2006 Hyundai Azera - Full-Size Flagship Gets More Competitive
 |
| A Sonata on steroids? Say goodbye to the XG and welcome all-new Azera. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
Hyundai entered the full-size sedan class in the late '90s with the XG. With its 2006 replacement, the generic designation has been dropped in favour of a European sounding name, Azera, which ironically is not what the South Korean firm is calling the model in Europe. The large car has been completely updated, with stylish sheetmetal, a clean, understated, high-quality interior, and a new 24-valve, DOHC 263-hp 3.8L V6 with 245 lb-ft of torque. While the outgoing car was shy about its origins, not showing a Hyundai stylized "H" on its grille, the new car proudly displays the logo front and centre.
2006 Kia Sedona - Getting Serious About Family Hauling
 |
| Is this the Korean contender that will shake up the minivans segment? (Photo: Kia Canada) |
The Sedona took a shot right at the core of a domestic stronghold when it was came to market four years ago, and has done a good job of pulling minivan buyers away from the Big 3 in the ensuing years. Kia plans to make life even more miserable for its rivals with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Sedona, which is larger, more powerful, and better looking. The new model also gets power-actuated second-row side windows, a flat-folding third-row seat and optional power-operated side and rear doors, plus every safety feature currently available in the class. Now that's more like it!
2006 MazdaSpeed6 - Closing In On Your Rearview Next Year
 |
| Move over RX-8... this is Mazda's new sports car! (Photo: Mazda Canada) |
The MazdaSpeed6, the third model to take on the Speed suffix, sports a 274-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive; the first time four driving wheels have been used by Mazda since the 323 GT Turbo from the late '80s. The Speed6, not to confuse it with pre-WWII Bentleys, should give premium European cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as premium Japanese makes from Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, a run for their money. The Mazda6 variant sports subtle exterior and interior upgrades, visually setting it apart from less extravagant trim levels.
