For almost two decades now, Hyundai has been offering the Sonata mid-size sedan for sale in Canada, first from its factory in Korea and then its factory in Quebec and then Korea again, but soon its new plant in Alabama.
If you'd forgotten that Hyundai had a plant outside of Montreal more than a decade ago, that's fine with the folks at Hyundai, since they would like to forget about it as well.
Wherever Sonata's come from since 1987, it has always been a variation on a common theme, with one generation improving on the last. So we can reasonably expect that the fifth generation bearing the 2006 model year designation that arrives in Canada's 163 Hyundai stores this spring will be the best yet.
This version will continue improvements made on the last three models, says Peter Renz of Hyundai Auto Canada, emphasizing and focusing on ''quality, meaningful technology (including two new engines), chassis and suspension, increased safety, and instinctive satisfaction for driver and passengers alike.''
By ''instinctive satisfaction,'' I presume he means people inside the 2006 Sonata will be impressed with it even if they don't know why, and that could be the trick to building a superior car.
We'll have to see if that's how people react to the new Sonata, and if they like the ''fresh new European look'' in a ''clean and sophisticated package with cutting edge highlights.'' It might be nice if consumers found the new model stylish, but the ongoing success of the Toyota Camry proves it's not essential.
According to Renz, the design highlights includes a ''purposeful'' single bar grille, narrow one-piece headlights and ''strongly defined hood character lines.''
From the side, the stable proportions are supposed to be further emphasised by character lines, and integrated into the overall lines at both front and rear. At the rear, says Renz, the narrow light clusters and bumper treatment ''further emphasis this refined athletic appearance.''
''Detailed consideration was given to creating a fresh, simple and upscale environment,'' says Renz. ''The use of higher grade materials and increased interior space gives a modern and supportive feeling.
The supportiveness of the seats is immediately apparent, he claims, as is the simplicity and convenience of the switchgear.
Hyundai even makes a big deal about the Sonata bringing in air from outside through ''air outlets are perfectly positioned to maximize the flow efficiency of the ventilation system.''
The overall result, Renz says, is a ''distinctive, comfortable and inviting environment for both driver and passengers.''
Sonata always had a roomier cabin than many of the cars in the mid-size sedan segment, but more space has been added there through the stretching of the overall length (by 55 mm) of the car and the wheelbase (by 30 mm) from the current model.
Renz says the new Sonata has a ''generously roomy interior'' as a result, with legroom increased by 10 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear, and headroom stretched by 22 mm in the front and 15 mm in the back.
If you'd forgotten that Hyundai had a plant outside of Montreal more than a decade ago, that's fine with the folks at Hyundai, since they would like to forget about it as well.
Wherever Sonata's come from since 1987, it has always been a variation on a common theme, with one generation improving on the last. So we can reasonably expect that the fifth generation bearing the 2006 model year designation that arrives in Canada's 163 Hyundai stores this spring will be the best yet.
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By ''instinctive satisfaction,'' I presume he means people inside the 2006 Sonata will be impressed with it even if they don't know why, and that could be the trick to building a superior car.
We'll have to see if that's how people react to the new Sonata, and if they like the ''fresh new European look'' in a ''clean and sophisticated package with cutting edge highlights.'' It might be nice if consumers found the new model stylish, but the ongoing success of the Toyota Camry proves it's not essential.
According to Renz, the design highlights includes a ''purposeful'' single bar grille, narrow one-piece headlights and ''strongly defined hood character lines.''
 |
''Detailed consideration was given to creating a fresh, simple and upscale environment,'' says Renz. ''The use of higher grade materials and increased interior space gives a modern and supportive feeling.
The supportiveness of the seats is immediately apparent, he claims, as is the simplicity and convenience of the switchgear.
Hyundai even makes a big deal about the Sonata bringing in air from outside through ''air outlets are perfectly positioned to maximize the flow efficiency of the ventilation system.''
The overall result, Renz says, is a ''distinctive, comfortable and inviting environment for both driver and passengers.''
 |
Renz says the new Sonata has a ''generously roomy interior'' as a result, with legroom increased by 10 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear, and headroom stretched by 22 mm in the front and 15 mm in the back.