Hyundai’s midsize sedan, the Sonata, was a stellar car before the 2006 model year, but a complete re-do comes with impressive results. Sonata is now two inches longer, two inches taller, plus there’s a one-inch gain in the wheelbase. A one-inch increase in the seating height and more room between the A-pillar and the driver makes the cabin feel considerably more spacious. Compared to the 2005 model, the new Sonata improves the body’s torsional rigidity by 40 percent. From a power point-of-view, the two engines get additional muscle. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine gains 21 horsepower (now 162) and 17 pounds-feet of torque (now 164). With the 2.7-liter V6 engine replaced by a 3.3-liter V6, the horsepower punch goes up 65 (now 235), while the pounds-feet of torque increase 45 (now 226). Top-of-the-line Sonata LX is stuffed with standards, like six airbags, front active head restraints, electronic stability control, traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an air quality system, steering wheel with audio controls, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, power windows, power locks, power doors, and dual chrome tipped exhaust. Sonata LX is such a complete sedan that the only options are a power/tilt sunroof and a CD changer with subwoofer and component amplifier. The per gallon fuel number count for the sedan that’s fitted with the V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission is 20 city/30 highway. MSRP of Sonata LX is $22,895. This car gets approval marks on all scoring measures. It’s simply a stylish, smartly appointed, easy driving sedan.