Vehicle: 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 Premium
Price as tested: CDN$28125

Performance: Just like many mainstream family sedans, Sonata has two engine choices. An entry-level 162hp 2.4L DOHC 16-valver or the potent 3.3L V6 DOHC 24-valver in our top-of-the-line tester. The engine refinement, responsiveness and NVH are simply amazing. 235hp and 226 lb/ft of torque are plenty enough to challenge the must in its class. The throttle response is quick while tip-in is smooth and linear. The 5-speed Shiftronic manumatic is smooth-as-a-nut. Its not only willing to up and downshifts, unlike previous Hyundai slushmatics. Its gear ratios are so well-spaced that it works like magic with this powerplant. When driving at 100 km/h, it just clocks at 2500rpm which is downright impressive.

Handling: The dynamic package is as impressive as the powerplant in this Sonata. It begins with a solid foundation for suspensions to hang its heads. Its level of agileness is able to beat many of its competitors with excellent road feel, steering response, minimal body rolls and understeer. The steering has a surprisingly quick reflex through fast left-to-right transitions. It feels sharp and precise whenever you attack a corner. The use of front double wishbone suspensions and rear multi-link set-up are also the reason for Sonata’s confidence-inspiring sporty handling characteristics. The whole car has a built-from-a-block-of-steel feel that reminds me of European sports sedan that costing twice as much. Hyundai designers are also capable of tuning some of the European feedback that is so lacking in Japanese rivals in this Sonata. Given the Sonata’s status of life, GLS V6’s electronic stability control has remained uninstrusive until absolutely necessary. As for ride comfort, its supple with the level of firm European damping which absorbs bumps with confidence.

Brakes: Sonata’s 4-wheel discs and standard ABS should also be considered as one of best in class. The pedal feel is firm and easily modulated while the electronic braking force distribution really has a desired effect. It proporionate the braking force between front and rear wheels exceptionally well during hard braking.

Interior: The level of conziness in new Sonata is as unbelievable as its dynamic abilities. Great set of leather seats, excellent ergonomics, effective auto climate control and a good sounding stereo system are just some of the highlights of this excellent interior. The climate control serves us very well with great air conditioning under this surprisingly hot weather. Everything from the top of the dashboard to the center console are covered in soft-touch plastic. All the switchgears have a high-quality, tactical “heavy” feel that can be mistaken for a car costing twice as much.

Since Sonata has been rated as “large car” by EPA, there are tons of head and legroom at the back.

The trunk is very well-layout. Along with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and low liftover, Hyundai is also given us uninstrusive trunk hinges that won’t crashed into anything underneath.

There is a nifty feature for Canadian winter inside Sonata’s trunk, and that is internal fuel filler release. When the external fuel filler cap blocked by a patch of ice in the winter, driver can open the cap using the internal release without cracking out the door. Its not only easier for the well-being, it also won’t break the door by cracking it open.

Conclusion: For only 28 grand, you won’t find a better deal in town. Its fast, handles very well, comfortable and built as solid as anything else on the road. The bottom line: the new Sonata will make a huge dent in the ultra-competitive family sedan class that is currently dominated by Japanese.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS V6
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomcs/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.75/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5