2006 Hyundai Sonata News: Interior Refresh???

[Vintalage]

http://members.cox.net/geousa/sonatanf3.jpg

http://members.cox.net/geousa/sonatanf2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/geousa/sonatanf1.jpg

http://www.car-action.com/technote/board/IMAGE_0311/upimg/1063436900.jpg

Rumors about the Engines say 2.4 liter 4 cyl putting out about 155hp and 3.3 liter V6 putting out about 210hp.

Interesting.

[fschambe]

Hehe the Hyundai "Sleeping Pill" still for sale huh?

[Mike3800]

I think the late 60's are back in the car industry but different this time around. Americans were building musclecars, there was a HP war and Japaneese cars were the riddicule.

Now that Japaneese cars and American cars are on the same level pricewise and respectwise relativley speaking and Korean cars are the riddicule but are gaining share and respect. American, European and Japaneese are all starting to build tuner cars and even the family sedans are getting some serious power under the hood now.

What happens 5-15 years from now... Will it be like what hapened with Japaneese cars reputation in the late 70's early 80's.. but instead of a gas crisis and reliability issues, PRICING will be what pulls people in to KOREAN cars??? They ARE offering features not avalable on the competition when compared dollar for dollar... and although their quality is below par when compared to some most japanesse car companies, it keeps gaining on them and is about dead heat with the big 3 American car companies for quality, if not better.

A wierd statistic that I read is that most new Hyundai owners previous car was a Pontiac. wtf No BS. Strange huh? It was true with me.

[Vintalage]

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[Vintalage]

http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/41485.jpg

Hyundai Sonata


hough redesigned only in 2001, Korean manufacturer Hyundai is already preparing the launch of yet a new generation of its mid-size saloon: following rumours, the new Sonata is due for presentation at the 2004 Geneva Show. With the front virtually undisguised, the car had been put through an extensive heat-testing programme in the Arizona dessert all through this summer.

From what's visible so far, the new Sonata will get a much more angular appearance, bringing it into line with the rest of the range and giving it the adult appearance the current model is lacking.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder entry-level engine of today's car will make it into the new model again, and also the 2.7-litre V6 producing 178 HP will be used for the new Sonata. Added, however, will be the 3.0-litre V6, tweaked to 200 HP. A diesel engine is not in sight, though rumours suggest, Hyundai would be working on a four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel developing around 130 HP... @Automedia

Source: Autoexpress

[Vintalage]

Recent spy video:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/video_gallery/video.php?id=41044

[Mike3800]

Good finds.

[AznGA]

200HP?
Put that engine into Tibby!!!

[Vintalage]

http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-3-16/2212736-Hyundai%20Drivera.jpg
http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-3-16/2212736-Hyundai%20Driverb.jpg
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http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-3-16/2212739-Hyundai%20Drivera.jpg
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http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-3-16/2212739-Hyundai%20Driverd.jpg
http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-3-16/2212740-Hyundai%20Driverd.jpg

Interesting.

[VTECSiGAH8R]

Not bad. Heh, I bet the pics you don't see are the Accord and Camry sitting next to it that they are trying to imitate.

[jscarano13]

i want to get in there and take off all that protective coating so bad i can taste it! J

[Orange Fusion]

A wierd statistic that I read is that most new Hyundai owners previous car was a Pontiac. wtf No BS. Strange huh? It was true with me.


Ironically I'm the oposite...I went from a Hyundai to a Pontiac. lol

I got a good deal on my GAGT that I couldn't pass it up, plus I love the car.

Hyundai always seems to copy other manufacturers for the most part, so the design of this one is not surprising...they seem to be trying to emulate Toyota's business model (and cars) primarily - rather conservative but effective.

[Vintalage]

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0PwAJA2ITHXTYheY8Wkwm4Tp736dX5pkDRDUURdCRszv07YKAf d6Ys9lAzPK8IWx6PTEhoU6wZjomsmgq1HdQ8Sje524xrh6H/sssssss.jpg

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QACMA8UR0xcOxOpsZGDfbd6LSJ*L2I0*GEh33vmQ3pSjOfriH Ft8ebl0kTVg7wK!5dw!JZwcYUNiQa6STuyTnyAQGOLM9ovCzoy MAwBwOBg/11111111.jpg

[Vintalage]

http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata_0729.jpg
http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata_0729_b.jpg
http://server6.uploadit.org/files/andref-NFinterior.JPG
http://server6.uploadit.org/files/andref-NFcenter.JPG

[badassgrandam99]

Hyundai's cars are definitely starting to look better, but am i the only one who thinks that this new Sonata has a Camry front end and an Accord rear end (the generations prior to the current Accord and Camry)

[AaronGAGT]

Retracted previous comment.


Hey - not too bad lookin it seems.

