Category Archives: 2008

Quick Drive: 2008 Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is easily one of the most overlooked cars on the market. Not terribly surprising, since on the whole, the Accent is a fairly nondescript three-door hatch and sedan. However, Hyundai’s entry-level offering is worthy of a closer look by anyone in the market for a small, inexpensive car.

The base Accent GS starts at under $11,000, which is as bargain-basement as it gets. It doesn’t feel cheap, though, and I could detect no rattles or squeaks during my stint in an SE hatch model, although there’s plenty of interior noise at freeway speeds. The interior is Spartan, but ergonomically sound. Material quality is about what you’d expect for 11 grand, but somehow still better than that of most airplanes. Unlike some of its competition, the Accent is simple and doesn’t try to rebel and be different.

On the road, the Accent’s 110-horse four-banger isn’t going to burn up any rubber, but it’s reasonable for urban driving if you’re rarely going past the 40-mph mark. Its EPA-rating of 27 mpg city is par for the class, giving up just two mpg to the Toyota Yaris. As with any three-door hatch, it’s easy to maneuver and park, which is great in a city like Los Angeles.

Gearing is the Accent’s weak point. The five-speed manual equipped model (a four-speed auto is also available) isn’t set up well for freeway cruising, with fifth gear regularly cranking the engine to around 3500 rpm at 70 mph. With better gearing or an extra cog, the Accent’s EPA-rating of 33 mpg highway could probably be brought closer to 40.

The Accent SE we tested clocked in at close to $15,000. For that money, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, a strut tower brace, body-color door handles and mirrors, standard ABS, air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, rear-window wiper, and a 172-watt six-speaker stereo system, along with several other convenience features. Money well spent, and even at that price, the Accent doesn’t give up much to the competition.

By Kirill Ougarov March 21, 2008
MotorTrend.com

Veracruz Earns Winter Vehicle Award From NEMPA

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Veracruz Earns Winter Vehicle Award From NEMPA

HYUNDAI VERACRUZ SHARES NEMPA’S ALL WEATHER SUV– $25,000-$35,000 AWARD WITH THE BUICK ENCLAVE

Boston, Mass, 03/17/2008 In one of the most hotly-contested categories of the New England Motor Press Association’s (NEMPA) 2008 Winter Vehicle Awards, the Hyundai Veracruz registered a tie with the Buick Enclave for best All Weather SUV– $25,000-$35,000.

The award was presented at a NEMPA ceremony at the Boston Globe on the evening of March 11, 2008 hosted by NEMPA president Ezra Dyer.

Bill Griffith of the Boston Globe noted a NEMPA member’s praise for the Veracruz in a recent article: “Hyundai keeps surprising with quality and good looks.”

NEMPA members voted their choices for top winter vehicle during the annual Winter Vehicle Voting Day on February 2, 2008. All of the eligible vehicles were brought to one designated area, and the assembled NEMPA members had the opportunity to evaluate their merits in winter driving conditions. Vehicles ranging from pickup trucks to high-powered sports cars were included in the test—four-wheel drive was the only common element in all.

In addition to the Buick Enclave, other vehicles tested in the All Weather SUV– $25,000-$35,000 segment included the Acura RDX, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mountaineer, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Outlook, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL7 and Toyota Highlander.

The Hyundai Veracruz impressed the journalists with its refined and powerful performance and a long-list of standard features including six air bags, which include two-roof mounted side curtain air bags for all rows of seating, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), active head restraints and 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. This combination of performance and value put the Hyundai Veracruz at the top of the “All Weather SUV” list.

Judges felt it’s a solid effort, saying that the Veracruz is “a Hyundai built like a Lexus.”

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

NEW ENGLAND MOTOR PRESS ASSOCIATION

The New England Motor Press Association is unique among regional motor press groups. Its members represent all six New England states, reaching one of the densest populations in all of America. Many also have national followings. These automotive writers and talk show hosts influence multi-vehicle owners looking to buy a wide range of cars and trucks to cope with the varied weather conditions of the region.

