Hyundai Minivan to Finally Arrive in Spring of 2006

Most likely, Hyundai will bring the Entourage to market very well equipped, and for a lower price than its domestic

Hyundai will bring the Entourage to market very well equipped, and like the Kia Sedona, for a lower price than its domestic competitors' starkly outfitted base models. (Photo: Kia Canada)

competitors' starkly outfitted base models. Expect standard traction and stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and a full assortment of airbags - two up front and one side-impact bag for each outside passenger in all of its three rows.

The third row of seats will no doubt fold flat into the cargo floor, but it is not known yet if Hyundai will offer a flat folding second row, such as the class-leading Stow 'n Go system offered by Chrysler Group. The majority of van-makers make due with a middle row that features flat-folding seatbacks, or a second row that folds down further, but still not flat into the floor. Additional minivan features, such as a

Potential Entourage owners, like 2006 Kia Sedona buyers, can be certain of a high level of quality, from fit and finish of the interior and exterior, to overall dependability. (Photo: Kia Canada)

driver's side sliding door for access to the rear seats and DVD-based infotainment systems should also be part of the Entourage package.

One thing that potential Entourage owners can be certain of is a high level of quality, both perceived quality, or in other words the quality of materials, plus fit and finish of the interior and exterior, and overall dependability. The Sonata that the new van will derive much of its architecture and componentry from is rated most reliable in North America by Consumer Reports, and second ahead of all midsize sedan entries other than the Chevrolet Malibu, in J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Initial Quality Study (IQS); while the brand overall is rated higher than Honda in that same IQS.