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By Jim FlammangCars.com
October 21, 2005
First seen at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the redesigned Sonata sedan made its U.S. debut several months later at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2006 Sonata is Hyundai's first American-made product, which will be manufactured at a new plant in Montgomery, Ala. The Sonata offers "contemporary style, class-above roominess, segment-leading safety features and outstanding value," said Robert F. Cosmai, president and chief executive office of Hyundai Motor America. He said the car has been developed with American consumers in mind. On sale in spring 2005, the sedan is larger in every dimension and offered with four-cylinder or V-6 power. The restyled Sonata's enhanced interior pushes the car from midsize to full-size status; its primary rivals, however, include such midsize sedans as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Hyundai claims the Sonata is quieter than either of those models. Sonatas come in GL, GLS and top-of-the-line LX trim levels. Exterior Larger than its predecessor and claimed by the automaker to be more contemporary, this new Sonata is 2 inches longer and 2 inches taller. The car's wheelbase is an inch longer than before. The Sonata's design cues include a concave hood dome, distinctive rear-door cut lines and strong Z-lined body-to-fascia interfaces. Jeweled projector headlights sit up front, and chrome-tipped dual exhausts are installed with the V-6 engine. Built on a 107.4-inch wheelbase, the redesigned Sonata is 188.9 inches long overall, 72 inches wide and 58 inches tall. All spot-welds are done automatically, and the car is painted with 18 robotic sprayers. Standard wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but LX sedans roll on 17-inch tires. Interior The Sonata has recessed rear head restraints and can seat up to five occupants. A 60/40-split, folding rear seat is installed. Greater distance between the driver and windshield pillar enhances the sensation of roominess, and Hyundai claims there's more space between the seat cushion and headliner for easier entry and exit. Trunk volume has increased by 16 percent, and the trunk uses a four-bar link hinge mechanism with twin assist struts. Tilt steering is standard, and the LX model includes a telescoping feature. All trims get a CD/MP3 audio system. Steering-wheel audio controls are standard in GLS and LX models. Power windows include an auto-down/auto-up driver's window. Heated leather seats are standard in the LX sedan. Trunk space totals 16.3 cubic feet. Standard GL equipment includes keyless entry with an alarm, power windows, heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning and cruise control. The GLS adds driver's seat lumbar support, a trip computer, premium doorsill plates, floormats, chrome window belt moldings, and metal-grain or woodgrain interior accents. The upscale LX features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, automatic temperature control, air filtration, an electrochromatic auto-dimming mirror, a sliding center armrest and a telescoping steering wheel. A power sunroof is optional. Under the Hood The Sonata's 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces 162 horsepower, versus 235 hp for the available 3.3-liter V-6. Standard in the LX and optional in the GLS, the V-6 has variable valve timing. Both engines get an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle rating. A five-speed-manual gearbox is standard in four-cylinder GL models, and a four-speed Shiftronic automatic with a manual-shift provision is optional. A new five-speed Shiftronic automatic couples with V-6 engines. Hyundai says a V-6-equipped Sonata can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds. Safety Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain-type airbags, active front head restraints, traction control and Electronic Stability Control are standard. Antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution. All seating positions have three-point seat belts. Driving Impressions The Sonata has long been a sensible family sedan, and it still is. The redesigned 2006 model, however, hasn't made a dramatic leap forward. The stylish Sonata is easy — even enjoyable — to drive. It is light on its feet and fairly maneuverable. When equipped with the quiet-running V-6, the four-door performs with a fair degree of energy, and it does so in a rather refined way. Though smooth on good roads, the ride gets quite bumpy on rough pavement. Visibility is great, courtesy of big mirrors and abundant glass. The gauges are ordinary but amply sized for legibility. Controls are logical and within easy reach. Front occupants enjoy good seat support. Cushioning may be a tad short for full comfort, but thigh support is excellent. There's ample headroom, legroom and elbowroom in front. Entry and exit is especially easy. The center rear seat is passable, and the outer rear spots are quite roomy, but their cushions are slightly hard. The Sonata's trunk has a low liftover height and a large opening.
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