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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Features for the money; vast seating or cargo space; ride; safety ratings. |
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Changes: |
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For 2008, the mid-range Hyundai Entourage SE is discontinued, leading only the GLS and Limited trims, but a new Popular Equipment Package adds a level of equipment similar to that of the SE for a lower price. The Popular Equipment Package includes dual power sliding doors, steering wheel audio controls, a backup warning system, power rear quarter windows, and a power driver's seat. Bluetooth hands-free capability is now optional across the line.
On the bargain-priced GLS, there's a new Premium Package that adds dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch DVD rear entertainment system, an Infinity CD/MP3 audio system, and a number of visual enhancements outside and in. |
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Value: |
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Hyundai's Entourage stands out from other minivans for 2008 by offering far more standard features at a price point that's competitive, if not lower than, the competition. Hyundai says that with the Popular Equipment Package, the Entourage is the lowest-priced minivan with power sliding doors and backup warning sensors. The Entourage also has more standard safety features than some of its rivals, and carries the distinction of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Hyundai also says that, unlike many V6 engines, the Entourage's V6 requires no scheduled maintenance thanks to its timing chain. |
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Overview: |
A 250-horsepower, 3.8L V6 engine is standard on all 2008 Hyundai Entourage models, along with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic function, which allows the driver to manually select gearshifts in a separate mode, by pushing the shift knob forward or rearward.
The Entourage is available only in one length that stands, at 118.9 inches, among the longest minivans. That translates to a wealth of interior space. Thanks to the four-wheel independent suspension, with coil springs and stabilizer bars, there's also a smooth ride and responsive handling.
As with any minivan, seating and cargo space is perhaps the mode important part.
The Entourage comes standard with seating for seven, and a hideaway third-row seat that tucks neatly into a flat cargo floor, along with a foldaway tray table and four cup holders. Power sliding rear windows and dual manual sliding side doors are also standard. The interior comes finished in a two-tone color scheme, with either woodgrain or metallic accents.
Safety is a strong point for the Entourage.
Front side air bags are standard, along with side curtain bags for all three rows of seating, and electronic stability control, which helps reduce engine power and apply one or more of the brakes to restore control in a skid. Front-row seats have active head restraints, which help reduce the chance of whiplash injuries, while all other seats have adjustable head restraints.
The GLS model starts at a bargain price, but it does come better equipped than many other minivan models. Among the standard items are remote keyless entry, a tri-zone climate control, front wiper de-icer, cruise control, roof-rack side rails, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.
New for this year is the Popular Equipment Package on the GLS, which adds dual power sliding doors, steering wheel audio controls, a backup warning system, power rear quarter windows, and a power driver's seat. A Premium Equipment Package adds many more luxury features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-inch DVD rear entertainment system, an Infinity Logic 7 CD/MP3 audio system, a leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and fog lamps.
At the top is the Limited model, which adds the Infinity sound system plus leather seats all around, heated seats in front, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, automatic headlamps, premium scuff plates, a power tailgate, and special badging. The Ultimate Package adds a rear-seat entertainment system, a power front passenger seat, a sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, a HomeLink garage door opener, and memory settings for the seats, mirrors, and pedals. |
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