Hyundai's new Sonata will cost the same as the outgoing range when it is launched at the end of this month. It will be available in three versions, with 2.0-litre 16-valve and 3.0-litre V6 engines.

Starting at £13,399 before delivery for the entry-level Gsi and rising to £17,999 for the range-topper, Hyundai says the new car offers enhanced roadholding, handling and comfort to mount a serious challenge to the volume competitors for the first time. In the middle of the range, the 2.0-litre CD gets a four speed automatic transmission as standard for £16,298 - the same price as the previous car which offered an auto gearbox as an option.

The launch coincides with a confidence-boosting sales performance by Hyundai, which broke its previous August record by 25% last month. The Korean manufacturer says fleet sales soared by 61%.