by Bob Plunkett

Hyundai, the largest car company in South Korea, invests in North America with a new $1.1 billion Alabama assembly plant, a vast technology and engineering center located in Michigan, $30 million worth of studios for research and design in California, plus a $50 million test track pitched in the Mojave Desert.

As a result, many of the vehicles in Hyundai's extensive line slant directly toward the American market - such as a new generation of designs for Sonata, a four-door and five-passenger sedan which is the first Hyundai to come out of that Alabama factory.

Consider the Sonata for 2006 com-pletely new in size, style and mechanical components. It fits in the mid-size sedan class, although generous space in the five passen-ger compartment seems more like the cabin of a large-size car.

Two new engines were developed for Sonata through three different trim grades - all stocking extensive equipment for safety. Hyundai applies aggressive price points for all trims. MSRP leader is the entry issue Sonata GL, listing for $17,895 with a four-cylinder engine and standard five-speed manual shifter. Middle model Sonata GLS with the four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic tallies to $19,395, or $20,895 with the V6 upgrade and a five-speed automatic. Top tier Sonata LX, packing the V6 plus lots of luxury goods including leather, starts at $22,895.

Then Hyundai supports each new Sonata with a warranty which goes beyond the protection for other vehicles -- the powertrain insured for 100,000 miles and a 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper shield against defects plus unlimited mileage for a roadside assistance program.

With body styling drawn now in the mainstream of designs, a high content in comfort features, extensive safety equipment, the generous warranty program and prices whittled to keen low points, Sonata for 2006 makes a persuasive case for inclusion on any sedan shopper's list.

The new structure for Sonata is considerably larger and far more sophisticated than the predecessor. It measures several inches longer and taller and half an inch wider, with the wheelbase stretched out 1.1 inches longer and the wheel track 1.4 inches wider in front and 1.2 inches in back.

Styling of the body is clean and simple with a smooth front fascia setting off bold contours on a concave-dimpled hood dome follow-ed by a windshield raking high to an arching brow of the roof. Four-point projector headlights mount in slit-eye clusters on corners of the prow, separated by a streak of chrome capping the grille.

Sonata's side view reveals a beltline that's nearly level above rolled shoulders and curvy door panels with large round wheelwells added to house big wheels and tires. Windows rise high to meet the arching roofline with support frames and middle pillar in black to blend with a dark tint of the glass and kindle the image of a sporty coupe. (CONTINUE...)