by Bob Plunkett

A brief decklid on the rump-side trunk conceals the compartment's generous interior dimensions - there's more than 16 cubic feet of cargo space in there. The passenger compartment also seems big - but it is, as Sonata's riders will find far more room inside than on the previous edition. Headroom increases by more than half an inch, legroom in the back seat improves by 1.2 inches and there's as least an inch more room at the shoulder level of rear riders.

Layout of the cabin shows a pair of bucket seats up front flanking a floor-mounted console and a broad bench in back with two articulated seat positions but room for three. The rear seatback splits 60/40 in sections and both fold forward to expand cargo room in the trunk.

Driver's seat faces a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an instrument cluster containing analog gauges with a large speedometer in the center spot ringed by chrome.

Stow spots are scattered around the cabin - map pockets mounted on the front doors, the center console with integrated cupholders and cubbyholes, a hook in the footwell of the right front seat that flips out to hold a handbag, a fold-down armrest in the rear seatback which houses more cupholders in a pop-open section.

Sonata powertrains line up as a 2.4-liter aluminum four-pack with CVVT (continuously cariable valve timing) or Hyundai's new Lambda V6, a 3.3-liter plant also with CVVT.

The in-line-four Theta engine produces 162 hp at 5800 rpm plus torque of 164 lb-ft at 4250 rpm. The Lambda V6 romps with 235 hp at 6000 rpm and 226 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. On the 2.4 plant a five-speed manual is standard for Sonata GL with a four-speed Shiftronic automatic optional. The V6 that's optional on GLS and stock for LX ties strictly to a new five-speed Shiftronic automatic.

For responsive handling as well as a comfortable ride quality, Sonata employs a four-wheel independent suspension system with double wishbone design up front and a multi-link arrangement in back. The rack and pinion steering mechanism brings a direct touch with power boost keyed to engine-speed sensors.

Brakes include a disc at every wheel with computer-controlled equipment for all trims - an anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC) and a traction control system (TCS).

All versions also stock six air bags in the cabin including curtain-style air bags in the ceiling.

Equipment standard on Sonata GL ranges from air conditioning and power controls for windows and door locks and mirrors to heated side mirrors, a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 and 16-inch Michelin MXV tires.

Sonata GLS adds foglamps and alloy wheels, plus a trip computer, lumbar support for the driver's seat, deluxe door sill plates and audio controls on the steering wheel. (CONTINUE...)