Hyundai Veracruz

Infobox Automobile
name=Hyundai Veracruz


manufacturer=Hyundai Motor Company
aka=Hyundai ix55
production=2007–present
class=Mid-size crossover SUV
body_style=5-door SUV
engine=3.8L V6 (North America), (South Korea)
3.0L V6 CRDi (South Korea)
transmission=6-speed automatic
related=Hyundai Santa Fe
assembly=Ulsan, Korea
wheelbase= Auto in|110.4|0
layout=Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive.
length= Auto in|190.6|0
width= Auto in|77.6|0
height= Auto in|71.1|0

The Hyundai Veracruz is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by Hyundai in the countries of United States, Canada, South Korea, China, and the Middle East. The official date of unveiling in South Korea is October 12, 2006. It is available now in the United States as a 2007 model. Hyundai has settled on its segment name as Luxury Utility Vehicle (LUV). It is a new, larger-than-Santa Fe crossover. The Veracruz went on sale in March 2007 and is Hyundai's largest crossover SUV until the large Portico launches in 2009. The Veracruz is a replacement for the truck-based Terracan, which was sold worldwide except for North America, and is built on a stretched Santa Fe platformfact | date=July 2007.

The Veracruz gets its name from a state in Mexico, continuing the Western theme from the small Tucson SUV and mid-size Santa Fe SUV. According to Autoweek, the Veracruz is larger than the Honda Pilot, and has more cargo volume than the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class; power comes from a 3.8L, 263 horsepower V6, with Aisin sourced 6-speed automatic transmission.

Many have suggested that the Veracruz, as well as the Azera and the Genesis are testing the waters for a new luxury brand by Hyundai, to compete with the likes of Lexus, Cadillac, Lincoln, Infiniti, and Acura.

Safety

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) said crash results indicated, "... a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity," which is the highest result possible. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) found similar results when they tested the Veracruz, awarding it five stars after its frontal crash test for both passenger and driver and in the side impact event. [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/4291.html] On November 15, 2007 the IIHS declared Veracruz vehicles built after August 2007 a Best Safety Pick for side, rear, and frontal impact protection. The Veracruz is one of three Hyundai models to receive this award.

Pricing range

* $26,910 - $35,750 [http://www.jbcarpages.com/hyundai/veracruz/2008/features/]
* fully-loaded $35,750 (Limited, AWD)

tandard safety features

* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
* Advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Active front head restraints (reconfigured after Aug 07)

2008 Veracruz standard features

GLS

* 3.8L DOHC V6 engine with dual exhaust
* 6-Speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
* 7-passenger seating with Hyundai Hideaway 3rd row
* AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers
* Steering wheel mounted audio controls
* Trip computer
* Air conditioning with separate rear HVAC controls
* Outside temperature display
* Power heated external bodycolor mirrors with approach lights and side repeater lights
* Power windows and door/tailgate locks
* Manual Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

SE

Includes all GLS features plus:
* Power driver seat with power lumbar support
* Auto dimming interior mirror with HomeLink Universal Transceiver & digital compass
* Auto dimming exterior mirrors
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Automatic headlights
* Roof rack side rails
* Fog lights
* A/C cooled front center console storage

Limited

Includes all SE standard features plus:
* Leather seating surfaces (premium leather optional)
* Heated front seats (2-mode)
* Power front passenger seat (fore and aft, recline- not height adjustable)
* Dual-zone automatic temperature control with Air Quality System (AQS)
** rear climate manual
* Infinity CD/MP3 changer audio system w/ subwoofer & external amplifier
* Power tilt & slide sunroof
* Power tailgate (Button signal: key fob signal, driver's door, and integrated into tailgate itself)
* Chrome door handles
* Lighted door scuff plates (blue lights on all four doors)
* Conversation mirror
* Windshield wiper deicer
* Backup warning system
**(front and rear parking sensors available through www.koreanautoimports.com - not Hyundai factory installed)
* Integrated memory system (exterior mirrors, power driver's seat, and power steering wheel)
* Power tilt & telescopic steering wheel
* 115-volt power outlet
* Rain sensing wipers
* Proximity key with immobilizer - Keyless drive

Optional and luxury features

* Power moonroof
* Power tailgate (SE)
* Rear seat DVD entertainment w/8” LCD and surround sound audio system
* Infinity CD/MP3 changer audio system w/ subwoofer & external amp
* Infinity Logic 7 surround sound with 605 watt amplifier (10 speaker premium audio with base)
* LG Navigation system (replaces CD changer/ does not have integrated backup camera)
* Auxiliary audio input accessory
* Optional leather package (on SE/ standard Limited)
* Upgraded cordovan (black/saddle)leather seats (opt. Limited)

Future

The Veracruz will be given an ultra-low sulfur diesel engine circa 2009 to 2010. This engine achieves better gas mileage and more torque than its gasoline counterpart. The diesel engine is currently available in Korea but does not yet match United States Emission standards.

In 2008 the Veracruz will also be sold in some European countries as the ix55.

External links

* [http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/veracruz/veracruz.aspx Hyundai: Veracruz] Official US Homepage
* [http://veracruz.hyundai-motor.com/ Hyundai: Veracruz] Official Korean Homepage
* [http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/autos/news/483141,srch-auto-EN072607.article Chicago Sun-Times: Veracruz does it right]
* [http://www.jbcarpages.com/hyundai/veracruz/ JB car pages: Hyundai Veracruz]
* [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0707_hyundai_veracruz_lexus_rx350/index.html Motor Trend: 2007 Hyundai Veracruz vs. 2008 Lexus RX350 Comparison]
* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/05/AR2007040500695.html Washingtonpost: That's No Lexus, It's a Hyundai]