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Hyundai lowers price and offers a lot more on new 2007 Sonata

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Old 06-28-06, 02:21 PM
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Default Hyundai lowers price and offers a lot more on new 2007 Sonata

SONATA RAISES THE BAR ON MIDSIZE SEDAN VALUE FOR 2007

Lower Prices, More Variety, Greater Value and Unsurpassed
Standard Safety Technologies Mark the 2007 Sonata








Fresh off of its record-breaking 2006 model year, Hyundai’s award-winning Sonata continues to encourage consumers to rethink purchasing a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in 2007.

With new features, new trim designations, a lower base price, and continued leadership as the only midsize sedan under $20,000 with lifesaving Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard equipment, the American-made 2007 Sonata is set to continue its sales growth in the competitive midsize sedan segment.

NEW FOR 2007

* MSRP reductions from $500 – $800 on GLS 4-cylinder models
* New SE model features standard 17-inch wheels and tires and a
234 hp. 3.3 liter V-6 engine
* New top-of-the-line Limited model features a new chrome grille and an optional
Infinity® premium CD changer audio system
* Five star crash safety rating
* Dark Cherry Red and Natural Khaki added to paint choices
* Black leather interior optional on Limited trim
* XM® satellite radio standard (late availability)
* Engines now meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ULEV)
* Improved steering wheel audio controls (late availability)

The new-for-2006 Hyundai Sonata quickly set the benchmark for value and standard safety technology in the midsize segment. Upon its introduction last year, the 2006 Sonata beat Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to take first place in an Edmunds.com Inside Line comparison test. Edmunds.com reported, “In the end, it wasn't even close…in the areas of performance and features, the Hyundai won in a landslide …Bottom Line: With the 2006 Sonata, Hyundai convincingly beats the long-standing class leaders in nearly every important category.” In addition, MotorWeek recognized the Hyundai Sonata as the Best Family Sedan in its 2006 “Drivers' Choice Award”, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named it a “Best in Class” midsize, Consumers Digest gave it a “Best Buy” award, and Popular Mechanics awarded it its first-ever “Safety Excellence” award for its leadership in the application of standard safety technologies like ESC. Also very impressive is how well Sonata scored right out of the gate in the 2006 Initial Quality Study issued by J.D. Power and Associates ranking third in the highly competitive midsize car segment.

Sonata’s impressive trophy case is complemented by its combination of striking style, an extensive list of standard features, and the growing strength of Hyundai’s brand, which now appeals to a broader range of customers than ever before. Drawing new customers to the brand is entirely by design, as Hyundai began the new Sonata program by surveying American consumers at clinics about their likes and dislikes, wants, needs and preferences for midsize sedans. This consumer-focus has succeeded in propelling Sonata to a 61 percent sales increase in 2006. It now ranks as the eight best-selling car in the country, and is cross-shopped most frequently against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord – the two best-selling cars in the U.S.

UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

The Hyundai Sonata has earned the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata’s standard-setting active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has ESC with Traction Control as standard equipment, along with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and four-wheel disc brakes. This is important because the NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.

In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags—along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

CONTEMPORARY EXTERIOR DESIGN

Following Hyundai’s mission to provide more for the money, the Sonata measures 188.9 inches long, 58.0 inches tall and 72.1 inches wide – making it both taller and wider than the 2007 Accord and Camry.


But it is the sophisticated design that really defines the Sonata. The unibody, made of high-tensile steel, features a bold, concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-fascia interfaces, and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. Furthering its look of solidity are 16-inch wheels on the GLS and standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the SE and Limited. The model range also offers a choice of 11 solid, metallic and mica colors.

A WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS A “CLASS-ABOVE” THE COMPETITION

The Sonata is classified by the EPA as a Large Car, truly a “class above” the Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as midsize cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it a 16 percent advantage over Accord, an eight percent advantage over the new Camry, and a four percent advantage over Altima.


Sonata likewise delivers on Hyundai’s pledge to offer more sophistication and refinement. For instance, premium doorsill scuff plates greet Limited passengers, who also enjoy either gray metalgrain or woodgrain interior trim accents with their gray, beige, or new-for-2007 black leather interiors.

Standard convenience features include tilt steering and an auto-up/down power-window function with pinch protection. The front center console offers dual-tier storage and two covered cupholders (deeper for 2007); two more cupholders are located in the rear center armrest.

Sonata also delivers class-leading cabin quietness and reduced wind noise. Designers increased the strength and stiffness of the body structure to reduce engine and road noise.

CHOICE OF TWO CLEAN, POWERFUL, FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

A pair of engines combine excellent front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder in the Sonata GLS is part of Hyundai’s “Theta” group of engines, and is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech all-aluminum 16-valve engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a durable stainless-steel exhaust manifold, and twin balance shafts and hydraulic motor mounts to reduce vibration. It meets ULEV emissions standards and returns an impressive 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the Sonata’s standard five-speed manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the optional four-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Sonata four-cylinder engine’s power output exceeds that of the 2007 Camry, while matching its fuel economy.


