Hyundai upgrades Sonata for 2006

The Sonata is one of the most pleasant and well-equipped vehicles to join the Class of 2006. Made by Korean automaker Hyundai, that recently broke ground to build cars in America, the newest Sonata comes in three well-equipped trim models.

A base GL Sonata arrives standard with power windows, locks, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with an alarm, air conditioning, cruise control, a CD/MP3 player, a tilting leather-wrapped steering wheel, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control that includes traction control, active front head restraints, and six air bags (dual fronts, front seat side-impact units, and large curtains for both rows).

Its power comes from a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that can be ordered with either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. This engine makes 162 horsepower and 164 foot-pounds of torque and includes continuously variable valve timing, which means you don't have the noise and jolt of a traditional shifting transmission.

If you upgrade to GLS trim, the four-speed automatic comes as standard equipment, plus you get leather wrapping on the shift lever, 16-inch alloy wheels, a steering wheel with integrated audio controls, a trip computer, fog lights, exterior window chrome, nicer door sill plates, and either metal or woodgrain interior accents. Hyundai also offers the option of a V-6 engine on the GLS. This larger engine has 3.3 liters and puts out 235 horsepower and 226 foot-pounds of torque. This sophisticated unit includes all-aluminum construction, 24 valves with variable timing, multipoint fuel injection, and a variable induction system and is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. At the back end are attractive dual exhaust pipes with chrome tips that distinguish the GLS V-6.

The top LX model, in addition to possessing those features found on the GLS V-6, also adds leather seats with front-seat heaters and power driver adjustment, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a telescoping steering wheel, and exterior door handles finished in chrome. Options include a power sunroof (available on GLS and LX models) and a six-disc CD player with a subwoofer (LX only). Hyundai promises a navigation system in the near future.

The Sonata's clean exterior styling is pleasant, and much like other modern family sedans, but it comes at a great value, when compared to its competitors, as the GL's base price is $17,895. This car easily fits alongside competitors such as the Honda Accord sedan, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry, all of which run much closer to $20,000. Higher-end Sonatas that include fog lights, 17-inch wheels, and dual exhaust look even sporty. All models of the Sonata include projector lens headlights and wrap-around taillights that also stretch into the trunk lid.

Inside, the neat and tidy exterior execution carries over so that the dash arrangement is straightforward but turns slightly toward the driver. Three large gauges center behind the steering wheel; the center unit featuring a green sub-display that matches the screens built into the lower center control's stack and upper dashboard. Notable features include high-mounted door releases, air vents positioned lower than usual in the center stack, and a two-tone dashboard split by a flat horizontal that bisects the steering wheel and extends into the door panels. Hyundai also chose to mounted the side-impact front air bags in the seats rather than the door, maximizing protection regardless of the seats' positions.

The Sonata does everything a modern entry-level sedan should do.

The suspension is fully independent with a double-wishbone in the front and multilink/stabilizer bar configuration in the rear.

Power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS handle turning and halting duties very well and give a confidence-inspiring ride.

Electronic support to keep the Sonata on course comes from a stability-control system, with built-in traction control.

The standard tires are P215/60R16s that wrap around 16-inch steel or alloy wheels.

Even larger P225/50R17 tires on 17-inch alloys arrive standard on LX models and optionally on GLS V-6 versions.

On sale now, you'll find three models to choose from and two engines, an inline four-cylinder and a V-6, with a nifty continuously variable transmission or a manual transmission, if you enjoy shifting yourself

. The new Sonata isn't bold and aggressive like many of today's cars.

Its mission as a midsized family model is well-executed, and its value pricing is impressive.