2006 Hyundai Sonata


 
Engines
160-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cyl.;
237-hp, 3.3-liter V-6
Transmissions
4-speed automatic with manual-shift mode;
5-speed automatic with manual-shift mode;
5-speed manual
Hidden among the North American International Auto Show's flashy, high-horsepower introductions was some real news: a redesigned Hyundai Sonata that includes a dizzying number of standard features. At the same show that rolled out Ford's long-awaited Taurus replacement — the 2006 Fusion — this Hyundai reflects just how competitive the American market has become.
The car includes a number of upscale safety features that just a few years ago appeared only in luxury vehicles: six airbags, including the side curtain type; an electronic stability system; and active head restraints in the front seats. This is in addition to standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control.
Formerly a midsize car — and still in that price class — the Sonata has grown just enough inside to become a full-size car according to the U.S. EPA scale. Its styling breaks no new ground yet manages to be more cohesive than that of many American and Japanese cars in the midsize class. Body-colored side mirrors are standard, and the door handles are either body-colored or chrome. Multielement headlight clusters give the front end a rich look.
Engines include a choice of a new 160-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 237-hp, 3.3-liter Lambda V-6. Both include such modern engine technology as variable valve timing. The base trim level, GL, comes with a five-speed-manual transmission, with a four-speed automatic as an option. The V-6 engine mates to a new five-speed automatic. Both gearboxes include manual-shift modes.
The four-wheel-independent suspension includes a double-wishbone design in the front and a five-link setup in the rear. Both are considered by many to be the best design for handling performance, and they're relatively expensive to produce as well.
Aside from the increase in size, the interior features 1-inch-higher front seats for greater comfort and improved visibility. The standard-features list continues here, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an adjustable steering column, cruise control, air conditioning, a CD stereo with MP3 capability, heated power side mirrors, and power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.
Hyundai says the interior is now considerably quieter than in the outgoing model. Optional features (some standard on higher trim levels) include leather power seats, stereo controls on the steering wheel, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof and a premium stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer.
All the standard features plus Hyundai's five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty will be priced "well below $20,000," according to Hyundai.