NEWS: Hyundai’s Entourage

By Michael Banovsky

Much like DCX stamped out competitors in the 80s by offering the super-popular Caravan, I think Hyundai will score big with its new minivan, the Entourage. Poised to offer class-leading power and a competitive price, Hyundai’s entry comes when some manufacturers are downsizing (Mazda5) or scrapping (Ford’s Freestyle) their minivan offerings. It should be an interesting fight.

From Hyundai Canada:

“Hyundai has announced that it will introduce an all-new minivan in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model.

Called the “Entourage”, the new offering will extend Hyundai’s product range into the highly-competitive minivan segment for the first time.

Strengthening the Hyundai product portfolio, the new Entourage minivan will be offered only as a long-wheelbase version and will be powered by the sophisticated 3.8-liter V6 engine that will also be found in the 2006 Hyundai Azera premium sedan.

“The Entourage will be yet another milestone vehicle for Hyundai in Canada,” said Stephen F. Kelleher, President and C.E.O. of Hyundai Auto Canada. “We are extremely excited to be entering this market segment and, like other new Hyundai offerings, the all-new Entourage will offer buyers outstanding levels of quality, spaciousness, safety and standard features while reflecting and retaining traditional Hyundai value.””