Preview: 2006 Hyundai Sonata

If there were any doubts about Hyundai getting serious and more competitive in the market, the 2006 Sonata lays those misgivings to rest. Hyundai has stated it will deliver a total of seven new vehicles to market in a 24-month period. The Sonata is the second production vehicle, following on the heels of the all-new 2005 Tucson compact sport-utility vehicle and the flagship Azera, which debuted in concept form at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

Probably the most important model among this fresh crop of vehicles from Hyundai, the Sonata hopes to stake a bigger claim in the popular midsize sedan segment, challenging the likes of Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

New Style Not Just Skin Deep
Hyundai refers to the 2006 Sonata as "A Hyundai like you've never seen before," and that was our first impression when the car debuted in January at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. By far the best looking version of this midsize sedan to date, the 2006 Sonata is designed specifically for the American market, competing in a segment defined by Accord and Camry.

The exterior of the 2006 Sonata gives a straightforward first impression about what the car offers: a clean, contemporary style less distinctive than the previous Sonata and more like its competitors. Noteworthy design elements include a concave hood dome, clear lens headlights, a short rear decklid, and thin roof pillars by today's standards.

The interior continues this clean, modern design with excellent ergonomics and best-in-class room. Although Sonata competes in the entry-midsize sedan segment, the 2006 version offers 121.7 cubic feet of total interior volume, which places it in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "large car" category.

Benefitting from intelligent design and smart thinking, interior components are situated in a logical fashion, and the straightforward controls can be operated without resorting to the owner's manual. A complement to the aesthetic design, the efficient use of space provides a number of handy storage options, including a small padded tray at the front of the center console; a covered, padded storage area in the center stack; two cupholders in the console; covered storage at the rear of the console; and storage pockets in both front doors.

Despite the short rear decklid, trunk volume in the 2006 Sonata is 16 percent greater than the model it replaces, with a total of 16.3 cubic feet of available space. Specially designed four-bar hinges improve trunk access and should not damage contents when the lid closes.

"Everyone at Hyundai is excited about this new 2006 Sonata," said Robert F. Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "It is the embodiment of our new brand strategy—Drive Your Way—and we feel that the Sonata will be a brand-altering product for Hyundai—after drivers experience this car, they will realize that it truly delivers class-leading safety equipment, interior spaciousness and standard amenities."

Two New Engines, Standard Safety Equipment
The 2006 offers two standard engines, beginning with the 2.4-liter Theta DOHC inline 4-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, which is standard on the GL and GLS trim levels. A five-speed manual is standard with the GL and a four-speed Shiftronic automatic is optional for the GL and standard on the GLS.

The Sonata GLS V6 and LX are powered by an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 235 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. The engine has an aluminum block, aluminum cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), and Variable Intake System (VIS). Hydraulic motor mounts make the driving experience both smoother and quieter, and a five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission is standard with the 3.3-liter V6 engine.

Hyundai continues its commitment to safety with six airbags and Electronic Stability Control standard on all trim levels of the 2006 Sonata. Hyundai introduced the 2005 Tucson with six standard airbags and ESC, and has stated that all future Hyundai products will include this level of standard safety equipment. The six airbags for Sonata include advanced dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side-curtain airbags.

In addition to ESC, which is a proprietary system developed by Hyundai and Bosch, the 2006 Sonata also includes standard traction control, anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints, and shingle-style rear head restraints for improved rearward visibility.

Driving Is Believing
Impressed by the new design and promised standard equipment of the 2006 Sonata when it was unveiled in Detroit, our first opportunity to drive the new Sonata did nothing to dash expectations and in fact confirmed that Hyundai means business. We drove both the GLS V6 and the LX, finding the V6-equipped versions pleasant to drive, if not outright enjoyable.

Hyundai says the suspension of the 2006 Sonata is tuned toward being agile and responsive, as opposed to the outgoing Sonata which is geared toward ride comfort and a softer feel. The new Sonata is a bit softer than what spirited drivers might prefer; but this is not a sports car, so the new suspension tuning is fine for the intended market and offers a good level of responsiveness.

At freeway cruising speeds there is a little float over rises in the road, but the level of control and responsiveness on twisty two-lane roads is very good, delivering a comfortable ride. Driving the LX with the 17-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot tires (which are also available on the GLS V6), the steering feels more responsive and turn-in was crisper than with the standard 16-inch Michelin MXV Energy tires.

The 2006 Sonata is very quiet at freeway speeds and emits only a little detectable wind noise. At idle the V6 is so quiet and isolated that it's difficult to hear or feel the engine running, and once required a glance at the tachometer to confirm it was in fact already running.

2006 Hyundai Sonata Deserves a Look
The 2006 Sonata also delivers on its promise to provide an excellent level of standard equipment at a competitive price. The GL trim starts at $17,895 with a 5-speed manual transmission, or $18,795 with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. In addition to the standard safety equipment described above, the GL includes 4-wheel disc brakes; air conditioning; a tilt steering column; keyless entry with alarm; power windows and door locks; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; cruise control; 16-inch wheels; and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system.

The GLS is priced at $19,395 with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission; 16-inch alloy wheels; steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; driver's seat lumbar support; automatic light control; a trip computer; premium door sill plates; floor mats; and fog lights. Other details include a chrome window molding and metal-grain interior trim (gray interior), or a woodgrain interior trim (beige interior). Options include a power sunroof, and a Premium Package that includes a sunroof, a power driver's seat, an electrochromatic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink, and a compass.

The GLS V6 adds the 3.3-liter V6 with a 5-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission for $20,895. Options include a power sunroof and a Premium-Sport Package that includes a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot tires, a power driver's seat, an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink, and a compass.

The top-of-the-line LX is priced at $22,895 with leather seating surfaces; heated front seats; a power driver's seat; 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot tires; automatic temperature control; an automatic air quality system; an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink; a compass; a sliding center armrest; telescoping steering wheel adjustment; and chrome-accented door handles. Options include a power sunroof and a CD changer with a subwoofer and an amplifier.

Hyundai expects 35 percent of Sonata sales to be the GLS V6 trim and 25 percent LX, with GL and GLS accounting for 20 percent each. The prices listed above do not include a $600 destination charge.

Depending on the trim level and equipment, the 2006 Sonata offers a very competitive price advantage when compared with equivalent equipment levels to both Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the acknowledged category leaders.

With quality improvements over the past few years, Hyundai has earned the right to be considered a legitimate contender in the marketplace, and the redesigned 2006 Sonata comes out swinging in the midsize sedan segment.

In the market for a new car? MSN Autos is pleased to provide you with information and services designed to save you time, money and hassle. Click to research prices and specifications on any new car on the market or click to get a free price quote through MSN Autos' New-Car Buying Service.