It looks rather unassuming, but the redesigned 2006 Hyundai Sonata is among the more significant new cars of the past few years. It signals the sharpest assault yet by the South Koreans on America's top-volume market segment: midsize cars. Hyundai, and its Kia sub-brand, were already advancing at a remarkable pace. So far, they've been strongest in subcompact cars and compact SUVs, but are moving boldly into upscale sedans, as evidenced by the 2006 Hyundai Azera.

Each new South Korean model sends a shudder through its segment, ladling on features at prices that undercut comparably equipped rivals. Indeed, the South Koreans tend to concentrate on amenities that play well in the showroom, leaving such "hidden" virtues as smooth, powerful engines and sophisticated suspension systems to drive up competitors' prices.

Determining how Sonata hews to that strategy is one goal of our extended-use test. The early finding is that, like every Sonata, our 2006 LX delivers a laudable array of safety items, plus good room for four adults and their luggage. The cabin design is gimmick-free, and its materials have great surface appeal, if not the substance of the weightier plastics, switchgear, and upholstery in such class pacesetters as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

That distinction also applies to our test car's dynamic qualities. Its mechanical specifications impress on paper, but drive it back to back with an Accord, Camry, or Volkswagen Passat, and it feels under-engineered, coarser in ride and powertrain, and less precise in steering and handling. Of course, our fully equipped LX lists for $24,895, including destination. Comparably outfitted, the aforementioned cars range from $27,850 to $33,615.

So far, Hyundai's calculation seems successful. Sonata is by far the top-selling South Korean nameplate in the U.S., and in calendar 2005, was the sixth best-selling midsize car in America.

Editors' Comments

Jennifer Geiger: Despite some notable shortcomings, namely Sonata's sloppy-feeling suspension, I thought this sedan was very well-equipped for the price versus many of its competitors. In this jam-packed class, Sonata's combination of refined interior materials, adequate powertrain, standard safety equipment, and affordability set it apart.

Chuck Giametta: Dial back your expectations for refinement and dynamics, and Sonata's appeal becomes clear. It's roomy enough, and packed with features for the price, obviously. But it's also the first South Korean car, the first South Korean vehicle, really, to look perfectly at home in an American driveway.