Hyundai believes redesigned Sonata is poised to take on...

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<h2>Hyundai believes redesigned Sonata is poised to take on the mid-sized leaders</h2>

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata fires a shot across the bow of Honda, Toyota and Nissan.

Although the Sonata does not raise the bar technically, the pricing of the mid-sized sedan is designed to give consumers more standard features for their dollar.

Once its new assembly plant in Montgomery, Ala., hits full speed, Hyundai Motor Co. expects to sell 150,000 Sonatas a year in the United States, up from 107,189 in 2004. The Sonata accounted for 25.6 percent of Hyundai's U.S. sales last year.

The redesigned Sonata is 2 inches longer, an inch wider and 2 inches higher than its predecessor. Its wheelbase is an inch longer. The EPA now classifies the Sonata as a "large" car.

The Sonata meets or exceeds the engine performance standards of segment leaders, although it falls slightly short on fuel economy. It rides on a double-wishbone front suspension and a multilink rear suspension.

The mid-sized segment tends to sell 75 percent of vehicles with four-cylinder engines and 25 percent with V-6s. Hyundai wants to sell 60 percent of Sonatas with V-6 engines. Low entry pricing for the V-6 version should make it attractive to consumers on a budget.

The Sonata's mature, sophisticated design resembles that of the Honda Accord.

Hyundai may have overcompensated for the old Sonata's wobbly ride and handling. The new version's suspension is noticeably jouncy, especially with 17-inch wheels. While the car's interior is improved, it still is not up to leading Japanese or European standards.

The 2006 Sonata will have a base sticker price of $18,495, including a $600 destination charge, when it goes on sale May 1. An automatic transmission adds $900 to the base price.

The redesigned base model costs $1,451 more than the current model. But the 2006 Sonata has much more standard equipment. It includes stability control; traction control; front, side and curtain airbags; cruise control; four-wheel antilock disc brakes; air-conditioning; stereo radio with CD player; power windows, door locks and mirrors; 16-inch wheels; tilt steering wheel; and keyless entry with alarm.

The 2006 Sonata with a 235-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission has a base price of $21,495, including destination.

The Sonata is a huge step forward for Hyundai. It was once a refuge for buyers who couldn't afford better. The 2006 Sonata confidently can confront the segment leaders while continuing to emphasize value, especially if the company's Alabama plant can maintain quality.

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of corporate strategic planning, calls the 2006 Sonata "an unprecedented combination of safety, power, package and value."

Says Krafcik: "We can go head-to-head with the leading Japanese powertrains."