Available in three trim levels and with a choice of two engines and three transmissions, Sonata is fully equipped to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated demands of the midsize sedan buyer.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

Every Sonata has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control as standard equipment, along with four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that ESC results in 35-percent fewer single-vehicle crashes, and 30-percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities. Sonata is the first and only mid-size car with standard Electronic Stability Control and ABS. Other competitors, such as the new Ford Fusion, offer ABS as optional equipment, with ESC unavailable even as an extra-cost option.

In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat LATCH system for child seats. The 2006 Sonata has received the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts.

CONTEMPORARY EXTERIOR DESIGN

Following Hyundai's mission to provide more for the money, the 2006 Sonata is two inches longer (188.9 inches), two inches taller (58.0 inches) and has an inch longer wheelbase (107.4 inches) than the 2005 model. It is also wider than Camry, Accord and Altima, helping to solidify its advantage in interior spaciousness.

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WELCOMING INTERIOR

The 2006 Sonata is classified by the EPA as a Large Car, truly a "class above" the Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). With 121.7 cu. ft. of total interior volume, the Sonata's five-passenger seating offers increases in legroom, headroom and shoulder room compared to the 2005 model. In class, it's competitive in all interior dimensions. Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Its 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk volume is 16 percent larger than Accord's and nearly five percent bigger than Altima's.

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Ease of entry and egress, seating comfort and overall ergonomics have also been improved for 2006, thanks to a one-inch increase in seating position height, increased distance between the driver and the A-pillar, and more room between the seat cushion and the headliner. Standard convenience features include tilt steering and an auto-up/down power-window function with pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders; two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.

The 2006 Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise.

CHOICE OF POWERTRAINS

A pair of all-new engines combine excellent front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four in the Sonata GL and GLS is part of Hyundai's new "Theta" group of engines, and is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque-an increase of 24 horsepower and 17 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech all-aluminum 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a durable stainless-steel exhaust manifold, and twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets ULEV emissions standards and returns an impressive 24-mpg City/34 mpg Highway with the Sonata's standard five-speed manual transmission, and 24-mpg City/33 mpg Highway with the optional four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®. The Sonata four-cylinder engine's power output and fuel economy closely match Accord and Camry four-cylinder models.

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Standard in the Sonata GLS V6 and Sonata LX models is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 235 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque-an increase of 65 horsepower and 45 lb.-ft. of torque over the previous 2.7-liter V6 it replaces. As the first member of Hyundai's new "Lambda" engine family, this engine also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata V6 offers 45 horsepower more than the Camry 3.0-liter V6 and 14 lb.-ft. more torque than the Accord V6. Mileage estimates are 20-mpg City/30 mpg Highway.

All V6 models have Hyundai's all-new five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither the Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation.

THREE WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

SONATA GL

With an MSRP of $17,895, the 2006 Sonata GL is a well-equipped midsize sedan with a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition. It features a sophisticated new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission optional. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and four-wheel disc brakes are all standard.

The Sonata GL's standard exterior features include 16-inch wheels with Michelin tires, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, and keyless entry with alarm. Inside are an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, air conditioning with a cabin air filtration, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a tilt-adjustable steering column. An impressive array of passive safety features includes six airbags and active front head restraints.

SONATA GLS

The four-cylinder Sonata GLS includes all of the features found on the GL, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome window belt molding, and a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission-a feature that none of its primary four-cylinder competitors can offer. Inside are premium doorsill plates, floor mats, automatic light control, driver's-seat lumbar support, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, and a trip computer. Options include a power tilt/slide sunroof and a Premium Package including the sunroof plus an eight-way power driver's seat and an electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

The 2006 GLS V6 comes alive with Hyundai's all-new, high-tech 3.3-liter V6 engine. It features chrome-tipped dual exhausts, five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, larger disc brakes and Solar Control glass. Options include a power/tilt sunroof, and a Premium-Sport Package including the sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LX

Priced at $22,895, the Sonata LX is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all-at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with lower-profile tires, and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior has luxurious leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control with an automatic Air Quality System (AQS), an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, telescoping steering wheel adjustment, and a sliding center armrest. The Sonata LX is so well equipped that the only options are a power/tilt sunroof and a CD changer with subwoofer and component amplifier.

AMERICA'S BEST WARRANTY

The all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.