Category Archives: 2008

More Safety And Refinements Keep Elantra A Class Above The Competition

More Safety And Refinements Keep Elantra A Class Above The Competition

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., All new from headlight to tail light last year, the 2008 Elantra continues to bring more safety features and refinements to smart shoppers with the addition of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and new option packages.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008
– Electronic Stability Control now standard on SE trim
– Brake Assist added to standard ABS system for SE model
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System standard on all models
Elantra SE Premium + Leather Package replaces Elantra Limited

Now standard on the Elantra SE, Electronic Stability Control is the industry’s most significant new safety technology since the seatbelt. ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response, then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct under steer or over steer. ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response, then brakes individual front or rear wheels and /or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research, if all vehicles were equipped with ESC, as many as 10,000 of the 34,000 fatal passenger vehicle crashes that occur each year could be prevented.

In addition, the Elantra has also received a five-star frontal and four-star side crash rating in the compact passenger car segment from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and earned a “Good” rating in the IIHS’s frontal offset test, the Institute’s highest rating. Finally, the addition of a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers if tires are under inflated through an illuminated readout on the dash, rounds out Elantra’s safety features to make it one of the smartest purchases in the compact class.

In 2008, both Elantra trim levels have been refined and simplified to better meet customer needs. This includes the replacement of the top-of-the-line Limited model in favor of the Elantra SE with an optional Premium + Leather Package. Several new variations of the high volume GLS trim have also been added, while the total number of model configurations has dropped by 44 percent, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for.

“These refinements and the addition of great new standard safety features like Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist for the SE version, and a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, make a great car even better,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai’s vice president product development and strategic planning. “Add class-leading interior space, outstanding handling, and overall refinement and it’s clear that Elantra offers terrific value.”

UNSURPASSED STANDARD SAFETY IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT

In addition to standard Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist on the Elantra SE, a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System and outstanding safety ratings, all Elantras have six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to IIHS.

Accident avoidance technologies start with Elantra’s chassis, which features a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and motor-driven rack-and-pinion steering, and are taken even further with the addition of ESC. The Elantra’s standard power braking system has front and rear discs with a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle steering control in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. EBD is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the front-to-rear braking force based on the vehicle’s loading conditions. Brake Assist has been added to the standard ABS system for 2008 Elantra SE models along with Electronic Stability Control. Brake Assist detects panic braking situations (by sensing brake pedal application speed) and increases braking force to shorten overall stopping distances and help avoid accidents. Four-wheel disc brakes are a key leadership feature for the segment, as traditional rear drum brakes are still found on the 2007 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Cobalt.

Elantra’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. The shingle-style, rear-seat head restraints are designed to improve visibility when there are no rear-seat passengers, while protecting these passengers when in the vehicle. There is also an energy absorbing steering column, front seatbelt pretensioners and adjustable-height shoulder anchors. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in the rear seat area provides secure attachment for child seats.

In low-speed impacts, the Elantra’s five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In higher energy collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

EXPRESSIVE AND CONFIDENT DESIGN

Elantra’s front appearance and rising beltline create a premium statement. For added distinction and assertiveness, chrome headlight bezels and grille bars are standard. The Elantra profile features sculpted surfaces, an expressive bodyside character line that is shared with other Hyundai models and neatly integrated bodycolor door handles and mirrors. The rear styling complements the front design with tail lights that echo the theme of the headlights and nicely complete the bodyside character line.

Elantra has a low coefficient of drag to improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds and reduce interior noise. Elantra’s coefficient of drag is 0.32, which is significantly “more slippery” than the 2007 Nissan Sentra’s 0.35(i).[1]

A “CLASS ABOVE’ INTERIOR – MORE ROOM THAN CIVIC, COROLLA and TL

Elantra is truly a “class above” Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla when it comes to interior room. Elantra is so roomy that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. In fact, with 97.9 cubic feet of passenger room and 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space, the Elantra has the most interior volume (passenger volume plus trunk space) of any sedan in its class.[2] Elantra’s total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet easily beats the 2007 Civic sedan (102.9 cu. ft.), 2007 Nissan Sentra (110.8 cu. ft.) and 2007 Corolla (103.9 cu. ft.), and, surprisingly, even surpasses the interior volume of the near-luxury Acura TL (110.4 cubic feet). Elantra trunk volume at 14.2 cu. ft. also beats Civic and Corolla.

