For 2006, Hyundai has created an all-new midsize Sonata with a spacious and refined interior, upgraded safety features, better engines and a base price to make it competitive with Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

Sonata is Hyundai’s best-selling sedan, and the 2005 model climbed to the top in highest initial quality for an “Entry Midsize Car” in J.D. Powers and Associates’ consumer surveys. The 2006 is much better and here’s why.

First, the inside has been stretched to offer 121.7 cubic feet of interior volume - which actually makes it a “large car” by federal standards - with more spaciousness than any of its competitors. Increases in legroom, headroom and shoulder room come from adding two inches to the length, raising the car’s height two inches and adding an inch to the wheelbase.

Second, the car was designed (it took three years) to achieve a top safety score in federal crash tests with six airbags - dual front, side-impact and rear side curtains. Now standard on all three trims are anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints and Electronic Stability Control, which helped our GLS test vehicle conquer curves and react positively to sharp turns.

Sonata notes it is the only sedan in its class to offer ESC as a standard feature, pointing out that federal studies show ESC equipped vehicles experience 35 percent fewer single vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single vehicle fatalities. Lastly, the base Sonata got a new 2.4-liter inline engine with 162 horsepower while the GLS and top-of-the-line LX get new Lambda 3.3-liter, V-6 engines with 235 horsepower, a jump of 65 horses from Sonata’s prior 2.7-liter V-6. Outside, the redesign creates a sleek, curved roof look and a comfortable look that matches the solid, but conservative looks of the Camry and Accord. Neat touches include dual chrome-tipped exhaust, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio player with large luxurious- looking controls, ample storage spaces including a covered storage slot low in the center dashboard, leather trimmed steering wheel with tilt feature and a Shiftronic transmission that lets you play with manual shifting. The noise level has been reduced due to a stronger subframe and the cushiony ride comes courtesy of four-wheel independent suspension - double wishbone in front; five-link suspension in rear. Inside, our GLS had wood trim and chrome like touches with a fit and finish that felt more expensive. The GLS costs about $3,000 less than comparable competitors. With the J.D. Powers quality ranking and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, Sonata has arrived.