The Car Book 2008 Honors Five Hyundai Models With "Best Bet" Selections

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The Car Book 2008 Honors Five Hyundai Models With “Best Bet” Selections

Hyundai’s Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson And Entourage Recognized For Meeting The Safety And Performance Needs Of The American Buyer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 03/13/2008 Hyundai continues to collect awards for its revamped model lineup adding “Best Bet” distinction for five of its vehicles in The Car Book 2008. Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Entourage all earned the title “Best Bet” from author Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety. For 28 years, The Car Book has selected vehicles for this distinction based on how well they respond to the safety and performance needs of today’s consumer.

The Car Book analyzes new vehicles each year to identify vehicles that make a significant contribution to bettering the market. “Best Bet” ratings designate The Car Book’s highest-rated cars in each of the size categories. Ratings are based on expected performance in ten important categories: crash tests, safety features, fuel economy, rollover, repair costs, preventative maintenance, warranties, insurance costs and complaints, with the heaviest emphasis on safety.

The following are the “Best Bet” categories for each winning Hyundai model:
Accent: Subcompact
Elantra: Compact
Sonata: Intermediate
Tucson: Small SUV
Entourage: Minivan

Joy Ride: 1000 Miles in the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

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Joy Ride: 1000 Miles in the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Back from a weekend driving up and down the state of California, rolling nearly 1000 miles onto the odo of our long-term 2008 Hyundai Veracruz crossover. Just me and five beautiful Persian ladies. Allow me to tell you more. About the Hyundai.

This is one sweet ride. I was impressed by the Veracruz during last fall’s 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year competition; though it didn’t win, the Hyundai was easily in the top three or four among a strong field. And now that we’ve got a fully loaded Limited AWD in our long-term fleet, my admiration for the Veracruz grows every time I get behind the wheel.

The DOHC, 3.8-liter six, making 260 horsepower, easily hustled the six of us up the I-5 in a stream of traffic doing a steady 80 mph. Partnering the engine, the six-speed automatic is brilliant, shifting smoothly, keeping the engine in the meat of the torque band without undue fuss. Ride quality is quite good, even though I kicked an extra 4 p.s.i. into the tires in anticipation of our fully loaded, extended high-speed cruise. Perhaps most impressive is the cabin’s quiet. Little wind, road, or powertrain noise intrudes. You can hold conversations from front row to third without yelling.

Criticisms? The seats are compliant but lower-back support is lacking. The power rear liftgate is really slow going up or down. And the navigation system is clearly something Hyundai is learning. Even with voice guidance on, on complex street grids it’s difficult to judge when the system wants you to turn. The system also offered some truly bizarre routing options, at one point literally guiding us in circles around San Jose and at another juncture sending us in completely the wrong direction (and, yes, I carefully checked the “route options” and “destination” tabs to be certain they were correct). Undoubtedly Hyundai will serve up a better system when it gets around to Nav 2.0.

You wouldn’t call the Veracruz an exciting machine; it doesn’t have the sizzle or “driver’s DNA” of, say, the 2008 SUOTY-winning Mazda CX-9. Yet you have to admire its quality and execution. Panel tolerances are tight, materials are rich-looking, controls are thoughtfully laid out (you can mute the nav system with an easily accessible button). Just opening the driver’s door summons an element of luxury, as the chrome step plate lights up “Veracruz” in snazzy blue.

The Veracruz is also a stunning value — so much so, in fact, that you have to wonder why anyone would buy a Lexus RX 350 instead. The Hyundai flat-out matches the Lexus in driving poise and refinement, and it blows away the RX in standard features. The Veracruz Limited AWD starts at $36,445, including dual-zone climate control, six-speed auto, leather seats (heated up front), power glass moonroof, plus front-side and front/rear head curtain airbags. Add navigation and a few other options (as on our long-term car), and the sticker tops out at just over $38K. The RX 350, in contrast, starts at $$39,665, and it’s only got a five-speed automatic. Also, you’ll pay extra for leather, heated seats, moonroof…dress it up like the Hyundai, and the Lexus rings up at more than $45,000. The Hyundai even has a better warranty: five years/60,000 miles versus four years/50,000 miles for Lexus. Think Hyundai chose that additional year/10K miles by accident? Neither do I.