Thoughtful design touches bring harmony and substance to Elantra’s interior. The dashboard slopes downward to give a feeling of more space and to promote greater visibility, while offering a modern look. The contrasting gray or beige two-tone color schemes, combined with metallic finishes, complement the sophisticated and upscale Elantra exterior styling. New levels of detail and craftsmanship are found throughout the interior, such as the luxurious supple leather seats now available on Elantra SE. Other interior amenities include heated seats as well as steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls; the steering column also telescopes for improved control. Cool blue back lighting adds a modern, easy-to-read ambience at night.

The center console features a storage compartment and a comfortable armrest. An overhead sunglass holder has built-in map lights, while pockets are integrated into the front door panels, and seatback storage pockets provide additional room for small items. Storage can also be found in the dash, center stack and console. A convenient handbag strap holder, dual front cupholders and rear center armrest with cupholders round out the interior appointments and provide everyday utility.

The Elantra’s comfortable and versatile seating includes a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, including variable height settings, adjustable head restraints and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback to accommodate larger cargo.

Conveniences like a standard cabin air filter, rear window defroster, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, two-speed variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist function, power heated mirrors, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release add to Elantra’s remarkable value position. In addition, XM Satellite Radio is a standard feature on all Elantra audio systems this year.

Option packages enhance this value. The high-volume Elantra GLS Popular Equipment Package offers a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary jack, which allows iPods® and other portable MP3 players to use the vehicle audio system. Also included are air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, windshield shade band and illuminated vanity mirrors and sunvisor extensions.

SUPER CLEAN ENGINE

Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA and score high on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)’s “Green Vehicle Guide to Green Cars.” Additionally, the ACEEE recognized the Hyundai Elantra as one of the top 12 “Greenest Vehicles” in the industry. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles and helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these “green” states, the Elantra is available in Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) configurations.

Hyundai’s advanced 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine powers the Elantra. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power spread, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The ULEV variation is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. PZEV engines are available only with a four-speed automatic transmission, and are rated at 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. With a manual transmission, the Elantra’s mileage is 24 mpg City, and 33 mpg Highway according to the EPA’s new-for-2008 fuel economy ratings. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Elantra’s EPA rating is 25 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

Elantra delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling, thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a multi-link suspension with twin-tube gas shock absorbers in the rear. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 17.0 mm rear stabilizer bar help reduce body roll when cornering. To enhance stopping power, the front and rear brakes are generously sized at 10.8 inches (275 mm) for the front and 10.3 inches (262 mm) for the rear.

Stiffer body construction allows Hyundai chassis engineers to tune the suspension components for precise steering and handling together with a well-controlled, yet comfortable ride. Here, Elantra has a considerable advantage, with a body structure nine percent stiffer than Toyota Corolla. Additionally, a rigid body structure and the vehicle’s optimized door sealing strategy contribute to reduced road noise (two decibels below a comparably equipped Honda Civic — based on internal testing).

Advanced, electric motor-driven, engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power steering offers many benefits, including lighter weight and reduced engine drag for higher fuel economy, while delivering precise steering feel and responsiveness. The Elantra steering system also offers excellent parking and turning maneuverability. At 33.9 feet Elantra’s turning diameter is better than Civic’s 34.8 feet, Corolla’s 36.1 feet, and Mazda3 sedan’s 34.1 feet.

TWO TRIM LEVELS

The Elantra is available in two distinctive trim levels – GLS and SE.

ELANTRA GLS – THE PERFECT COMPACT CAR

In keeping with Hyundai’s high-value approach to standard equipment, the Elantra GLS has a remarkable array of desirable features for an entry model. The Elantra delivers standard safety technologies unsurpassed in its segment, with six airbags, ABS with EBD, 4-wheel disc brakes, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, active front head restraints and adjustable head restraints for all seating positions. A partial list of other standard features includes: power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel. The Popular Equipment Package adds air conditioning, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and in-glass antenna, windshield shade band, fog lights, cruise control, and dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions. A power sunroof is also an available option.

ELANTRA SE – ADDING A SPORTY FLAVOR

The sport-oriented SE adds all the equipment in the GLS Popular Equipment Package plus Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather shift knob, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls and trip computer. The SE Premium Package adds a power sunroof and heated front seats. The SE Premium + Leather Package includes everything in the Premium Package plus leather seating surfaces. In addition to the available gray two-tone, the SE is also available in a sporty monotone black interior.

WARRANTY

The all-new Hyundai Elantra lineup is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Elantra buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), which includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

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 by more than 750 dealerships nationwide.

[1] Sentra CD provided by Autoplanner
[2] Claim based on Autosource Inc. upper small sedan segmentation.

2008 Hyundai Accent: More Comfort, Safety And Performance At An Entry-Level Price

2008 Hyundai Accent: More Comfort, Safety And Performance At An Entry-Level Price

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., For more than ten years, Hyundai Accent has built a solid reputation by offering high-quality, great value, unexpected features and performance at entry level prices. For 2008, Accent offers a host of new standard equipment as well as several exterior and interior improvements that raise the bar in the compact car segment.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008

– XM Satellite Radio® with three months of free service (late availability) · Auxiliary input jack (late availability)
– Tire Pressure Monitoring System
– New instrument cluster design for GLS and SE
– New 15-inch alloy wheel design
– B&M Racing sport shifter (Standard SE only)
– New exterior color option available on GS and SE – Mellow Yellow · Rear center armrest with cupholders added to SE (standard on GLS)

The standard B&M Racing sport shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and more precision to Accent SE’s performance-tuned driving dynamics. Accent is now the only car in its class to offer XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service as standard equipment with the vehicle’s audio system. The auxiliary input jack allows iPods and other portable MP3 players to be connected directly into Accent’s audio system. Additional safety is provided by the TPMS, which alerts drivers if tires are under inflated through an illuminated readout on the dash.

Offered in a four-door sedan (the Accent GLS) and three-door models (the Accent GS and SE) Accent continues to offer a high level of standard safety, power and economy in its class, as well as more than 35 options and accessories allowing owners to express their individual style. And as gas prices surge Accent’s fuel economy is another smart reason for buyers to consider Accent.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES

In a bold stroke in this price-sensitive market segment, Hyundai has outfitted the Accent with state-of-the-art standard safety technologies including a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All Accents come equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, which are designed to tighten the seatbelt in the event of a collision. This safety package helped the Accent GLS four-door receive a five-star frontal crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additional standard safety equipment now includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are optional on the GLS and standard on the SE.

REFINED AND CONFIDENT DESIGN

Hyundai designers gave the Accent GLS a distinctive look within its market segment. Upscale details like a chrome-accented grille, plus bodycolor door handles, mirrors, bodyside moldings, and rear garnish trim combine with bold tail lights and strong character lines to deliver a standout presence. The roof-mounted flexible micro-antenna not only looks good, but also provides improved radio reception. The new 15-inch wheel design further enhances the design of Accent GLS.

Externally, the three-door Accent GS and SE reflect Hyundai’s sleek, confident design direction. Up front, the GS and SE feature an aggressive bodycolor grille with fog lights standard on the SE. Accent SE’s high-performance P205/45R16 tires and lightweight five-spoke aluminum wheels provide a big dose of street credibility. A long wheelbase and higher seating positions increase the spacious feeling of the interior. A rear spoiler and wiper are standard on the Accent SE.

LARGE INTERIOR

The Accent’s large silhouette pays comfort dividends inside, with more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic – both cars that are a segment above Accent. The Accent four-door sedan has a total interior volume of 104.6 cubic feet, offering an unexpectedly spacious feel which bests the larger Civic sedan by 1.7 cubic feet. In addition, Accent has more passenger volume than Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo. Accent three-door has a total interior volume of 108.1 cubic feet which makes it roomer than the Civic Coupe by 12.9 cubic feet. Front passengers enjoy class-leading legroom and rear passengers enjoy a class-leading 53.1 inches of shoulder room. Accent three-door also delivers class-leading interior volume in the three-door segment. Accent three-door’s cargo space is 15.9 cubic feet, a total of 6.6 cubic feet larger than the Yaris three-door.

