2006 Hyundai Sonata Review

Specifications

Hyundai Continues Its Self Reinvention

As usual, gears, wheels and show stand turntables are turning at motor shows across the world, but at the Hyundai booth in Paris this September heads were twisting around as well with the unveiling of the all-new Sonata midsize sedan. The South Korean brand has struggled to develop an image thats distinctive yet on par with its Japanese competitors since it arrived in North America in the late 1980s, and its work over the last few years is starting to pay off. Credit is being given for their affordable yet reliable vehicles, and a name is being forged in various rally and touring car racing series. Covering nearly every vehicle segment in the marketplace, bar the pickup truck category that the brand has announced it is planning on entering in the not too distant future, Hyundai continues its self reinvention with the stylish new Sonata.

Considering the extremely formal, four-eyed baroque styling of the current EF-body Sonata, the upcoming 2006 model may have people questioning their eyesight. The fifth generation thats currently on sale no doubt be forgotten thanks to the sharp, modern appearance of chiseled, transparent-lensed headlamps, and strongly defined hoodlines and grille. Like many other manufacturers, it seems that Hyundai has chosen Volkswagen as a benchmark for styling. The new Sonata is just dripping with cues from the super-luxury Phaeton at both front and in back. Slivers of chrome, to accent the front bumpers, windshield pillars and window surrounds give a substantial touch of class to the midsize sedan.

The sharply penned body of the Sonata looks smaller than the soft, gelatinous models that preceded it, but this is an optical illusion. The cars conventional if not handsome profile hides the physical gains the new generation has added, namely a 2.4 inch length increase, and a 1.2 inch wheelbase increase. Total figures show that the Sonata now measures in at 189.0 inches in length, 72.0 inches in width, 58.3 inches in height with a wheelbase of 107.5 inches. Not surprisingly, the new design is also sportier than previous models, featuring fog lamps, twin oval tailpipes, with larger wheels on lower profile tires.

No matter your take on the exterior, the vote will be unanimous that the new cars interior is a great improvement over models past. Hyundai is closing the gap on the dull interiors of mainstream Japanese-American competition by offering a tasteful and luxurious cabin. Two-toned plastics, often seen on executive vehicles well out of the Sonatas price range have been used, adding a unique feel while brightening up the cockpit. The hues are separated by mock burled wood trim, applied to the console, and on high-level models, the steering wheel and shifter knob. Perceived quality seems to have improved, but North Americans may not be so keen for lurid orange instrument lighting.

As always, the Sonata has value for the dollar on its side. While pricing has yet to be announced the specification list has, and it includes more than most midsize buyers would expect. Features such as xenon-beam headlamps, a large-format color LCD screen with DVD navigation, leather trim, park assistance, and a premium audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer will be available at extra cost, but its what comes standard that will impress. Adjustable pedals, parking sensors, curtain-style air bags and digital climate control will be part of the package, depending on jurisdiction.

With this latest redesign, the Sonata will finally receive the engine lineup that it has always deserved. Of course, to cater to those who need a large family vehicle but are on a tight budget, there will be a wide range of four-cylinders available. Originally developed for the Elantra and for the Spectra in Hyundais fellow company Kia, the starter motor will be a 143 horsepower 2.0-liter, with a second 165 horsepower 2.4-liter motor acting as an upgrade. Both feature four cylinders, sixteen valves and variable valve timing as well as all-alloy construction. Co-developed with DaimlerChrysler and its partially-owned Mitsubishi partner, its expected that these entry-level motors will help the Sonata to be more competitive against its rivals.

Previously, the Sonata was topped out by a 2.7-liter V6 which made 176 horsepower in its most performance-oriented tune. Applied to sport utilities, sports cars and even luxury sedans, the motor is fairly refined but lacks character and for that matter get-up-and-go. The new top motor, a 3.3-liter V6, is a much better effort. It produces 229 horsepower, which is not quite class-leading but nevertheless much closer to the top ranking motors than anything else the Korean marque has ever created. Hooked up to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with H-Gear manual shift mode, the 2006 Sonata should be quick enough to have Japanese and domestic vehicle owners doing a double-take in their rear-view mirrors.

In order to improve European sales, Hyundai will offer the Sonata with a turbodiesel motor for the first time. It wont be until late 2006 before the 2.2-liter common rail turbodiesel appears, but its an improvement for a market where diesel power is lucrative. As a side note, Hyundai has never offered diesel power in North America, but with increasing fuel prices, and the rebirth of diesel power thanks to Jeep in its 2005 Liberty, plus diesels offered by Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, we could very well be seeing a CRDI-badged Sonata in dealers over the course of the next few years.

Hyundais marketing feels that the time is right to introduce a second coupe into the companys lineup. The successful Tiburon is slated to have a larger sibling based off the new Sonata platform, but in the shape of last years Detroit show-stopper, the HCD8-Coupe concept. The four-seater sports car which is said to be on its way for 2007 will be slated to do battle against the American Honda Accord Coupe and the Toyota Camry Solara, both of which are gaining in popularity.

In years past the Hyundai Sonata was considered to be the vehicle of secondary choice, the sort of car to be purchased if on a tight budget, or as a last resort for needs driven buyers with the aspirations for a midsize sedan yet only the money for a compact. The sharp styling of the new model, as well as the impressive array of available powerplants should act as a major leap forward in launching the firm out of its cheap-car stigma and into the mainstream. Hyundai has been consistent in its progress - this new model was developed at a cost of $250 million; an unheard of figure for Korean vehicles and took an astonishing 46 months to develop.

The stylish new look, superior engine lineup and refined interior are expected to provide a big boost to Hyundais image, but the most important part of the new Sonata will be its price, which as always will continue to be Hyundais most aggressive weapon against its competition. Although pricing hasnt been announced, it is expected to undercut its main rivals by a hefty margin in all markets while offering more standard equipment. Look for the all new Sonata to make a mid- or late-2005 introduction on North American soil, and dont be surprised if you see a lot of them soon after it debuts. Hyundai intends on selling 300,000 units worldwide, annually.