Hyundai Sonata
All-new for 2006-2008, the newest Sonata is the fifth generation of Hyundai’s mid-size sedan. This is Travel Euroland’s rental car choice for our Premium Class.
The Sonata comes with a choice of two engines, both brand-new, and engineered and built by Hyundai: a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder, and a 3.3-litre V6. Both are all-aluminum, with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and are fitted to the car with hydraulic engine mounts to reduce vibration. The 2.4-litre comes with a five-speed manual transmission that can be optioned up to a four-speed automatic transmission; the V6 exclusively uses a five-speed automatic.
The four-cylinder model includes six airbags, air conditioning, keyless entry with alarm, cruise control, power locks and windows, power heated mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, windshield deicer, active headrests, CD/MP3 player and leather-wrapped wheel. Available options include four-speed automatic, fog lights, ABS, power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The V6 adds the five-speed automatic, ABS, fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and solar control glass. Available options are a power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition, V6 adds power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats, power driver’s seat, woodgrain interior trim, and sliding centre armrest.
Available options include ESP with traction control, adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirror and trip computer. Both models share a four-wheel independent suspension that’s stiffer and with improved geometry over the old Sonata. It’s a tight and responsive package, and unlike many midsize sedans, the four-cylinder is equally up to the task of moving it around, with brisk acceleration. V6-equipped models are built in a new Hyundai plant in Alabama; four-cylinder models are made in South Korea but will eventually switch to the U.S. plant as well.
2006 Hyundai Sonata Specifications:
| Type | 4-door, 5-passenger large sedan |
| Engines | 2.4-litre V4, DOHC, 16 valves |
| 3.3-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves | |
| Horsepower | 162hp @ 5800 rpm |
| 235hp @ 6000 rpm | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/5-speed automatic |
| Tires GL | P215/60R16 Michelin all-season |
| Tires GLS | P225/50R17 Michelin all-season |
| Cargo capacity | 462 litres (16.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel consumption V4 | City: 9.6 L/100 km (29 mpg Imperial) |
| Hwy: 6.3 L/100 km (45 mpg Imperial) | |
| Fuel consumption V6 | City: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg Imperial) |
| Hwy: 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg Imperial) |
Gallery
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