Given the virtues of the Veracruz, it’s going to be interesting indeed to see what Hyundai develops down the road (starting soon with the Genesis coupe). Meantime, this versatile, roomy, highly refined crossover belongs on any family-vehicle shopping list.

By Arthur St. Antoine – Motor Trend

Santa Fe’s a wheel winner

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Santa Fe’s a wheel winner

TEST DRIVE | There’s little not to like in this 2008 model from Hyundai, which nicely blends features of sport-utility vehicles and cars

The Santa Fe is another mid-size SUV that could be marketed as one of the increasingly popular crossover vehicles — those combining SUV utility with carlike manners.

The Santa Fe debuted for 2001 and was continually updated over the years to become a solid model with Hyundai’s long warranty. But the 2007 model got the Santa Fe’s first major changes, being made larger, roomier and more powerful. New features included availability of an optional third-row seat for seven-passenger seating, although the third seat area is strictly for kids.

The changes paid off, as Hyundai saw Santa Fe sales jump to 92,421 units in 2007 from 63,931 in the previous year.

The handsome Santa Fe is nicely built and has an attractive, if rather bland-looking, interior.

The Santa Fe, as with all Hyundais, always has been very price-competitive. List prices for the 2008 Santa Fe go from $20,995 to $29,600. It comes as GLS, SE and top-line Limited models. It’s offered with front- or all-wheel drive that permits locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split.

Hyundai dropped a four-cylinder Santa Fe engine in 2005, so even the base GLS trim level has a 2.7-liter, 185-horsepower V-6, air conditioning, tilt/telescope wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, second-row split folding seat and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or extra-cost four-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.

Move to the mid-range SE, which starts at $24,100, and you get a 3.3-liter V-6 with 242 horsepower and standard five-speed automatic transmission, also with manual-shift capability. The SE also adds a leather-wrapped wheel with radio controls, heated power mirrors, wiper deicer and wider 60-series tires on larger 18-inch wheels — up from 70-series tires on 16-inch wheels.

The uptown Limited’s features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate controls, power driver’s seat and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

All Santa Fe models have safety features galore, including front and curtain-side air bags, traction control, anti-skid system and anti-lock brakes with brake assist.

All seat five, but you can get the SE model with the 50/50 split third-row seat for seven-person seating in a $1,500 Touring Package, which includes rear air conditioning, transmission cooler, heavy duty engine cooling and trailer wiring.

There are a variety of option packages for the GLS and SE, and stand-alone options for the Limited are a $1,750 navigation system and a $1,750 DVD entertainment system.

The Santa Fe is fairly heavy at 3,727 pounds and up, so the 2.7-liter V-6 provides just adequate acceleration. In contrast, the 3.3 V-6 with its added power and torque provides strong acceleration, with an especially good 65-75 mph passing. It works with a very responsive transmission, although the shifter has a rather notchy action.

Estimated fuel economy of the 2.7 is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with front drive and the manual transmission and 18 and 24 with the automatic (or 17 and 23 with the automatic and all-wheel drive). The 3.3 with its extra-gear automatic provides 17 city, 24 highway with either drive system. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

I tested a Limited with all-wheel drive. It had quick, nicely weighted steering and a tight turning radius for good maneuvering in close quarters. It also had a firm-but-supple ride and almost carlike handling, although it’s no sports SUV (or crossover). The brakes pedal has a linear action for consistently smooth stops.

Just a little extra effort is needed to get in and out of the quiet interior, although reaching the third-row seat is easiest for nimble kids. Front seats should offer more side support. But occupants sit high. Visibility is generally good, and a driver has outside rearview mirrors nicely sized for safe lane changes and faces easily read gauges that have colorful red-and-white pointers on a black background. Easily reached sound system and climate controls are large, but the driver’s power window controls are set back a bit too far, as are the console’s twin cupholders.

