SAN FRANCISCO, 4/20/05 – South Korea is getting the hang of this car-building thing. The latest example: the refined, more powerful and much-improved 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Due to arrive on dealer lots in the next few weeks, the redesigned Sonata’s styling, power, price and content make it a big step forward for Hyundai, and – based on a first impression – a great choice for consumers.

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata will be offered in three trims: GL, GLS, and LX. Sonata GL models are available with a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine good for 162-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 164 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a Shiftronic four-speed automatic is optional. The Sonata GL will start at $17,895 plus a $600 destination charge.

GLS models are offered with either the four-cylinder engine mated to the four-speed automatic, or a 235-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 with 226 lb.-ft. of torque joined to a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder GLS models start at $19,395 (plus destination) and GLS V6 models start at $20,895 (plus destination).

Sonata LX models come with the 3.3-liter V6 and five-speed automatic, with prices starting at $22,895 (plus destination). All 2006 Hyundai Sonatas come with front side-impact and two-row side-curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and active headrests.