Standard in the Sonata SE and Limited models is the 3.3-liter V6 that produces 234 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque. As the first member of Hyundai's “Lambda” engine family, this engine also has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT and hydraulic engine mounts. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) to further broaden its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The Sonata SE and Limited offer 15 lb.-ft. more torque than the Accord V6. Mileage estimates are 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway. For 2007, the 3.3L engine is enhanced to achieve higher mileage emissions durability through the introduction of a high-technology catalytic converter wash-coat.
All SE and Limited models use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither the Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system provides occupants with a smooth, supple ride combined with excellent roadholding. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, twin-tube gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The system’s lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.

In back, a sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation.

The Sonata achieves a 29 percent torsional stiffness advantage over Honda Accord. This rigid body allows Hyundai's chassis engineers to tune suspension settings to achieve a more comfortable, quieter ride than Accord, while still maintaining precise steering and handling.

THREE NEW, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From well equipped, to really well equipped, to downright luxurious, the 2007 Sonata lineup honors the needs and desires of midsize-sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. The new Sonata is available in GLS, SE and top-of-the-line Limited trim levels. Each delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above comparable models in the class.

SONATA GLS

With an MSRP of $17,195, the 2007 Sonata GLS is priced $700 less than 2006 Sonata GL base model. The GLS also has a sizable price advantage compared to its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2006 Honda Accord and 2007 Toyota Camry by $1,030 and $1,075 respectively. Accord four-cylinder models are not available with ESC, which is standard on all Sonata models, while Toyota offers ESC as a $650 option on the 2007 Camry. Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a four-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission optional.

The Sonata GLS’s standard exterior features include 16-inch steel wheels with Michelin tires, power windows, door locks and outside heated mirrors and keyless entry with alarm. Interior features include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, air conditioning with cabin air filtration, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column. An impressive array of passive safety features includes six airbags and active front head restraints. A power driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and fog lamps are optional.

New for 2007 is a GLS Premium-Sport package that combines the fuel-efficient 2.4L four-cylinder, the five-speed manual transmission, 17-inch tires with five-spoke flangeless aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and other premium features – it’s the sportiest four-cylinder in the Sonata family.

SONATA SE – V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE

The 2007 SE adds to Sonata’s fun-to-drive factor with Hyundai's high-tech 3.3-liter V6 engine. The Sonata SE starts at $20,995 – that’s $2,045 less than the lowest price 2007 Camry V6 model, and $4,105 less than the lowest price 2006 Accord V6 sedan. Equipped with all of the features found on the GLS, the SE adds chrome-tipped dual exhausts, five-speed SHIFTRONIC® automatic transmission, larger disc brakes and solar control glass. Other standard features include fog lights, chrome window belt molding, driver’s-seat lumbar support, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a trip computer. Options include a power/tilt sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, CD changer, subwoofer and amplifier, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED

A new range-topping Limited model replaces the 2006 LX model, adding a new grille and audio system. Priced at $22,995, the Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for midsize buyers who want it all—at a great price. Distinguishing exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with lower-profile tires (shared with the SE), a new chrome center-bar grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control with an automatic Air Quality System (AQS), an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® and compass, telescoping steering wheel adjustment and a sliding center armrest. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only options are a power/tilt sunroof and an Infinity® AM/FM/6-CD Changer/MP3 with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier. For the first time, a black leather interior is available on the Limited trim.
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Old 06-28-06, 02:39 PM
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mmarshall
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This is great news......a friend of mine ( really...a minister, one of my pastors ) is quite interested in a new Sonata. He was originally interested in a 2006 but the 2007 deal now looks even better...and, of course, the 2007 will have second-year improvements and a track record to go on.
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Old 06-28-06, 03:42 PM
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Great car, but still no navigation system.
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Old 06-28-06, 04:32 PM
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Hyundai is really targetting the Camry and Accord. Hyundai wants a piece of that pie and that's understandable; they're providing a lot of car for not a lot of $$$.

The Accord and Camry still has a few bells and whistles that the Sonata can't offer, such as the aforementioned Nav availability, or even a hybrid for that matter. We'll see how well Hyundai evolves in the future...
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Old 06-28-06, 08:00 PM
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Hyundai has confirmed that the Santa Fe will get navi next year. Perhaps that means that the 2008 Sonata will get navi as well.
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Old 06-29-06, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Hyundai is really targetting the Camry and Accord. Hyundai wants a piece of that pie and that's understandable; they're providing a lot of car for not a lot of $$$.

