping curves, driving from the glorious wine estate Tokara in Stellenbosch back to Cape Town, it was a beaut, handling like a dream. And engine and road noise is non-existent.
There's stash space aplenty, a cubbyhole which can accommodate a medium handbag, an eyewear holder and a rear centre armrest with cupholders, which my daughter loves.
Could I park one in my garage permanently? Yes. And with the price you're given a three-year or 100 000km factory warranty and a three-year or 60 000km full maintenance plan.