The luggage capacity has also been increased to a ''highly desirable'' 462 litres, Renz adds.
After you've had time to appreciate the interior, you will probably slip the key into the ignition and crank it. This is when you'll see what is probably the biggest advances for the Sonata -- the new 2.4-litre Theta inline-four and the 3.3-litre Lambda V-6.
They were developed ''to provide maximum power and economy with minimum harshness and exhaust emissions,'' enthuses Renz.
They feature all-aluminium cylinder blocks, variable-valve timing and, on the Lambda, a variable intake system.
The preliminary figures for the 2.4 litre show 160 hp at 5,800 rpm with 166 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm, says Renz, while the optional 3.3-litre is good for 237 hp at 6,000 rpm and 224 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm.
For transmissions, the smaller engine gets a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic, and the V-6 comes only with a five-speed automatic. Both automatic shifters gets the Shiftronic device, which allows the driver to do the gear selection.
In keeping with the theory of ''instinctive satisfaction,'' it was important that Hyundai give the 2006 Sonata a more sophisticated suspension setup, and that seems to have happened.
Renz says the double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension were adopted to deliver ''both suppleness and exceptionally precise directional stability.''
A new front subframe adds rigidity to Sonata, says Renz, while reverse L-type lower arms ''complement the design by reducing vibration and improving road impact absorption.''
Larger brushings have been developed to improve isolation, and upgraded shock absorber technology ''further reduces intrusions on comfort.''
At the rear, considerable attention has been given to better distribution of input loads, says Renz, while a stiffer body and improvements in suspension geometry, such as increased caster and improved roll efficiency, ''contribute to better ride and handling characteristics while reducing noise, vibration and harshness in all major areas.''
Additional measures to reduce what the auto industry calls NVH include the use of thicker side glass and a flat underbody, and detailed improvements to the ventilation and air conditioning blower and the engine cooling fan.
An all new computer designed rigid body structure features reinforced bulkheads, pillars and side-impact protection, says Renz, and they provide the foundation for a stiffer front subframe.
Crumple zones and impact load diffusion paths have been further optimized by a process of ''intensive and exacting'' testing using computer simulation and real-world testing.
In addition, standard passive safety features include front and side airbags that deploy at a slower speed, plus front and rear curtain airbags, front three-point seatbelts with dual pretensioners and force limiters.
It's the list of standard convenience features and interior packaging that has helped Hyundai create its reputation for value, Renz says, and the new Sonata builds on this reputation.
After you've had time to appreciate the interior, you will probably slip the key into the ignition and crank it. This is when you'll see what is probably the biggest advances for the Sonata -- the new 2.4-litre Theta inline-four and the 3.3-litre Lambda V-6.
They were developed ''to provide maximum power and economy with minimum harshness and exhaust emissions,'' enthuses Renz.
They feature all-aluminium cylinder blocks, variable-valve timing and, on the Lambda, a variable intake system.
The preliminary figures for the 2.4 litre show 160 hp at 5,800 rpm with 166 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm, says Renz, while the optional 3.3-litre is good for 237 hp at 6,000 rpm and 224 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm.
For transmissions, the smaller engine gets a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic, and the V-6 comes only with a five-speed automatic. Both automatic shifters gets the Shiftronic device, which allows the driver to do the gear selection.
 |
Renz says the double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension were adopted to deliver ''both suppleness and exceptionally precise directional stability.''
A new front subframe adds rigidity to Sonata, says Renz, while reverse L-type lower arms ''complement the design by reducing vibration and improving road impact absorption.''
Larger brushings have been developed to improve isolation, and upgraded shock absorber technology ''further reduces intrusions on comfort.''
At the rear, considerable attention has been given to better distribution of input loads, says Renz, while a stiffer body and improvements in suspension geometry, such as increased caster and improved roll efficiency, ''contribute to better ride and handling characteristics while reducing noise, vibration and harshness in all major areas.''
 |
An all new computer designed rigid body structure features reinforced bulkheads, pillars and side-impact protection, says Renz, and they provide the foundation for a stiffer front subframe.
Crumple zones and impact load diffusion paths have been further optimized by a process of ''intensive and exacting'' testing using computer simulation and real-world testing.
In addition, standard passive safety features include front and side airbags that deploy at a slower speed, plus front and rear curtain airbags, front three-point seatbelts with dual pretensioners and force limiters.
It's the list of standard convenience features and interior packaging that has helped Hyundai create its reputation for value, Renz says, and the new Sonata builds on this reputation.