Hyundai's all-new 2006 Sonata marks the North American debut of the latest version of the popular mid-size sedan was designed specifically to meet the needs of the American consumer and is the product of three years of intensive collaborative R&D development.
The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new vehicle featuring refined, sophisticated styling and an interior package so roomy its U.S. government size classification is large car. Sonata has six standard airbags, standard active front headrests, standard ABS, and standard Electronic Stability Control.
"The new Hyundai Sonata is a milestone vehicle for Hyundai in the United States," said Bob Cosmai of Hyundai. "It offers contemporary style, class-above roominess, segment-leading safety features, and outstanding value. The new Sonata also features two all-new, powerful, fuel-efficient engines -- the 2.4-liter Theta inline four-cylinder and the 3.3-liter Lambda V6."
The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata offers buyers the choice of two sophisticated powertrains delivering the desirable combination of outstanding power and excellent fuel economy.
First is the all-new 2.4-liter Theta DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, rated at 162 horsepower. This high-tech all-aluminum engine features a balance shaft design, Continuously Variable Valve Timing, a silent timing chain, stainless steel exhaust manifold and hydraulic motor mounts. This efficient four-cylinder engine is standard on Sonata GL and Sonata GLS four-cylinder models.
Standard on the Sonata GLS V6 and Sonata LX models is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine producing more than 237 horsepower. This engine is the first member of Hyundai's new Lambda engine family and emphasizes an aluminum cylinder block, aluminum cylinder heads, DOHC 24-valve CVVT technology and a Variable Intake System. The Lambda V6 is fitted to the Sonata front subframe with hydraulic motor mounts to ensure outstanding NVH characteristics.
A smooth-shifting five-speed manual is standard on Sonata GL models equipped with the new 2.4-liter engine. A four-speed Shiftronic automatic is available. V6 Sonata models are fitted with Hyundai's all-new five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter to improve fuel economy at highway speeds.
The 2006 Sonata builds on Hyundai's commitment to safety leadership, which began with Hyundai's standard fitment of side-impact airbags in all Hyundai models beginning in the 2003 model year. (Hyundai was the first non-luxury brand to offer side-impact airbags on all its models as standard equipment.) Hyundai recently launched the all-new Tucson compact SUV, the only under-$20,000 vehicle in the U.S. market with six standard airbags and standard Electronic Stability Control. All future Hyundai SUVs will feature this level of standard safety equipment.
With the all-new Sonata, Hyundai brings a new level of standard safety content to the mid-size sedan segment. Every Sonata is equipped with advanced dual front airbags, seat mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and side curtain airbags designed to help protect the driver, front seat passenger and the outboard rear seat passengers. In addition, the front seats feature active head restraints for extra protection against whiplash in rear end collisions.
The addition of standard Electronic Stability Control, standard Traction Control System, and standard ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution brings a new level of driving assurance to the mid-size sedan segment buyer. "The benefit of Electronic Stability Control in reducing single-vehicle SUV accidents is clear, but our own research and that done by NHTSA and IIHS indicate there is also a compelling case for equipping passenger cars with this technology," said John Krafcik of Hyundai. "At Hyundai, we're doing our part to accelerate the implementation of this technology across more vehicle segments. We'd be delighted if other manufacturers choose to follow our lead."
All Sonata models also feature shingle-style rear seat head rests for improved visibility, three-point seat belts for all seating positions, seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters and the child seat LATCH system.
The all-new Sonata was designed with safety as a priority -- from a class-leading, comprehensive list of standard safety features to a robust body structure with engineered crumple zones designed to intelligently absorb impacts. Based on preliminary testing, the 2006 Sonata is projected to perform at a five-star level in U.S. government frontal and side impact testing.
The all-new 2006 Sonata is larger, with a more contemporary, sophisticated design execution than the previous version. The new 2006 Sonata is two inches longer, two inches taller, and features a one-inch longer wheelbase. Sonata is wider than key competition including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima; an advantage that delivers both a strong stance and increased interior room. Key exterior design elements include a bold, concave hood dome, distinctive rear-door cut line, strong Z-lined body-to-fascia interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector headlights. V6 models are equipped with chrome-tipped dual exhausts that hint at the 237-plus horsepower under the hood.
