Only two years ago, Hyundai redid its midsize Sonata sedan and now is adding refinements as it seeks a foothold against established competitors like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima. The Limited is the top of three Sonata trims and this year it comes with a choice of a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder all-aluminum engine. Horsepower drops and quickness decreases from the other engine choice, a V-6 with 72 more horsepower, but Hyundai has kept the price low for a sedan with a luxurious and expensive looking interior.

Sonatas include a base GLS trim, a mid-level SE and the Limited, our test-drive, that adds standard features like heated leather upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, premium scuff plates, sliding center armrest and automatic climate control. The interior of Sonatas reflects the effort Hyundai has put into fit and finish, with curved door arm rests, tasteful touches of wood and chrome-like trim and an attractive dash with gauges set back under an overhang, making them easily read. Audio controls are easy to reach and the Limited now comes with a new Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite radio with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier. It is MP3 compliant and holds 6 CDs and the sound is clear with in-car acoustics that make listening easy and pleasurable from all seat positions. Sonata, which is Hyundai's best-selling sedan, has achieved high rankings in J.D. Powers and Associates' consumer surveys. Sonata's trunk space is exceptionally ample – 16.2 cubic feet – and with 121.7 cubic feet of interior volume and 188.9 inches in length, it is actually a "large car" by federal standards but marketed as a mid-size. Safety is Sonata's strength, with top federal crash ratings in prior years for front and side impact crashes. Sonata claims 29% more torsional stiffness than a Honda Accord and they have six airbags, traction control and four-wheel disc brakes linked to an anti-brake system aided by brake assist (for more stopping power) and brake-force distribution to adjust force front and rear, as needed, in an emergency stop. Sonata's new engine improves fuel efficiency and reduces air pollution but isn't as fast from a dead stop. The multi-link rear suspension in our test generated excessive bounce but handling was fine, with slight lean in tight turns. Outside, the Limited's sleek, curved roof, dual chrome-tipped exhaust and new aluminum bodyside moldings give it a modern profile, aided by standard 17-inch tires.

With the J.D. Powers' quality ranking and Hyundai's 10 year/100,000-mile warranty, Sonata has arrived.