Monday, January 10, 2005

Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News Bob Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motors of America, introduces the 2006 Sonata.

New Sonata stresses safety and value

By John McCormick / Autos Insider

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Hyundai underscored its value for money crusade with a loaded 2006 Sonata model that will cost under $20,000.

To be built in Hyundai's $1.1 billion plant in Montgomery, Ala. The 2006 Sonata is longer then its predecessor and is equipped with numerous standard safety features, including electronic ability control and six air bags.

"We are redefining the Accord/Camry segment", said Bob Cosmai, CEO and President of Hyundai North America. "This will allow us to talk about Hyundai in a whole new way."

The confident, wide-stance Sonata design is "notably free of ornamentation," said John Krafcik, V.P. of Product Development. The Sonata is actually classified as a large car versus mid-size classification for Accord and Camry. A choice of 237 h.p. 3.3 liter v-6 engine or 162 h.p. 2-liter 4 cylinder engine is offered.

The Sonata is one of seven new models coming from Hyundai in the next 24 months. The newcomers include Accent, XG, a mini-van, Santa Fe and Elentra.