Accent’s interior finish, attention to detail and color options have reset expectations in Accent’s market segment. There’s a handsome two-tone interior color scheme with either a gray or beige theme, or a sporty, black monotone interior that is available on Accent three-door. Improved, analog instrumentation on the GLS and SE keeps the driver informed, while power steering, a tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with fold-down armrest ensure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including bins in the front and rear center console and glove compartment. GLS and SE add front seatback pockets and door storage pockets. Each door pocket can also accommodate a beverage bottle, plus there are two more cupholders in front and another pair in the fold-down rear center armrest. All Accents have a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback making it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum flexibility. The Accent three-door’s rear seats recline for more comfort.

Hyundai has traditionally delivered high feature content for the money, and the Accent is no exception. Standard features are comprehensive, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, new rear coat hook, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets, and remote hood and fuel filler door releases.

For audiophiles, the available 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system includes auxiliary input jack, large-format display with easy-to-use controls and a total of six speakers positioned throughout the interior. While XM Satellite Radio is not available on most competitors and optional on others, it comes standard with all Accent audio systems.

CLEAN, FUEL EFFICIENT ENGINE

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). The DOHC and CVVT combination helps to give the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

With the better breathing from the CVVT, performance peaks at 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and torque is 106 lb.-ft. at 4500 rpm. At 110 horsepower, Accent makes more horsepower than Yaris, Fit and Aveo. Fuel economy is also competitive. With a manual transmission, the Accent’s new EPA mileage is 27 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Accent’s new EPA rating is 24 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway.

Besides the added performance it provides, CVVT also helps the engine operate more cleanly, and the Accent is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) also recognized the Hyundai Accent as one of the top 12 “Greenest Vehicles” in the industry. Part of the Alpha engine family, the Accent’s powerplant is a tough and technologically advanced unit that features a rigid cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head. Engineered for the long haul, the Alpha is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

TWO TRANSMISSION CHOICES

For engaging performance, the Accent comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission that has lower gearing (for quicker acceleration and a more sporty personality). For the ultimate in performance the B&M Racing shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and more precision to Accent SE’s fun-to-drive nature. Also available is an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

REMARKABLE DRIVING DYNAMICS

Accent’s stiff body structure allows the affordable Accent to deliver a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Accent features a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. A 21.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Rack-and-pinion steering with engine-RPM sensing assist makes for low-effort maneuvering around town, combined with a secure feel at high speed. At 33.1 feet Accent’s turning diameter is better than Fit’s 34.3 feet and Versa’s 34.2 feet.

Accent is tuned to satisfy unique consumer needs. The GLS four-door is tuned for comfort, but still feels agile. The GS three-door has a unique steering rack with a sportier feel. The top-of-the-line SE trim aims to set a new standard in the under-$15,000 fun-to-drive category, delivering even more road-holding capability. Accent SE’s sport-tuned suspension features a 24 percent stiffer front spring rate, an 11 percent stiffer rear spring rate, a larger stabilizer bar (24 mm) and unique strut valving. This model’s 205/45R16 tires are tuned specifically for precision and improved lateral acceleration. Accent SE delivers a 70 percent increase in roll control over the GLS. To complete the performance package, Accent SE has a four-sensor, four-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting braking force front to rear based on vehicle load.

QUALITY AND VALUE

Taken in total, the Accent’s many strengths make it not only a smart choice for buyers, but also a clear value leader in its segment. Advanced standard safety technologies give it an important edge. Accent has more passenger interior volume than the Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Honda Civic, and upscale interior appointments make it remarkably comfortable and accommodating. New features for 2008 – like standard XM satellite radio – demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to continually meeting higher customer expectations. Add in the advantage of America’s Best Warranty™, including five years and 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and choosing Accent becomes an even simpler decision for the savvy buyer.

PERSONALIZATION

Vehicle personalization is a growing trend, and is increasingly important to new car buyers. Hyundai offers more than 35 options and accessories on the Accent three-door, enabling buyers to make their own vehicle unique. These include a DC Sports front strut tower brace, AEM short ram intake, B&M Racing sport shifter, power sunroof, a 570-watt Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Kenwood speakers and subwoofer, aluminum door sills, carbon fiber B-pillar applique, ground effects kit and an alloy fuel door.

ACCENT GLS

To simplify the buying process, the four-door Accent sedan comes in a single GLS trim level with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. GLS trim includes a wide range of features, including several items that are either optional or unavailable on competitive vehicles such as a powerful 1.6-liter CVVT engine, 172-watt six-speaker AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, power steering, rear coat hook, tilt steering wheel, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors and standard air conditioning. There are a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags. Carpeted floor mats are optional. The Popular Equipment Package includes ABS with EBD, power windows, mirrors, door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. The GLS Premium Package includes the Popular Equipment Package, plus 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires.

ACCENT GS – THE PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL CAR

In keeping with Hyundai’s high-value approach to standard equipment, the Accent GS not only looks good, but also has a remarkable array of desirable features. A tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with fold-down armrest, reclining rear seat and power steering ensure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray and a rear storage tray. Two cupholders are ideally situated between the driver and passenger for easy reach. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness. The roof-mounted micro antenna is aerodynamic, flexible and improves signal strength.

Standard features are comprehensive and not typically found in this segment, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, rear spoiler, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and remote hood and fuel filler door releases.

The GS Popular Equipment Package includes air conditioning and a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and auxiliary input jack. The GS Premium Equipment Package includes the GS Popular Equipment Package items plus power windows, mirrors, and door locks and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. The bodycolor mirrors and door handles complete the package.

Accent SE – THE NEW UNDER $15,000 PERFORMANCE LEADER

The sport-oriented Accent SE takes value in an exciting new, fun-to-drive direction with the addition of the B&M Racing sport shifter. To complete the driving experience, the Accent SE features a sport-tuned suspension with unique springs, strut valving, stabilizer bar and steering gear – delivering in total a 70 percent increase in roll stiffness over the GLS. Accent SE also features air conditioning, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary input jack; power windows with driver’s window auto-down feature, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear center armrest, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. On the outside, the 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45R16 tires deliver enhanced road-holding capability, and fog lights keep the driver’s path illuminated in adverse weather. The SE trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metallic interior accents. Additional storage is available with the seatback pockets and front door bottle holders. A power sunroof is among the many options and accessories available.

WARRANTY

The 2008 Hyundai Accent is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Accent buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

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 750 dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Entourage Named A Consumers Digets "Best Buy"

Hyundai Entourage Named A Consumers Digest “Best Buy”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/26/2007 Consumers Digest named the Hyundai Entourage a 2008 Automotive “Best Buy” in the van category.

According to the Consumers Digest editors, “Though the Entourage is the budget-minded entry in the minivan market, it’s anything but a stripped-down model. It is fitted with a powerful 250-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. The 60/40-split third-row bench folds easily into the floor, and the middle-row seats flip and fold forward for up to 172 cu. ft. of cargo capacity. Safety features are plentiful and include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, and active front head restraints to help minimize whiplash injuries.”

Consumers Digest evaluated over 200 available models to identify those that they believe offer the most value for the money in their respective vehicle classes. The “Best Buy” ratings are derived from test driving, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, style and amenities. Some of the performance values tested includes starting and acceleration, braking, gear shifting, steering, handling, ride quality and fuel economy.

Entourage offers the comfort, safety and value that families are looking for in the minivan market,” said Wayne Killen, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s rewarding that Consumers Digest recognized the Entourage for its segment leadership.”

About 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 750 dealerships

2008 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 Road Test

2008 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 Road Test

What’s the best midsize family sedan? I get that question from time to time, and I find it an increasingly difficult one to answer because of cars like this Sonata. After all, the process used to be relatively easy. If they were sport-oriented drivers I’d point them toward a Honda Accord and if biased towards comfort, a Toyota Camry. And while the Accord and Camry are still very good cars, a number of rivals, like Saturn’s new Aura and this Sonata are narrowing the gap to a point where it’s difficult to see any difference in quality or features.

From outside, the Sonata certainly won’t give away its rather hefty price advantage (and it’ll save you thousands over the aforementioned cars) with any quality gaffs. Its seams are tight and panel gaps as narrow as anything else in the class, and perfectly aligned. The paint work is top-tier as well, and there’s a lot of chrome to brighten things up, giving the car an upscale appearance. Overall the design is attractive to most that see it, with a long, lean shape, distinctive nose and extremely good looking tail end. Two big, fat, chrome-covered ovoid pipes fill the lower rear valance, giving the Sonata Limited V6 a powerful stance few in the segment can rival.

