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2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 Long-Term Test Update No. 3

Top-Tier Crash Test Vaults Sonata into Safest Sedan Territory

No one who has followed Hyundais progress in recent years should be surprised to see its new Sonata perform as well as it has in the latest Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The new midsize sedan was given five stars, the highest ranking possible, in the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both driver and front passenger.

Hyundai touts the Sonatas "all-new computer-designed rigid body structure" as a key reason why it maintains composure during frontal and side crashes. The car also features "reinforced bulkheads, pillars and side-impact protection to provide the foundation for a stiffer front sub-frame." Hyundai continues, stating that "extensive testing using computer simulation

The new Sonata has been given five stars, the highest ranking possible, in the NHTSA frontal and side-impact crash tests for both driver and front passenger. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

as well as real world testing has further optimized crumple zones and impact load diffusion paths."

In case you werent aware, our GLS V6 tester, and all Sonatas for that matter, feature advanced dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat occupant, and side curtain airbags for the driver, front seat passenger and outboard rear seat passengers. The front seats also integrate active head restraints

In case you werent aware, our GLS V6 tester, and all Sonatas for that matter, feature advanced dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat occupant, and side curtain airbags for the driver, front seat passenger and outboard rear seat passengers. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

for added protection against whiplash during rear collisions. 

The Sonatas full assortment of airbags and resultantly high NCAP results make all of us in the West Coast Office feel mighty secure when behind the wheel or riding along in our new long-term tester, something weve been doing a great deal lately. Its odometer reading has shot up from the previous updates 1,523 miles to 1,921 miles, a total of

The car is peppy, with good pickup when needed. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

398 miles, which represents about 50 percent more distance traveled than during the previous two week period - and that with no road trips.

Our new staffer, Mary Elton, took the helm for the first week, after which Jennifer used it to shuttle the kids around to various activities (kindergarten, soccer, dance classes), as well as off to the gym for a little personal time. I subbed in once and awhile when in town, which was all of three working days - weekends not included.

And now, without further ado, the log entries:
Odometer: 1,523 miles

Mary:

Good steering wheel mounted radio controls. Volume is there, and I like the mute button, but why no station changer controls? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Drove to across town to drop off Alexandra at the Mazda office. The car is peppy, with good pickup when needed. But the ever-important front cupholders werent designed to hold a medium sized cup snugly and could stand some retooling. Not good. Also, when rotating the vent controls all the way to the "blue" position (cool), warm air still came out of the vents, and this on a cool day. I needed to open the windows cool down.

Odometer: 1,584 miles

Mary: Drove to from downtown to the burbs. The radio is fine. But the hood and gas cap opener buttons are conveniently located and

This is a nice looking vehicle! I really like the paint job. I dubbed it midnight sparkle, subtle with a touch of glitter. The lines are clean and pleasing. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

easy to use.

Odometer: 1,590 miles

Mary: Good steering wheel mounted radio controls. Volume is there, and I like the mute button, but why no station changer controls? Ive also decided that the seats, although covered in leather, arent cushioned enough for my liking.

Odometer: 1,628 miles

Mary: Seems to go up steep hills quite well, lots of pep. Good visibility out the front, as well as to the dash dials and other controls. Rear visibility is pretty good also, when shoulder checking. I like the sun visor extensions.

I like the look of the dual exhaust pipes. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Odometer: 1,693 miles

Mary: Drove from one end of our two-million plus city to the other today. Enjoyed the drive. I also really appreciate its ease of parking. Again, I cant get over how simple the dash controls are and resultantly how easy they are to operate. Whats even better was the handy fold-down 60/40 split rear seatbacks. I had to carry my keyboard and it loaded in without any problems.

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