Entourage Expands Hyundai's Lineup

Grabbing a piece of the minivan market, Hyundai's 2007 Entourage boasts the classic minivan features and more. Deep storage bins minimize clutter, dual power sliding doors eliminate exit crowds in the parking lot and flat-folding seating allows the vehicle to shape shift to your needs.

"Hyundai has really gone out of its way to provide size and unmistakable value for its customers," said Tom Caddell, general manger with the local Hyundai dealership. "It's got some really neat and functional features. It's going to be able to compete in this segment."

With easy-to-use loops, seats can be flipped and folded with one hand and no headrest removal. Seats can also be removed for more storage space.

"It's perfect for commercial use if you need to take the seats out and haul cargo," Caddell said. "With things like leather and a moonroof, the Entourage has been designed to be a real nice way to travel and go on trips, but its convenient features make it ideal for just running everyday errands, too." Caddell points out the Entourage boasts more room than many in its market with 172.3 cubic feet of interior volume. There are power windows in the rear side doors. They include a safety mechanism to prevent injury when the doors slide open. "The sliding door won't go back all the way if a child or maybe even a dog's head is hanging out the window," Caddell said.

Other safety features include standard side curtain air bags for all three rows, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor system. "Hyundai really devoted a lot of time to the performance and the safety on this vehicle," Caddell said.

A back-up warning sensor alerts the driver when nearing unseen objects. The alarm increases its frequency the closer the vehicle comes to theobject. Amenities include keyless entry, power adjusting pedals, manual tri-zone climate control and heated seats.

Available in three trims the GLS, SE and the Limited, the Entourage starts around $23,795. Package upgrades include a power liftgate which makes it easier to load and unload rear cargo when hands are full.

The vehicle's dash is loaded with high-tech treats, and a foldaway center tray table is the perfect place for cell phones andstray change. A dual glove box makes for convenient storage, and a conversation mirror makes checking up on rear passengers much easier.

Dramatic styling gives the vehicle an assertive face and large headlights provide a jeweled front end. Engine options include a 242- horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. "It has a timing chain not a belt which can tend to have more service intervals," Caddell said.

Turn the key and the Entourage roars to life. It has quick reflexes for a bulky minivan and is surprisingly fast. The Entourage jumps to attention when pressed and handles freeway speeds with confidence. Behind the minivan physique, lies a few sports car cravings as the powerful Entourage is quick to pass traffic.

2006 Tulsa World. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved