New 2006 Entry-Level Midsize Cars More Performance Oriented yet More Refined

Photos

Cadillac features make new Buick Lucerne great value. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Cleaner styling should make Impala more appealing to retail buyers. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Testosterone induced sedan offers style, attitude and serious performance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

This is the best sedan Ford has ever made, bar none. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Updated styling and subtle improvements make for even better Accord. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

This is the car that will change peoples beliefs about Hyundai. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

New Entry-Level Midsize Models Make Giant Leaps in Build Quality

Last week we previewed the new subcompact and compact models for 2006, an impressive assortment of all-new models that will surely change peoples perceptions about small cars. This week, its all about entry-level midsize models, the sedans, wagons and minivans that families rely on for everyday transportation. Theres a lot of new models from a variety of carmakers, and each is vastly improved over the vehicle it replaces.

2006 Buick Lucerne - Best Entry-Level Premium Value?

This is Buicks best attempt at building a credible Lexus ES fighter yet, and with Euro-styling, steadily improving interior quality, loads of top-tier features, and an optional 48-valve, DOHC 4.6L V8 delivering 275-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels, it offers more bang for the buck, at $26,265 for the base CX and $35,265 for the top-line CSX, than any entry-level luxury import. A comparatively simple 197-hp, 12-valve, OHV 3.8L V6 comes standard, while a 4-speed automatic shifts gears in all models. Luxury, convenience and safety features abound, while technology from GMs Cadillac brand, such as Magnetic Ride Control, enhances desirability.

2006 Chevrolet Impala - Better and Cheaper

Chevrolets Impala gets a facelift and tummy tuck for 2006, plus a lot more muscle under the hood. Its new nose and tail sections clean up the clutter while the cars overall profile borrows cues from rival imports, plus the updated interior adds refinement. Its 3.5L V6, more powerful than base engines from most competitors at 211-hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, is dwarfed when compared to the optional 240-hp 3.9L V6 with 242 lb-ft of torque, or 5.3L V8 making 303-hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, the new Chevy drops its base sticker by $1,020, to $21,330.

2006 Dodge Charger - Homegrown Super Sedan

The old 60s and 70s Charger was Dodges answer to Fords pony car, and while the renewed 2006 model might feature four doors, its pure Mopar performance through and through. Available with a 190-hp 2.7L V6 and 4-speed auto in base SE trim, 250-hp 3.5L V6 connected to a 5-speed auto with manual mode in SXT guise, 340-hp 5.7L HEMI V8 in R/T or 350-hp version of the same engine in Daytona R/T specification (a 425-hp SRT8 version is also coming), the Charger isnt only all muscle. A refined fully-independent suspension makes for agile handling and a comfortable ride, while the cabin is put together well.

2006 Ford Fusion - Easily the Best Domestic Midsize Entry

No one knows whether the all-new Fusion will do for Ford what the Taurus did when it was introduced in the 80s, but even some of the Dearborn-based brands competitors are pulling for the car to be a sales success. And after driving it I cant see why it wont be extremely popular, especially factoring in its unique and attractive front end styling, accommodating extremely well-executed interior, and refined performance. Derived from Mazdas popular 6, the Fusion gets Mazdas 160-hp 2.3L in base trim, mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, or Fords 221-hp 3.0L V6 connecting through to a sophisticated 6-speed automatic.

2006 Honda Accord Sedan - New Rear Styling Cleans Up Appearance

The ever-popular Accord gets a mid-cycle upgrade for 2006, and in the process discards the outgoing models oddly shaped taillights. The new triangular lamps might be criticized for their lack of originality, but theyll offend fewer people and therefore help this enhanced sedan to sell even better. The front end gets subtle styling mods too, while the interior adds refinements. Under the hood, a 166-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder powers base models while a 244-hp 3.0L V6, mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, just like the base engine, makes for spirited performance. An even more powerful hybrid model reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

2006 Hyundai Sonata - Midsize Value Leader

The most credible threat to Toyotas Camry yet, Hyundai has improved the Sonata so thoroughly that only the name remains the same. The midsize model is all about refinement, with a superb ride, impressive handling, extremely smooth 4- and 6-cylinder engines, the former featuring 162-hp from 2.4 litres and the latter 235-hp from 3.3 litres, while a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic shifts the entry engine, and a velvety-smooth 5-speed unit connects to the V6. A full assortment of luxury, convenience and safety features, plus a well-executed cabin and top-tier expected reliability make this the midsize value leader.

