The Entourage is underpinned by a four-wheel independent
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| Car-based chassis yields no surprises in terms of suspension. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
suspension setup comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar up front, plus a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar out back. The calibration of this arrangement favours ride comfort over adroit handling - and why not? This is a family tourer, not a family terror. I enjoyed the smooth, composed, comfortable ride of the Entourage, which by the way doesn't equate to mushy handling. During my testing, the roomy van proved to be secure through high-speed sweepers and nimble throughout jigsaws thanks in part to its rack-and-pinion, rpm-sensing steering. However, along with the pleasure of serenely unraveling miles of highway ribbon comes a couple of minor irritations, particularly for those with long legs.
While
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| Hyundai's captain's chairs are clever; the squabs fold out, and the seat folds forward for easy access to the third row. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
headroom throughout the Entourage is more than ample, legroom in the executive chair isn't. After several hours behind the wheel I was wishing I could move the driver's seat further rearward, allowing a little more stretch, but alas the seat had already given all it had. In keeping with the leg-related lament, the foot-operated parking brake location conflicted with my left ankle. These minor irritants aside, cruising the day away in the Entourage is a pleasure. It practically drives itself, but don't rely upon it for directions; a navigation system is not currently available. Don't let this single omission taint your view; Hyundai's philosophy of over-delivering on engineering, quality and equipment is well represented elsewhere in the Entourage. As Hyundai rep Curt Haase so eloquently put it, the Entourage contains many surprise and delight features, especially at the entry GL level.
Hyundai has worked hard over the last few years to design and
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| Entouarge is the more luxurious model, as compared to the entry-level Sedona. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
build vehicles people want to own and can trust. Rather than marching to the penny-pinching beat of an accountant-composed leadership team, Hyundai personnel are led into battle by a team of engineers. Along with a philosophical shift that made "quality" the law, Hyundai has re-birthed itself and is now producing some of the most reliable, high-value automobiles available worldwide, and the Entourage is but another example of their success. Expect it to rock the minivan world.
Specifications: - Price Range (MSRP): $29,995 - $38,295
- Body Type: 5-door minivan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 242-hp, 251 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission: 5-spd auto w/ manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc ABS and EBD
- Curb Weight: 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Cargo Volume (seats removed): 4,007 L (141.5 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.2 / 8.8 L/100km (18 / 27 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest, Pontiac Montana SV6, Saturn Relay, Toyota Sienna
- Web Site: www.hyundaicanada.com