[Vintalage]

Hyundai's cars are definitely starting to look better, but am i the only one who thinks that this new Sonata has a Camry front end and an Accord rear end (the generations prior to the current Accord and Camry)

Yes, I do see that. Not so much in the front, but from the rear at a distance, it does look similar to the previous gen and current gen Accord.

[Sleepwalkr]

I can see the Accord look in the rear. The front kinda reminds me of the Lexus IS300.

[Mike3800]

Hyundai Accord A4.


It does look pretty good.

[Vintalage]

Yep, this car is going to do well with Hyundai.

Also, Hyundai plans on starting a Luxury devision. Think of Toyota to Lexus, Honda to Acura, Nissan to Infiniti... Hyundai to -----.

[Vintalage]

http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/sonata_official_3.jpg
http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/1.jpg
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http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/5.jpg
http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/6.jpg

Now that's what i'm talking about. Great styling. Aggressive look. Didn't even know it would be available with dual exhaust. Nice. Funny how it looks more aggressive than the G6. :doh:

This I would definately consider. Features are nice. Navigation. Auto climate control. Looks like it may have HIDs. And probably the first in it's class rear parking sensor system. That's the way to go.

[UNCTYPE-S]

200HP?
Put that engine into Tibby!!!

dont those already come around 200hp

[Vintalage]

http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/sonata_official_1.jpg
http://www.wickedweb.org/images/vwvortex/sonata/sonata_official_2.jpg

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[Sleepwalkr]

My "other" car (wife's car) is an '02 Sonata. The only down side I see to this new model is that it looks even more like everything else out there. The current style is a little more unique albeit a lot like the front end of a Mercedes or Jaguar. My wife calls it her "HyundaiJag". The '05 style is a little more conservative, yet designed very fluidly. Maybe I'll try and talk the wife into trading hers in for a new one soon. I don't see the styling as being more aggresive than the G6 at all though. The G6 has a very aggresive front end and overall sweeping roofline, while the new Sonata is a little more square and conservative.

[Vintalage]

More pics:

http://autospy.intizen.com/autospy/bbs/table/free/upload/1-2.jpg
http://autospy.intizen.com/autospy/bbs/table/free/upload/2-3.jpg
http://www.megaauto.com/upload/contents/imgfiles/21/2/23610_6_1.jpg
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http://autospy.intizen.com/autospy/bbs/table/free/upload/2-1.jpg
http://www.megaauto.com/upload/contents/imgfiles/21/2/23610_5_1.jpg
http://www.megaauto.com/upload/contents/imgfiles/21/3/23610_5_1.jpg

[crazypontiac03]

Dam.... Looks Nice maybe Japan will find its way into my driveway one day. Maybe

[GrahamKracka]

dont those already come around 200hp


172

[GrahamKracka]

Dam.... Looks Nice Baby Japan will find its way into my driveway one day. Maybe


too bad hyundai is korean lol

[Vintalage]

http://www.geocities.com/giovanni_dee/specialSonata.jpg

[bigbenSC]

The greenhouse looks a little too tall in these last pics. Still much better than the pervious generation.

[VTECSiGAH8R]

The rear just looks like an Accord rear with the taillights flipped upside down.

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/comparison/2004/04.family.sedan/honda.accord/04.honda.accord.r34.500.jpg

I told you in the original photos that in the background they had an Accord and a Camry sitting next to it so they could copy. :rolleyes:

[crazypontiac03]

All Car's Use something from another Company in the last few years.

[Mike3800]

All Car's Use something from another Company in the last few years.

Or the last few DECADES depending on your point of view.

[jake3217]

Oh well, if you're gonna copy something, might as well be something decent. We don't see anybody copying the design cues from the Ford Pinto now, do we? ;)

[Mike3800]

Oh well, if you're gonna copy something, might as well be something decent. We don't see anybody copying the design cues from the Ford Pinto now, do we? ;)


Chevy Vega. lol

[Vintalage]

http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=141
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=142
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=143
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=144
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=145
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=146

[crazypontiac03]

Looks Good!

[Vintalage]

Korean Camry Delivers

By Brian Moody
Date posted: 05-02-2005

"The introduction of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata is the most important vehicle debut in the history of Hyundai." This bold statement was made by Hyundai Motor America's CEO Bob Cosmai. Granted, many press introductions are filled with this kind of hyperbole as well as hokey sales meeting clichés like "hit the numbers" but Hyundai officials may not be overstating the importance of their newest car.

The Hyundai Sonata is the company's best-selling model and accounts for roughly 26 percent of total Hyundai sales.

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is built on a new platform at an all-new U.S. factory in Montgomery, Alabama — the first Hyundai to be built in America. The sedan is bigger and offers two new engines plus a new five-speed automatic transmission. Think Hyundai is serious about making the Sonata a contender? We do.