The 2006 Hyundai Sonata offers a roomy, comfortable cabin with over 120 cubic feet of total interior volume -- a level of spaciousness that places it in the government's large car category. Compared to the previous Sonata, the all-new 2006 Sonata offers increases in all categories of legroom, headroom, and shoulder room.
To improve overall ergonomics, seating comfort, and entry/egress, Sonata's seating position height has been increased an inch. Accessibility and ergonomics are further improved with increased distance between the driver and the A-pillar and more room between the seat cushion and the headliner.
Sonata's trunk volume has increased 16%, and now features a 2.3 cubic feet advantage over the Honda Accord. Its design is highlighted by a four-bar link hinge mechanism augmented with two assist struts -- all to maximize trunk access and to assure that items put in the trunk remain undamaged by the trunk-closing hardware.
Tilt steering is standard on all Sonata models, with a telescoping function added on LX models. Every Sonata is equipped with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, with supplemental steering wheel-mounted audio controls standard on GLS and LX models. Power windows are also standard equipment, including an auto-down/auto-up driver's window with pinch protection. Heated leather seats are standard on the LX model.
Sonata provides occupants a smooth ride combined with excellent roadholding ability thanks to an advanced, state-of-the-art, four-wheel independent suspension system with increased suspension stiffness and improved suspension geometry. The front suspension uses double wishbone technology with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The double-wishbone suspension consists of upper and lower A-arms and features an L-shaped lower arm design that reduces vibration while increasing handling precision. Bushing size has been increased to better isolate road impact and wheel vibration. An isolated top strut mount further improves ride quality.
The sophisticated five-link rear suspension features a trailing link, two longitudinal links and an upper A-arm. This independent coil-spring suspension design helps distribute load impact and vibrations in order to provide better ride comfort. In addition, the upper arm has been moved to the lower cross member to isolate wheel vibration for improved ride quality. This advanced design provides the Sonata with excellent handling characteristics without sacrificing ride quality.
The new Sonata also delivers cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Hyundai designers increased the strength and stiffness of the subframe and body structure to further reduce engine noise and road noise in the cabin. When compared against key competitors Camry and Accord, the 2006 Sonata is quieter at idle, quieter at 60 mph, quieter at wide-open throttle and has significantly less wind noise than both competitors at 68 mph.
The Sonata GL features standard equipment found only on mid-size sedans costing thousands of dollars more. The GL features Hyundai's sophisticated new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. Hyundai's four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission is available. The long list of standard equipment for the Sonata GL also includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, ABS with EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints, keyless entry with alarm, power windows, 16-inch wheels with Michelin MXV tires, door locks, heated side mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, leather- wrapped steering wheel and tilt adjustable steering column. Air conditioning and cruise control are also standard features on the refined new 2006 Hyundai Sonata GL.
The Sonata GLS offers all the standard features found on the GL and adds Hyundai's four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels with Michelin MXV tires, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, driver's seat lumbar support, automatic light control, trip computer, premium door sill plates, floor mats and fog lights. The GLS is also equipped with chrome window belt molding, metal-grain interior trim accents with gray interior or woodgrain interior trim accents with beige interior.
Available equipment for the Sonata GLS includes a power tilt-slide sunroof and a Premium Package that includes the power tilt-slide sunroof, power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.
The 2006 Sonata GLS is also available with Hyundai's all-new, high-tech 3.3-liter Lambda V6 engine, dual exhaust and a five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. Available equipment for the V6 model includes a power/tilt sunroof and a Premium-Sport Package that includes the power/tilt sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheel/Michelin Pilot tire package, power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.
The top-of-the-line 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX model adds even more comfort and luxury with standard equipment that includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 50-aspect ratio Michelin Pilot tires, automatic temperature control, cabin air filter, automatic air quality system, electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, telescoping steering wheel adjustment and chrome-accented exterior door handles. Available equipment includes power-tilt sunroof and a CD changer with subwoofer and component amplifier.