Interior door handles are easily grasped for quick exits, and sun visor mirrors have sliding covers and are illuminated by lights in the roof — a nice touch.

Dashboard vents are strategically placed for good heating and cooling, and there’s a deep covered console storage bin.

The large cargo area has a low, wide opening. The hatch has no opening glass area, but it is equipped with a hefty pull-down strap. The cargo area has a moderately deep, covered bin in which to put valuable objects.

The fairly new Hyundai Veracruz, which is larger than the Santa Fe but also classified as a mid-size SUV/crossover, seems to be stealing some Santa Fe sales, but it is more costly, starting at $26,900. The Santa Fe thus remains the bargain child of Hyundai’s SUV/ crossover lineup.

2008 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Prices: $20,995-$29,600

Likes: Fast with larger V-6. Roomy. Nice ride and handling. Key safety items. Strong warranty.

Dislikes: Power window controls too far back. Notchy transmission shifter. Third-row seat just for kids.

March 8, 2008
BY DAN JEDLICKA Chicago Sun-Times Auto Editor

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD

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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV offered in both FWD and AWD versions. The standard configuration has two rows of seating for up to five passengers. An optional seven-passenger version adds two more seats that fold out of the cargo floor. The internal dimensions of the Santa Fe suggest a mid-sized vehicle, but its taut exterior styling belies the actual size of this SUV.

With so many vehicles in the segment, it is difficult to identify direct competitors. Depending on what is important to the prospective buyer, there can be dozens of available alternative vehicles. The Santa Fe effectively splits the gap between smaller SUVs like the Ford Escape, and slightly larger models such as the Toyota Highlander. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe is similar to the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, but the five-passenger model has an interior volume comparable to the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge. Select the optional seven-passenger seating, and the only vehicles that can rival the Santa Fe’s accommodations and refinement cost $5,000-$10,000 more.

The Santa Fe can be equipped in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. All three models are well equipped with standard stability control, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, power windows, door locks and a 6-speaker audio system. Entry-level GLS models start at just over $21,000 and include a 2.7L V-6 under the hood. The SE and Limited models add a larger displacement 3.3L V-6, standard five-speed automatic transmission, and larger wheels/tires. SE models list at just over $24,000 and include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium cloth seats. The range-topping Limited trim level starts at about $28,000; Limited models add heated leather seats, a sunroof, and dual-zone climate controls. All three models offer either FWD or AWD drivetrains. All-wheel-drive adds about $1,500 to the price. To get seven-passenger seating, the Santa Fe SE and Limited models must be equipped with an optional Touring package.

Our test vehicle was a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD. The MSRP for this model was $29,600. An optional navigation system was included for $1,750, as were carpeted floor mats for $120. Price, as tested, was a reasonable $31,470. With the healthy list of features, the Santa Fe is comprehensively equipped for its price.

The first pleasant surprise is the interior. The headliner, seats, center console and lower half of the instrument panel were finished in light beige. The top of the dash, upper door panels, cargo area, carpeting, and scuff-prone areas are all finished in a contrasting charcoal color to hide stains. A band of plastic “wood” trim with aluminum highlights separates the transition between the light and dark-colored interior moldings. Although most plastic surfaces are hard to the touch, they are pleasantly grained and will not mar or scratch easily. More importantly, there very few visible panel gaps which lends to an overall impression of a very high-level of fit and finish. The Santa Fe’s upscale interior is more befitting of vehicles with much higher price tags, and is a cut above the Toyota RAV4 and other smaller SUVs.

The instrumentation is clear and useful with few gimmicks. A medium sized speedometer is front and center, with a tachometer to the left, and fuel and temperature gauges to the right. A small display inset in the tachometer shows the tire pressure monitoring system status. The speedometer includes a small trip computer that shows fuel economy, range, and trip mileage. The steering wheel has controls for the cruise control on the right, and the audio system on the left. The buttons are simple and easy to find without looking down. One complaint with many steering wheel-mounted controls is that they are sometimes too easy to hit accidentally while steering around corners. In the Santa Fe, we kept inadvertently hitting the audio system mode button.