Improved Interior
The new car is 2 inches longer and taller with a 1-inch-longer wheelbase than the previous Sonata. It's wider than the 2005 versions of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

Once inside the car, it doesn't appear notably larger than its Japanese rivals but the rear seat does offer about a half-inch more legroom than the Camry. The trunk is spacious as well and offers more room than the Accord and Altima. Only the Camry tops the Sonata in this area with 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Hyundai's 16.3.

But numbers don't tell the whole story. The 2006 Sonata's interior is not only larger than before, it looks and feels better, too. The dash and door panels are covered with soft-touch materials that, in some places, mimic the feel of an Audi. That's not to say the entire interior is up to Audi standards, but our initial impression is that this Hyundai's cabin is definitely on par with its direct competitors.

The seats are reasonably comfortable but the seat bottoms are too short and even the power-adjustable driver seat in the upscale LX model was difficult to position exactly right. We also feel the leather-covered seats are a little less comfortable than the cloth seats. Thankfully, that cloth is as good as or better than that found on cars like the benchmark Honda Accord. Even the cloth inserts on the doors feel soft and durable.

Lots of Features
The Sonata is offered in three trim levels: base GL ($17,895), midlevel GLS ($18,795) and "loaded" LX ($20,895). The base car comes with features like six airbags, cruise control, ABS, stability and traction control, remote keyless entry and an MP3/CD player. The midlevel GLS has extras like 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and automatic lights. The LX adds features like heated leather seats, sunroof, 17-inch wheels, V6, five-speed automatic and a power driver seat.

The GL and GLS come standard with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. A 3.3-liter V6 is optional on the GLS and standard on the LX. The four-cylinder makes 162 hp and uses variable valve timing. The V6 makes 235 hp and delivers its 226 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Driving Dynamics
The power and refinement of both engines are notable with the V6 being more fun and responsive. Still, the smaller engine doesn't sound or feel harsh and those who prefer the fuel economy and lower price of a four-cylinder car won't get shortchanged by choosing the Sonata GL or GLS.

The LX with its standard V6, 17-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot tires feels sportier and comes close to the Honda Accord's taut feel. The '06 Sonata is no road racing champ but it does have a combination of firm brakes, a powerful engine and predictable handling that makes it an entertaining drive should the mood strike you.

On the open highway, the Sonata LX is remarkably quiet. Even at speeds of 80 mph and above, wind and road noise are never intrusive. In city driving, the five-speed automatic transmission worked well. It never hunted or chose the wrong gear. If anything, the transmission is reluctant to downshift but this is likely due to the Sonata's V6 delivering most of its torque at a fairly low engine speed. Still, when downshifts came they were smooth and sure.

Tough Competition
On the whole, the new Sonata is a huge improvement over its predecessor. It's attractive inside and out and is filled with standard features like six standard airbags and stability control. We don't like the leather seats and would wish for a more premium stereo on the LX model, but Hyundai has done so much right that it boils down to nitpicking.

The 2006 Sonata may be the first Hyundai we can recommend without qualifiers like "for the price." Sub-$20,000 pricing (GL only) and 100,000-mile warranties will only get you so far. With the Sonata's excellent attention to detail and generous standard features, the price is just icing on the cake. It may sound like blasphemy but Camry and Accord shoppers now have one more stop to make at the local auto mall before deciding on a midsize sedan.



http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=105488

- Edmunds.com

[Mike3800]

Impressive interior.

[Vintalage]

http://gostudie.com/studieshop/file/8/8.jpg_x
http://gostudie.com/studieshop/file/8/4(3).jpg_x

Another customized one.

[playerx4]

Wow I like it. $20k fully loaded sounds like a good deal.

[bigbenSC]

That article is misleading on the pricing, it is not $20K loaded, the top model STARTS at $20,895. There is only one avalible option package on the LX that includes a CD changer, sunroof, and better stereo. The website doesn't mention the Navigation shown in some of these pics, so I wonder if its coming stateside. I'd bet on $23,000 loaded, $25,000 if navigation becomes avalible, still a great deal though. It is definately a step in the right direction, but by only meeting the current industry standards they will be behind once again when the new Altima, Camry, and Accord come out in 2-3 years.

[Vintalage]

That article is misleading on the pricing, it is not $20K loaded, the top model STARTS at $20,895. There is only one avalible option package on the LX that includes a CD changer, sunroof, and better stereo. The website doesn't mention the Navigation shown in some of these pics, so I wonder if its coming stateside. I'd bet on $23,000 loaded, $25,000 if navigation becomes avalible, still a great deal though. It is definately a step in the right direction, but by only meeting the current industry standards they will be behind once again when the new Altima, Camry, and Accord come out in 2-3 years.

Navigation will become available later in the car's lifecycle. Next year probably.

[Vintalage]

http://www.sonataspeed.com/studie/sonata4.jpg
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[Rich]

that looks REALLY nice. super clean.

[playerx4]

I really like the back of that car.

[Vintalage]

http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr//special/special1126452257.jpg

[Vintalage]

I don't know what to say about this given the fact that this car was just released here in the states.