That powerful look translates into strong performance beneath the skin too, thanks to the same 234-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 that the car’s been using since its 2006 makeover. It’s a velvety smooth engine, and mated to the equally slick five-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode, it’s a pairing designed for quick acceleration and no concerns when passing larger vehicles on the highway.

The Sonata comes standard with four-wheel discs and ABS for quick, secure stopping power, although these aren’t designed for out and out performance driving, meaning they’ll pull down to standstill a few times in a row without problem, but if you’re out on a winding canyon highway pushing the car for all its worth, getting hard on the brakes before each corner and using all the power coming out on the other side, well, they’re going to fade away on you, leaving less grab after a few minutes of hard braking than when you started. This isn’t unusual in the midsize class, mind you. Personally, I’d add an aftermarket performance brake kit and put the problem to rest. It wouldn’t cost that much, and after testing two Sonatas last month with performance upgrades I experienced first hand that this car has a great deal more excitement in it than what comes stock.

So what comes standard for 2008? Hyundai made some updates to the 2007 model that continue forward for this new model year, including the addition of a button for changing stations within the steering wheel mounted audio controls, and XM satellite radio is now available. Additionally, every Sonata now includes six airbags, with two up front, two thorax bags at the side for front occupants, and side-curtain airbags for all outside occupants, plus active front head restraints. The Limited also gets a revised grille with a slick strip of chrome running horizontally, and black leather can now be had along with black carpets and dark charcoal plastics.

Its curtain airbags allow for a five star crash test rating and its V6 is now more environmentally friendly with the ability to meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ULEV) standards while achieving slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

Additional 2008 updates include a new black fabric for entry-level models, plus a powered driver’s seat, rear center head restraint, and trip computer for all Sonata models but the base GLS five-speed. Moving on to the SE and above, chrome trimmed door handles now come standard, as does the auto headlight control feature, while a new 6-disc CD player with subwoofer and external amp makes for a better auditory experience. Strangely, while the more challenging integration of satellite radio is part of the 2008 package, as mentioned, no auxiliary plug-in has been included, which is ridiculous. All they would have had to do is solder some wires to an audio input behind the dash and run them through the center console, drill a hole in the storage bin under the armrest and clip in a 20-cent connector plug, and they’d have had full connectivity for our beloved external mp3 players and iPods. Hyundai is so behind in this regard it’s laughable, and I think they’re fooling themselves if they think customers won’t walk out of a showroom if they can’t plug their music into their new car. Heck, Chrysler and Volkswagen don’t only have aux plugs, but they’re integrating USB ports as well. Of course, Hyundai’s making money while Chrysler, at least, is laying off workers by the tens of thousands. Maybe the Korean brand’s conservative approach to business will pay off in the long run.

Similarly to aux plugs, Hyundai has yet to come to the market with a navigation system. This is not only slow to the market, but other than Kia, which is owned by Hyundai, every other brand sold in North America (even Suzuki) offers one. Reliable sources within Hyundai have promised that nav is on the way shortly, so I’m betting on 2009 for the Sonata, when the car will receive an interior upgrade as part of its mid-cycle makeover.

One thing that comes standard in all Sonatas that pleases me to no end is electronic traction and stability control. This engine definitely needs traction control unless you want to have passersby sneering at you as if you’re a wayward teen out in daddy’s car, and stability control is probably the greatest safety asset since the airbag, and maybe more so because it can keep from having an accident in the first place.

Standard with the Sonata is a well-made interior with plenty of soft touch surfaces and brightwork trim. You have the option of a decent woodgrain replication or, my personal choice, faux carbon fiber trim, while the seats can be covered in the aforementioned black leather with contrasting light gray stitching, beige or gray. The comfortable chairs aren’t supportive enough laterally for sport-oriented driving, but there’s no need to go back and rehash this car’s boons and banes, is there?

No, Hyundai’s Sonata wasn’t designed to be a sport sedan despite offering exhilarating straight-line performance and reasonable agility when called upon, but rather it’s one of the smoothest, most comfortable midsize sedans on the market, with acres of interior space and a trunk, accessible via a 60/40 split in the rear seatbacks as well as through a large opening with a low lift-over height at back, large enough for those impromptu stops at Costco. This is a car you can live with day in and day out, ideal for commuting or toting the kids around on weekdays or long weekends. I know this for a fact, because a 2006 model was our family hauler for the better part of a year, and this car is even better than that one was.