The center stack starts at the top with an LCD clock and the passenger airbag indicator. Below that, our test model had the optional navigation system, which supersedes the audio system head unit. The dual-zone automatic climate control system is below; it consists of an LCD display with large temperature adjustment knobs on each side. Buttons for the defrosters and hazard lights are near the bottom. A small ashtray-sized container resides at the bottom edge of the instrument panel.

The center console contains a large tray for holding cell phones, mp3 players, etc. In a recessed area on the console are the heated seat controls, and a 12V power point. We wish all vehicles had a simple storage bin like this at the front of the center console. It is handy, yet out of the way of the cup holders and shifter. The armrest and center console cover a shallow bin above a deeper storage compartment. The rearview mirror is auto-dimming with an integrated compass. Above the mirror are the pushbutton controls for the sunroof, map lights and a sunglass holder.

The Santa Fe’s passenger accommodations are above average. The sculpted leather seats are properly shaped for comfort, while the perforated middle cushions help to manage perspiration. Front headrests adjust both up/down and fore/aft. The driver’s seat contains basic power-operated controls, but the front passenger makes do with manual adjustments. Rear seat occupants benefit from the reclining 60/40 split rear seatback. The outer seating positions are somewhat contoured and should be comfortable for most, but the middle passenger sits on a flat cushion and seatback acceptable for only short trips. All seating positions contain sufficient headroom and ample legroom.

Open the rear hatch via the unique side-mounted grab handle and the Santa Fe becomes surprisingly versatile for hauling duties. There is over 34 cubic feet of storage behind the second row seat. With the second row folded flat, stowage increases to over 78 cubic feet. In addition, there are two large storage compartments beneath the load floor. The rearmost compartment holds the tire changing kit, and has a spot for first aid supplies. The forward dividable compartment features a large deep well that is sufficient to hold a decent load of groceries. Seven-passenger models give up this cargo area for the third row seats. The spare tire mounts under the vehicle for maximum interior room.

Our test model was equipped with an optional navigation system, which is the first time Hyundai has offered a factory-installed navigation system. The system, made by LG Electronics, features a touch-screen with a small number of physical buttons for commonly accessed functions. The screen is ordinarily bright and legible, but like many other factory systems, automatically dims to an unacceptably low brightness level when headlamps are required during daylight hours. Relatively speaking the Hyundai navigation system is feature-rich and useful for $1,750, but falls short of the usefulness and value of an aftermarket unit like those from Garmin.

Hyundai offers the Santa Fe with two different V-6 engines. A 3.3L V-6 producing 242-bhp and 226 lb-ft of torque resides under the hood of the Santa Fe Limited. With almost two tons of mass to move, this is the preferred engine. The fuel economy penalty is negligible compared to the 2.7L V-6, because the 3.3L V6 is equipped with a five-speed transmission. Our only real complaint with the Santa Fe is the transmission. The shift logic seems biased towards fuel economy, and often leaves the vehicle in the wrong end of its torque band for swift acceleration. Switching the transmission to the manual input mode provides a significantly more rewarding driving experience. Working the V-6 harder significantly diminishes fuel economy. We averaged about 17 MPG in mixed duty, and significantly less with frequent starting/stopping.

In the ride and handling department, the Santa Fe never shows its weight. While the larger Veracruz, feels disconnected and quiet, the Santa Fe is lively and fun to drive. The body structure is tight, and the test vehicle showed no signs of flex or rattles. The rack-and-pinion steering is direct, with an appropriate level of feedback. The fully independent suspension provides a ride that is comfortable, yet sporty enough to appeal to SUV buyers. There is noticeable body roll, and at times a little pitching over very rough surfaces, but nothing out of the norm for a tall vehicle with 18-inch wheels. Our Santa Fe came shod with Bridgestone Dueler H/T all-season tires. The tires provided reasonable traction in dry, wet, snowy and icy conditions. The standard four-wheel disc brakes stop the vehicle with confidence.