2006 Hyundai Azera - Full-Size Flagship Gets More Competitive 

Hyundai entered the full-size sedan class in the late 90s with the XG. With its 2006 replacement, the generic designation has been dropped in favour of a European sounding name, Azera, which ironically is not what the South Korean firm is calling the model in Europe. The large car has been completely updated, with stylish sheetmetal, a clean, understated, high-quality interior, and a new 24-valve, DOHC 263-hp 3.8L V6 with 245 lb-ft of torque. While the outgoing car was shy about its origins, not showing a Hyundai stylized “H” on its grille, the new car proudly displays the logo front and centre.

2006 Kia Sedona - Getting Serious About Family Hauling

The Sedona took a shot right at the core of a domestic stronghold when it was came to market four years ago, and has done a good job of pulling minivan buyers away from the Big 3 in the ensuing years. Kia plans to make life even more miserable for its rivals with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Sedona, which is larger, more powerful, and better looking. The new model also gets power-actuated second-row side windows, a flat-folding third-row seat and optional power-operated side and rear doors, plus every safety feature currently available in the class. Now thats more like it!

2006 MazdaSpeed6 - Closing In On Your Rearview Next Year

The MazdaSpeed6, the third model to take on the Speed suffix, sports a 274-hp 2.3L turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive; the first time four driving wheels have been used by Mazda since the 323 GT Turbo from the late 80s. The Speed6, not to confuse it with pre-WWII Bentleys, should give premium European cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as premium Japanese makes from Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, a run for their money. The Mazda6 variant sports subtle exterior and interior upgrades, visually setting it apart from less extravagant trim levels.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta - Top Tier Interior Wrapped in Low Rent Styling 

Critics have given Volkswagen a tough time for the new Jettas styling, but few are knocking its enjoyable driving dynamics or much more accommodating interior. Yes, its grown in size, now only one cubic foot smaller in passenger volume than the outgoing Passat. A new 2.0L turbocharged four delivers 200-hp for impressive acceleration, and should be more reliable than the old 1.8L engine. Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic and steering-wheel mounted paddle-shift controls is available, vaulting this midsize model into entry-level premium territory, especially if fitted with optional leather. No wagon is yet available in the new body style.

2006 Volkswagen Passat - Larger, Quicker and More Refined

Volkswagen has a longer, wider and taller Passat for 2006, with greater interior roominess plus all-new styling from front to back, and on the inside. VW touts the vehicle as having class-leading technologies, high-performance engines, unexpected luxuries, and better driving dynamics than the outgoing model. Its new rounded headlamps, chrome grille surround and scalloped flanks offer more personality than the current model, but most VW fans will appreciate the upgraded 200-hp turbocharged 2.0L direct-injection I-4 more, or the 280-hp 3.2L V6, paired with 4Motion all-wheel drive. If thats not enough power for you, the optional 600-watt Dynaudio sound system should do the job.

Whats coming up…

While many automakers have come to market with all-new models for the 2006 model year, its easy to see not all are represented in these pages. So, expect updated entry-level midsize sedans, wagons and minivans from the rest for model year 2007, and beyond. For all the new 2006 models, make sure and browse through the buyers guide of this site for detailed specifications. Also, previews and road test reviews of the models mentioned above, and others within the subcompact and compact segments, are available within this publication.

Note: next week, full coverage of all the new luxury sedans and wagons. (For full coverage of all the new trucks, SUVs and crossovers, see the automotive news section of this website for Sep 19, 2005: New Models Make 2006 a Banner Year for Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers)