Hyundai Minivan to Finally Arrive in Spring of 2006

Entourage a Fitting Name for Hyundai's Largest Vehicle

It's difficult to understand why it will take Hyundai so long to come to market with a minivan, but at least the target launch

Hyundai is finally coming to market with a minivan. The Entourage, which will share its general architecture and much of its componentry with Kia's Sedona, will arrive in the spring of 2006. (Photo: Kia Canada)

date of spring 2006 is finally in sight for a vehicle that will be named Entourage when it arrives.

The minivan, mid-van or in Hyundai's case, full-size passenger van market segment is ideal for the conservative, family-oriented automaker, and every rival that vies for global top ten nameplate status has one in its lineup.

"The Entourage will be yet another milestone vehicle for Hyundai in Canada," commented Stephen F. Kelleher, President and C.E.O. of Hyundai Auto Canada. "We are extremely excited to be entering this market segment and, like other new Hyundai offerings, the all-new Entourage will offer buyers outstanding levels of quality, spaciousness, safety and standard features while reflecting and retaining traditional Hyundai value."

South Korean rival Kia has seen great success with its Sedona, due for an update this fall. Being that Kia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Auto; expect to see a significant amount of component sharing, taking advantage of an economy of scale that will surely help both nameplates be more competitive.

And the competition is tough. Chrysler Group still maintains leadership with its Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country duo, while GM's new Chevy Uplander, Buick Terraza, Pontiac

South Korean rival Kia has seen great success with its Sedona, due for an update this fall. The Entourage will ride on a version of its platform. (Photo: Kia Canada)

Montana SV6 and Saturn Relay foursome is a close second by last count. Ford offers its high value Freestar, while Japanese imports, such as Honda, Toyota and Mazda, deliver a triple threat with the Odyssey, Sienna and MPV respectively, three vehicles that critics and owners place highest in desirability.

The Entourage will be larger than most of its competitors, being that it is based on the full-size Sonata/Azera architecture, and therefore will use all of its 3.8-litre V6 engine's expected 265-horsepower, optimized by an efficient five-speed automatic transmission. Like the majority of import rivals, it will only be offered in a long-wheelbase configuration.