In summary, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a vehicle that belongs on many shopping lists. It offers most of the size, equipment, utility and refinement of larger SUVs at a far more agreeable price. Buyers will make few sacrifices and will end up with a pleasing vehicle that is attractively styled and fun to drive.

Greg A. Godsell 02/26/2008
Velocity Automotive Journal

Check out the Hyundai Tucson

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Check out the Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai’s reputation for undercutting the competition looks increasingly attractive in a weakening economy.

In the competitive crossover segment, for example, Hyundai can offer a top-of-the-line Tucson Limited with 4-wheel drive for a base price of $24,585. That window sticker might be hard to believe once you’ve seen and driven this attractive, well-mannered sport utility imitator.

Standard equipment on the Limited is extensive, including leather upholstery, seven-speaker AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and MP3 functions, power accessories, six air bags, fog lights, tire-pressure monitoring system and a number of other attractive features.

Sharing the Elantra platform with the Kia Sportage, the Tucson is a sport utility body atop a car chassis. It can go off-road but is chiefly designed for less demanding duty.

Crossovers represent a middle ground between gas-guzzling full-size SUVs and cars that lack the utilitarian functions of a ute. They also attract buyers who shun the domesticated aura of a minivan.

They tend to attract the safety-conscious, as well. Tucson boasts the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s highest five star safety rating. The compact also received top honors in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study in 2005.

Sold in three trim levels in a price range of $17,235 to $24,585, the Tucson is offered in front-drive or 4-wheel-drive formats.

The entry-level GLS comes with a 2 -liter inline four cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Electronic Stability Control, traction control and ABS are standard, as are 16-inch alloy wheels, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating.

Other standard features include power windows, door locks and exterior mirrors and an 80-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. Active front head restraints are standard across all trim levels for 2008. Automatic transmission, air conditioning and cruise control are optional.

At $21,035, the SE trim in front-drive brings along a 2.7-liter, double overhead cam, V6 engine and four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, 16-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upgraded cloth seating surfaces. Air conditioning, cruise control and trip computer are standard.

Options on the Limited include electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. A front-drive Limited retails for $22,885, compared to $24,585 for the 4-wheel-drive version.

While the Tucson’s ride is generally comfortable, handling is not as crisp as that of the new Nissan Rogue’s. The V6’s 173 horses are typical for the class, but don’t expect the performance to be too spirited.

The independent suspension handles bumps without sloshing your coffee. The setup includes struts up front and multiple links in the rear, along with stabilizer bars front and rear.

The brakes on the Limited are discs with anti-lock features and electronic brake force distribution to keep the driver in control.

The Tucson’s power rack-and-pinion steering system provides a tight, 35.4-foot turning circle.

Hyundai took extra measures to dampen outside noise in the 2008 model. The interior is nice and quiet.

I appreciated the back-lit power window and door lock switches that made them easy to find in the dark. The 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-adjustable steering column are unusual in this price range. The Tucson’s trip computer, standard in SE and Limited trims, includes two trip modes, each with information relating to mpg, distance to empty, drive time and average speed.

The standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback allows you to expand the cargo capacity of the Tucson. The seats fold down with the release of a single lever, and you don’t have to remove or adjust the headrests. The front passenger seatback can fold flat either forward or backward, adding more cargo capability.

I appreciated the fact that the lift gate has two modes. You can open just the glass or the whole gate, and the release for each is clearly labeled.

Three bag hooks help secure your groceries, and you can take additional security measures with six flush-mount metal tie-down anchor points and six cargo net mounting points.

Beneath the load floor is a sectionalized storage area with the spare tire below. Other storage bins can be found throughout the vehicle. A two-tier front storage console comes with a two-position padded armrest with two cupholders and two more in each door pocket. The rear armrest also has a cupholder that can hold juice boxes.

While Hyundai has put a lot of years between its early quality problems and its current reputation, the South Korean maker continues to offer one of the best warranties in the business.

The Tucson comes with five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited power train warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. Buyers also get free 24-hour roadside assistance for five years.