On that note, expect stellar reliability from this four-door, as Hyundai, and the Sonata in particular, is rated highly amongst independent third party surveyors such as J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports.

Lastly, the Sonata is priced thousands lower than the majority of its competitors feature for feature, without giving up refinement or throwing quality standards out the door. Hyundai’s midsize sedan is truly a great value, and a very good car.

November 5, 2007
by Trevor Hofmann

Consumerst Digest Names Best Buys

Consumers Digest Names Best Buys

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Late last week, Consumers Digest released its Best Buy ratings for 2008 model-year vehicles.

Thirty-six vehicles and 13 additional models earned recognition across 10 categories, according to officials.

Receiving honors were:

-Small cars: Dodge Caliber, Honda Civic, Honda Fit, Jeep Compass, Nissan Versa, Scion xB

-Family cars: Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, Mercury Sable, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry/Camry Solara

-Luxury cars: Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Lexus LS 460

-Sports cars: BMW 3-Series, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, MINI Cooper, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky

-Trucks: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

-Vans: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona

-Compact SUVs: Honda CR-V, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4

-Midsize SUVs: Buick Enclave, GMC Arcadia, Mazda CX-7, Saturn Outlook, Saturn VUE

-Full-size/luxury SUVs: Acura MDX, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Mercedes-Benz M-Class

-Hybrids: Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Toyota Prius

Ratings are derived from test driving, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, style and amenities, according to the publication.

Some of the performance values tested are starting and acceleration, braking, gear shifting, steering, handling, ride quality and fuel economy.

“‘Value,’ as we see it, is based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality performance and subjective factors like comfort and design,” commented Randy Weber, publisher.

“Few purchases are more important, or require more research, than buying a new vehicle,” Weber added. “Our analyses underscore our commitment to ensure consumers are as satisfied with their auto purchase years after making it as they were the day they drove off the lot.”

Different this year was the split between midsize and compact SUVs and the addition of the hybrid category, officials noted. The division among SUVs was due to an increase in crossover SUVs, explained Rich Dzierwa, the magazine’s editor.

“Consumers gravitated toward the combination of car-like ride and SUV utility that crossovers bring to the table,” Dzierwa pointed out. “Not surprisingly, manufactures reacted quickly to grow this component of their vehicle lineup.”

Market demands also accounted for the addition of the hybrid category. As Dzierwa notes, a low number of entries kept hybrids out of the report, but now there are 13 hybrids on the market.

“We would still remind consumers that a hybrid carries a price of some $2,000 more than a conventional version of the same vehicle and that it could take six or seven years or more to recoup the sticker prices on gas savings,” Dzierwa added.

November 05, 2007

Hyundai Santa Fe Upgraded, But Still a Great Value

Hyundai Santa Fe upgraded, but still a great value

The newest Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover SUV that is equal to any vehicle in its class in refinement, comfort, space, and performance. This shouldn’t be surprising, as it was designed with a close look at the most popular entry-luxury crossovers, not merely its price-level competition.

If the name is familiar, the vehicle itself was completely new for the 2007 model year. While it’s still a unibody-construction front- or all-wheel drive crossover with fully-independent suspension, the second-generation Santa Fe is built on a unique platform designed for specific crossover SUV use, not originally as a sedan. Interior space was a design priority, and more than merely adequate room for an optional third-row seat was part of the design spec. It’s larger in every dimension than the original, enough to now be considered mid-size rather than compact.

ower is from one of two V6 engines, of 2.7 and 3.3 liters displacement. The 2.7 has been upgraded over its similarly-sized predecessor, and offers more power – now 185 horsepower – and improved fuel economy. The 3.3 is lighter, cleaner, and more efficient than the old 3.5, and produces 242 horsepower, 42 more than the 3.5. Both are ULEV-rated.

