New Car Overview of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata Mid-Size Sedan

Description: Sub-Compact Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $17,895 - $22,895
Invoice Price Range: $16,511 - 20,961
Where built: South Korea, USA

The value-packed mid-size sedan from Hyundai is new for 2006 with keen sheetmetal shapes, a generous passenger compartment containing premium features and a long list of safety equipment. The safety items include electronic stability control (ESC) with a traction control system (TCS) and six air bags in the cabin including curtain-style air bags in the roof.

Sonata for 2006 shows up in three trims, beginning with the base Sonata GL and climbing to GLS and deluxe LX models, the latter rolling on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot tires.

Two Sonata powertrains line up as either a 2.4-liter aluminum four-pack with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) for 162 hp or Hyundai's new Lambda V6, a 3.3-liter CVVT V6 worth 235 hp. On the 2.4 plant a five-speed manual is standard with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic optional, while the V6 ties to a new five-speed Shiftronic automatic exclusively.

Hyundai, largest car company in South Korea, invests in North America with its new Alabama assembly plant, a technology and engineering center in Michigan, research and design studios in California plus a test track in the Mojave Desert. As a result, many of the vehicles in Hyundai's extensive lineup for 2006 skew directly toward the American market -- such as Sonata, a mid-size sedan with V6 power that comes together at the Alabama plant. Azera pops up as Hyundai's elegant new flagship sedan for the USA, and Accent, smallest car in Hyundai's fleet, rolls out in a new design with segment-leading standard safety systems aboard.