WHAT’S NEW: Active head restraints; new leather interior; XM Satellite Radio free for three months.

PLUSES: Value, standard equipment, safety.

MINUSES: Somewhat vague handling; modest power.

BOTTOM LINE: Very attractive value.

(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)

Consumer Reports New Top Picks For 2008

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Consumer Reports New Top Picks For 2008: Hyundai Elantra SE, Hyundai Santa Fe…

First time a South Korean automaker represented in Top Picks

YONKERS, NY – Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008-the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan.

The announcement was made today during a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference. Details can be found in CR’s Annual April Auto Issue, on sale Tuesday, March 4.

This marks the first time that a South Korean automaker – Hyundai – is represented, and the first time since 2005 that a U.S. model – the Chevrolet Silverado – has made the list. Historically, Consumer Reports Top Picks have been a blend of Japanese, European, and domestic models, but for the last two years the Top Picks have all been from Japanese manufacturers.

The Toyota Prius remains the Top Pick in the “green” car category for the fifth year in a row. The Prius demonstrated an excellent 44 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ real-world fuel economy tests, the best of any five-passenger vehicles tested by CR.

Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are the most well-rounded models in their categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles CR recently tested at its Auto Test Center; has average or better predicted reliability (based on the problems subscribers reported on in CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of almost 1.3 million vehicles), and performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or insurance industry.

Starting this year, they also must provide a critical safety feature, electronic stability control (ESC), either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. That’s why the Honda Accord, for example, is the Top Pick in family sedans over the Nissan Altima. The Altima scored slightly higher in CR’s testing, but offers ESC only as a pricey option on the V6 and standard on the hybrid model.

“All the vehicles in Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety,” said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing, Consumer Reports. “CR’s Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they’re looking for a new car.”

Consumer Reports’ testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, Comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Around 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process.

Here, by category, are the issue’s best performers. Changes from last year’s Top Picks list are noted:

* SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Hyundai Elantra SE ($18,000) is a well-rounded small car thatprovides good fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and an interior that’s quiet, roomy, and well-equipped. TheSE also has standard electronic stability control, a proven safety feature that’s absent on many other smallcars. The Honda Civic EX and Mazda3 scored almost as well and are more fun to drive, but lack ESC onmore affordable versions. (Last year’s Top Pick for Small Sedan was the Honda Civic.)

* MIDSIZED SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe. Redesigned for 2007, the much-improved Santa Fe ($22,000 to $31,000) edged out the Honda Pilot in CR’s tests. It provides a quiet and roomy interior, excellent fit and finish, a refined powertrain, a relatively good ride, and an optional third-row seat. Standard ESC helps provide secure handling. (Last year’s Top Pick for Midsized SUV was the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.)

CR’s Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 4 through June 4. The Consumer Reports Auto Issue is available wherever magazines are sold. Free highlights from the April Auto Issue will be available atwww.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645.

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Hyundai Sonata Earns "Greener Choices of 2008" Honors

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Hyundai Sonata Earns “Greener Choices Of 2008” Honors

2008 Hyundai Sonata Receives Environmental Honors From The American Council For An Energy-EFFICIENT ECONOMY (ACEEE)

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 02/22/2008 The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recognized the 2008 Hyundai Sonata on its “Greener Choices 2008” list that features widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. The Sonata will be listed in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks.

“The award for our clean, fuel-efficient Sonata recognizes Hyundai’s commitment to the environment,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “Like industry leading quality and safety, environmental sensitivity is another element of the value equation that makes Hyundai such a smart choice for consumers.”

The “Greener Choices 2008” list is based on automakers’ test results for fuel economy and emissions as reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and other specifications reported by automakers.

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata four cylinder model achieved a green score of 39 out of 100 and is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), delivering up to 30 mpg (automatic transmission/highway). The fuel-efficient 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine features four valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), giving the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

ACEEE’s GREEN BOOK® ONLINE

The ACEEE’s Green Book site (www.greenercars.org) is made possible in part by generous support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

Hyundai Cooks Up Quite a Tasty Midsize Morsel

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Hyundai cooks up quite a tasty midsize morsel

Question of the day is: Who makes Azera?

