2007 Hyundai Entourage in Leicester, NC - $8,995

Hyundai enters the minivan market with an impressive new vehicle â€"- the 2007 Hyundai Entourage. Sharing an all-new platform with the Kia Sedona which was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, the front-drive Entourage builds on the Hyundai themes of quality, value, safety and functionality. Tasteful, sophisticated and balanced, the Entourage is a worthy alternative to those motorists considering a Japanese minivan option.

Notable features found on the all-new Entourage include a standard fold-in-the-floor third-row seat and available power-sliding doors and liftgate. An impressive roster of standard safety equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for all three seating rows. Electronic stability program and traction control are also standard.

Available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels, power for the Hyundai minivan is generated by a completely new aluminum 3.8L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine mated to a five-speed Sportronic automatic transmission. Underway, the all-new Entourage is fast, silent and liquid. The five-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly with the large displacement V6 engine to deliver world class performance under a variety of conditions. Solid and sure at speed, the Entourage inspires driver confidence.

The Hyundai minivan rides on a four-wheel independent suspension that features MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front; a multi-link suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar for the rear.

With regard to interior amenities, Hyundai designed in a collection of the best of almost everything to be found in a minivan. The all-new Entourage offers buyers a generous list of standard features and amenities.

The base GLS model comes standard with stability control, tri-zone air conditioning, sliding door power windows, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, captain's chairs for the second row, Hyundai Hideaway third-row 60/40 split rear seats and remote keyless entry with alarm. SE adds fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, heated power side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift knob, steering wheel mounted audio controls, power rear quarter glass, compass, automatic headlamps and trim computer.

The Limited adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink, heated front leather seating and a power tailgate.

Inside the cabin, the driver enjoys an excellent view of the road. Interior appointments are tasteful and upscale -- not "import cheap" looking. Displays and controls are well laid out. They are very user-friendly for short drivers. The roomy interior has versatile seating configurations to allow any number of passenger/cargo hauling possibilities. Seating throughout the cabin is comfortable with armrests, nooks, crannies and plenty of cupholders and four power points for portable electrical appliances.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 118.9; overall length: 202.0; width: 78.1; height: 71.5 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.8L V6 -- 242 hp at 6,000 rpm and 251 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission: electronically controlled five-speed automatic with overdrive.

EPA fuel economy: 18 city/25 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 141.5 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Sohari, Korea.

US/Canadian: 7 percent.

Korea: 93 percent.

Engine and transmission: Korea.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry and windshield wiper de-icer. SE adds fog lights and automatic headlamps. Limited adds HomeLink Universal Transceiver and power lift gate. Optional safety features include power adjustable pedals and rear parking sensors.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile; bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/unlimited.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Hyundai Entourage minivan starts from $23,795 for the GLS, $26,295 for the SE and $28,795 for the Limited. Destination charges add $700.

#####