We compare our best family cars

Due to a late release, however, Ford's BF Falcon did not make it into contention; the older BA was judged instead. Just how much does this mix things around?

Coming in fourth in the Best Car stakes, and with neither a Lumina nor Executive available for this comparison, the Commodore misses out as CARSguide rates Australia's leading family cars.

Price

The Sonata (Elite) comes in below the other two at $34,490 for the auto. The Falcon XT in auto is $35,880, the 380 in auto is $35,990.

It is here that it must be noted why the Elite (the top-spec model) is in. The Sonata's price and specification levels make it a tough competitor in this group.

Engine

All three cars feature a six-cylinder engine. The BF takes out the power stakes with 190kW, the 380 has 175kW, the Sonata 173kW. Talking torque, the Falcon again dominates with a solid 383Nm, the 380 is next with 343Nm then the Sonata with 304Nm.

But this is all mixed up when power-to- weight ratios are looked at. The Sonata and the XT end up with the same power-to-weight ratio (9.1kg per kilowatt), the 380 marginally higher at 9.5kg per kilowatt.

On the road, the Falcon is punchy throughout most of the rev range and the Sonata is also responsive. The 380 is a bit doughy when compared to the other two but has plenty of power nonetheless. The Sonata has a Euro 4 compliant engine, the other pair are Euro 3.

Transmissions

Both the 380 and the Elite scored high with five-speed automatics. The BF only has a four-speed auto. All three have the option of manual shifting. All three have smooth gear changes, the 380's probably slightly better.

Driving dynamics

On ride, handling, braking, noise and vibration, Sonata and the XT both give comfortable rides but the Sonata lost out in the handling department with light steering that gets kickback and is vague on turn-in.

The 380 and the BF both handle well, although it comes down to personal taste

in the front-wheel drive versus the rear-wheel drive debate. The XT has the quietest ride.

Fuel economy

The Sonata uses 10.1 litres of fuel every 100km, the most miserly of the trio, but it must be stressed here that less than one litre every 100km separates them.

Safety

The Sonata again gained top marks. All three get standard driver and passenger front airbags. The Sonata adds curtain airbags and a standard electronic stability program and the 380 has side airbags as standard. Both the Falcon and the Elite have a traction control system as standard fitment whereas the 380 does not. All have standard ABS brakes, the XT and 380 add electronic brakeforce distribution.

Exterior styling

The Sonata rates well here, with a more aggressive stance, bigger wheels and its dual rear tail pipes. The 380 has some nice angles on the road but the front is not its best side.

The BF is a little bland, with not much change from the once-radical BA.

The Sonata has 17-inch alloys (and also has an alloy spare), while the 380 and BF wear 16-inch steel shoes.

Interior

For comfort, space and practicality, the Elite is the only one to have a leather interior; the Falcon gets velour, the 380 cloth.

For interior looks, it's a battle between the Sonata and the BF. The 380's interior is fresh-looking but there were a few quality issues.

Vibration-deadening material has dislodged from the gap between the dash and the side of the car on both sides, leaving a sticky ugly strip. The side seat-plastic fell off and the CD player became stuck with a CD in it. All three have plenty of rear leg room.

In terms of practicality, though, the 380's lack of split-folding rear seats is a disadvantage when compared to the other two, with just a small hatch to put long objects through. The BF has split-folding rear seats but while it hasn't much of a full-size opening from the boot it is much larger than the 380's.

The Sonata's boot is the largest and the most practical. It is the only one with full split-folding rear seats (lockable) and also has a lining on the boot lid. The hinges are non-intrusive on all three.

Standard features

This is the section where the Sonata excels. All three have standard airconditioning and power mirrors. The BF misses out on standard rear power-windows ($470). The Sonata has one-touch driver's window raising as well, not just lowering.

The BF's wheel is the most comfortable, albeit a little fat. The 380's wheel is too skinny, while the Sonata's wheel makes the hands feel sweaty. But it is the only one that is reach adjustable. Sonata and BF have steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 380 also features stereo mounted controls which are located at the back of the wheel.

Sonata features in-dash six-CD, the others a single-disc player. Sonata also has rear parking sensors, fog lights and grip mats on all the cupholders.

Warranty

The 380 was tops here, with a five-year warranty, combined with 10 years' warranty on the drivetrain (up to 130,000km) and five-year roadside assistance. Hyundai offers five-year/130,000km new car warranty on the Sonata, Ford a three-year/100,000km

warranty and roadside assistance.

VERDICT:

Total scores: Sonata 74/80, XT Falcon 69/80, 380 64/80. Even though the driving dynamics suffered against the other two, with high levels of safety, comfort and good engine and transmission package, Elite tops the tree. BF also offers a good package, but lacks a five-speed box. The 380 is still well above average but suffered in standard features, lack of traction control and no split-fold rear seats.