If you guessed Bobby Flay on the Food Network, you would be wrong.

Azera is one of the nicer midsize sedans on the market in room, comfort and quiet.

Sadly, it’s also one of the best kept secrets in that segment and beyond.

Azera was created by Hyundai of South Korea as the 2006 model year successor to the XG. Remember, the Mercedes-Benz lookalike?

While Toyota and Honda have gone to great lengths to ensure Camry and Accord set the benchmark for bland, Hyundai has taken pains to make Azera fashionable, from the jewel lamps upfront to eye-catching multi-spoked wheels along the sides to curvy deck lid and upscale interior with soft-touch finishes and tight fits that say quality and luxury.

Azera, in fact, is a step up from Camry and Accord, and competes with the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima, as well.

But Hyundai has to get the word out.

We tested the top-of-the-line Azera Limited, with a host of amenities printed in the standard equipment column, from leather, heated, power seats to air conditioning to power mirrors/locks/windows — with a button in the center console that operates the rear window sunshade.

There’s also automatic headlamps, cruise control, split and folding rear seat backs, an AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash CD player/MP3 player, XM satellite radio and power tilt/slide sunroof set far enough back to keep glare out of the cabin.

For the electronically gifted, a $2,750 navigation system package includes power tilt and telescoping steering column, power adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, woodgrain steering wheel and door-sill scuff plates.

Why, however, does Azera offer a tilt and telescoping steering column so you can sit farther from the dash and power adjustable pedals to reach across that distance, and then limit the travel of the power driver’s seat so you can’t get very far back from the dash? Don’t know how those 6-feet-2-inch drivers handle it.

What makes it odder still is that while leg, head, arm, and hip room are very spacious upfront, it’s even better in back where you could probably do leg lifts and not strike the front seat. So there’s ample room in back to allow the front seat to travel a few more inches without jamming the knees of those in steerage against their sternums.

The other gripe is the seat itself. Soft and cozy with good lateral support but an abbreviated bottom cushion. A few more inches would make for better thigh support. Can’t help but feel the engineer in charge of Azera seats was nicknamed “Shorty.”

The base GLS Azera is powered by a 3.3-liter, 234-horsepower V-6; the Limited we drove by a 3.8-liter, 263-h.p. V-6 teamed with a 5-speed automatic with manual mode shifting.

Azera’s original V-6 needed smoother acceleration without hesitation. The 3.8 has good spirit moving from the light or down the merger lane, but it lets out a little growl if you kick the pedal hard. That is out of character with Azera’s luxury image. The mileage rating is 17 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway, a couple miles per gallon short of ideal, no matter what the gas price is.

When Azera bowed, we felt it needed a few suspension tweaks to soften the ride. With the 2008 version you’ll feel a bump or two more than in an Avalon or Maxima, but it’s noticeably less harsh than it was.

Handling is decent with minimal lean in corners or wandering the open road. Stability control with traction control is standard, which accounts for the improved road manners. Both also kept footing steady footing when traveling on snow-packed roads. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes also are standard.

The cabin seats four adults in comfort and quiet. Very large front and side glass makes not only for great visibility, it also makes the cabin feel airy and larger than it is. The seats and cabin trim were a light beige, which adds to the feeling of spaciousness, though the light color also shows dirt more easily than dark does.

Cabin amenities include an ashtray, though to be politically correct you can call it a gum holder. There’s also a small stowage hold in the lower dash for cell phone/iPod, a pair of compartments under the center armrest along with a power plug, and fuel-filler and trunk release buttons in the driver’s door.

The trunk is massive and will hold luggage or golf clubs for a foursome. It looks as if, tipped sideways, it may hold one of those Smarts from Mercedes as well.

Base price of the Limited is $28,550. If you take a pass on the navi package with power pedals and door scuff plates, you can drive away for less than $30,000 — and less than most of its better known midsize sedan rivals as well.

February 24, 2008

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation. chicagotribune.com