The Accord and Camry still has a few bells and whistles that the Sonata can't offer, such as the aforementioned Nav availability, or even a hybrid for that matter. We'll see how well Hyundai evolves in the future...
Don't forget, though...there are reasons why Hyundai offers as much or more vehicle for less money than Honda and Toyota. Korean labor costs are traditionally lower than for Japanese labor, and Hyundai has a long history and tradition of offering low-priced vehicles that it cannot just toss out the door. People have come to EXPECT Hyundai to undercut Toyota / Honda pricing, quality or not, and the company HAS to give it to them along with the better quality of its newer products. But...even so........there is no free lunch. Better materials and quality control cost money. You can't just wave a magic wand and presto, have both without some price to pay.......so along with Hyundai's better quality and design today are coming slightly higher prices as well. Still.....the prices significantly undercut much of the opposition, and have not reached the point where the public no longer feels they are not a good value.

As for the lack of a NAV system, yes, that may keep out some potential buyers, but the importance of NAV systems, IMO is quite overrated. Few auto companies have managed to make one that is easy to use ( the Honda / Acura NAV system is about the best in that regard ) and many people feel that they are just not worth the money and hassle, especially if they don't drive much in unfamiliar areas.
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Old 06-29-06, 07:10 AM
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Lightbulb Warranty

I still think that Lexus/Acura/Infiniti need to @ least match Hyundai's warranty. That is the only thing that ever even made me consider buying a Hyundai. w/ their reliability, how much could an extra year cost Toyota?

Toyota et al better watch out for the Koreans. The pendulum always has to swing back (ask Detroit's big 3) & Japanese cars may not be on top forever ....

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Old 06-29-06, 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by GS69
[FONT=Verdana] [COLOR=Purple] I still think that Lexus/Acura/Infiniti need to @ least match Hyundai's warranty. That is the only thing that ever even made me consider buying a Hyundai. w/ their reliability, how much could an extra year cost Toyota?
Go look at and test-drive some new Hyundai products, and, although most of their engines are not quite as torquey as some others and they have some road noise, you will find that Hyundai and Kia have a LOT more going for their new vehicles than just a long warranty.
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Old 06-29-06, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
Go look at and test-drive some new Hyundai products, and, although most of their engines are not quite as torquey as some others and they have some road noise, you will find that Hyundai and Kia have a LOT more going for their new vehicles than just a long warranty.
The Azera and Entourage have class leading torque. The Hyundai 2.4L 4 cyl. also has more torque than the Camry 4 cyl. or the Accord 4 cyl.

Last edited by jrock65; 06-29-06 at 07:48 AM.
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Old 06-29-06, 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by jrock65
The Azera and Entourage have class leading torque. The Hyundai 2.4L 4 cyl. also has more torque than the Camry 4 cyl. or the Accord 4 cyl.
Yes and no. That was part of Hyundai's problem. Their engines, for years, on the road, did not really match what the advertised figures were. Fortunately that is starting to change now.
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Old 06-29-06, 08:15 AM
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The Hyundai V6 is very quiet and smooth.
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Old 06-29-06, 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
The Hyundai V6 is very quiet and smooth.
Which one are you referring to....the Sonata's, since it is the thread topic?
There are four Hyundai V6's in the American market........a small 2.7L V6 for the Tuscon, base Santa Fe, and Tiburon, a medium-size 3.3L V6 for the Sonata, a 3.5L V6 for the upmarket Santa Fe, and a larger 3.8L V6 for the Azera and Entourage.

Last edited by mmarshall; 06-29-06 at 08:32 AM.
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Old 07-06-06, 10:15 AM
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I'll add 2007 Sonata prices to my database within the next day or two. The 2006 comes with big rebates, so for now it's less expensive.

I do like the addition of the black leather interior. Usually that's one of the features they let Kia run with. I believe the Sonata is assembled in North America., so the cost benefit of Korean labor is reduced.

Last edited by AsianGirl007; 07-06-06 at 07:54 PM. Reason: unauthorized promotions
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Old 07-06-06, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
Which one are you referring to....the Sonata's, since it is the thread topic?
There are four Hyundai V6's in the American market........a small 2.7L V6 for the Tuscon, base Santa Fe, and Tiburon, a medium-size 3.3L V6 for the Sonata, a 3.5L V6 for the upmarket Santa Fe, and a larger 3.8L V6 for the Azera and Entourage.
I was talking about the Sonata's. That's the only one I've experienced.
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Old 07-06-06, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
I was talking about the Sonata's. That's the only one I've experienced.
Yes, a good engine....much better than past underpowered Sonata V6's, and one of the reasons why the Sonata is so reliable....so far the most reliable of all the new Hyundais.
We'll have to wait a few more months, however, to see if the new 2006's, built at the new Alabama plant, will continue the trend.
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