The GL V6, at $25,000, adds the upgraded engine and transmission, of course, plus all option package items offered with the 4-
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| A fully loaded Sonata GLS V6 can be had for $28,000 even, a price where most of its rivals are merely warming up. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
cylinder upgrade, as well as a telescopic steering wheel with integrated audio controls, and solar control glass. An additional package adds a power glass sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels for $600 - a fabulous deal. The top-line GLS V6, starting at $26,600, includes everything offered in the other packages as standard equipment, plus leather seats with heated cushions up front, a powered driver's seat, woodgrain interior accents and a comfortable sliding centre armrest between the two front seats. A $1,400 option package adds electronic stability control (ESP) and traction control, plus adjustable foot pedals, automatic climate control with air filtration, an electronic chromic mirror, a trip computer and Homelink system with an integrated compass. Altogether, a fully loaded Sonata GLS V6 can be had for $28,000 even, a price where some of its rivals are merely warming up. Truly,
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| The Sonata is one of the best in the midsize class at balancing the sport/comfort equation. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
opt for similar features with Accord, Altima or Camry, and you'll be paying at least $5,000 more. Yes, Hyundai's rivals had better keep a sharp lookout for the rising South Korean automaker, both here at home and abroad. The South Korean automaker won't catch up to the Japanese giant's global dominance for quite some time, or maybe never, but Hyundai will be a constant thorn in Toyota's side as it vies for many of the same customers by offering top-tier reliability, attractive styling, and with the addition of its upcoming all-new 2006 Sonata, enhanced performance and superb interior quality. The brand's low prices and better than average warranty won't hurt its prospects either.