Styling is also new, derived from the HCD9 Talus concept vehicle. The Santa Fe was designed at Hyundai’s Irvine, CA facility especially for the U.S. market, and it’s built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Trim levels are GLS, SE, and Limited. The GLS is in no way a decontented “entry-level” model, as it has the 2.7-liter V6, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic stability control, alloy wheels, power windows, mirrors, and door locks with remote entry, a full complement of airbags, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, a roof rack, and a tire pressure monitoring system among its standard features. The SE adds the 3.3-liter engine and five-speed automatic, 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded interior and exterior trim and more available options, while the premium Limited model adds leather, dual-zone climate control, fancier exterior trim, and upgraded option packages. All may be had in five- or seven-passenger configuration.

Unusually for a press-fleet vehicle, where fully-optioned premium models are the norm, the 2007 Santa Fe I recently drove was a front-drive GLS automatic with only carpeted floor mats on its option list. But it was far from bare-bones basic. Manageably-sized on the outside, it had plenty of space inside, with all of the multiple-configuration versatility and access expected in a crossover. It was quiet and comfortable on the road, with good power for its intended uses and all of the safety and conveniences anyone really needs as standard equipment. At an MSRP of just over $22,000, it could be bought strictly on price, but the Santa Fe has far more than a low price in its favor. It compares favorably with any mid-size, middle-class crossover made today.

2008 update: tis that time of year again, when the new models are just around the corner. Because the Santa Fe was all-new for 2007, don’t expect major changes for ’08.

Appearance: With the Santa Fe, Hyundai’s Southern California stylists have created a contemporary design that is distinctive and stylish. The grille and headlight shapes found in other Hyundai cars are further refined, for a cohesive company look. The gently-sculpted body shape is well-defined by means of angular edges to the fenders and hood and a free-flowing character line on each side. Moderately-flared wheel arches blend into lower side bodywork that hints at SUV cladding, but is really just sheetmetal. A roof rack is standard issue on all models. The fender line rises toward the rear, for a sporty stance, and this is further developed in the side window shape. The rear styling is crossover conservative, highlighted by taillights that mimic the shape of the headlights.

Comfort: The second-generation Santa Fe seems to have been designed from the inside out. My GLS test example was roomy, quiet, and comfortable for both front and second-row passengers. It didn’t have the third row, but the Santa Fe is large enough inside that the third row should be useful for children or small adults. Seat comfort is good, and in the GLS interior materials are honest synthetics – but soft-touch materials, multiple textures, close panel tolerances, and attention to detail make the Santa Fe’s interior a pleasant place. The instrument panel is styled in the contemporary upscale manner, with a dark anti-glare top separated from the lighter interior color by silvery plastic and faux wood trim. The center stack, with controls for the audio and climate control systems, is placed a little closer to the front passengers for ease of use. Interior storage is good, with a locking glovebox and useful center console and door storage. The rear seat holds two comfortably, with room for a third person in the center for short periods of time. The rear seat folds 60/40 for cargo, and liftover to the load floor is not too high.

Safety: All Santa Fe models have six standard airbags – dual front, front side, and full-length side curtains that extend far enough back for third-row protection. Brakes are four-wheel disc, with four-channel antilock and electronic brake-force distribution. Both traction control and electronic stability control are standard in all Santa Fe models, as is a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Ride and handling: Increased rigidity of the new Santa Fe unibody means a quieter interior and improved ride and handling characteristics. The suspension – fully-independent by means of MacPherson struts in front and a multilink system in the rear – was tuned for American roads and tastes, meaning that it’s fairly soft but well-damped and deals with poor road surfaces well. Steering effort is not too light, and as expected, the Santa Fe feels like a car, not a truck. It’s not really meant for serious off-road use, but 8.1 inches of clearance and reasonable approach and departure angles mean painless driving over road debris, steep driveways, and other hazards of city life.

Performance: Even with the 2.7-liter V6, the Santa Fe has more than merely adequate power for its intended use. In front-wheel drive trim, the GLS weighs around 3800 pounds, and the engine’s 185 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and 183 lb-ft of torque (at 4000 rpm) are up to the task, although manual use of the “Shiftronic” four-speed automatic transmission will get better performance, especially at high highway speeds. In that respect, the Santa Fe GLS is little different from its competition, and in normal driving “D” works just fine, thank you. Variable cam phasing and a variable intake system help broaden the torque band and lower emissions, as well as improve both power and fuel economy. And for those who can shift for themselves, a five-speed manual transmission is standard in the GLS, for less cost than the automatic.

Published 10/06/07, Copyright © 2007 Maryland Gazette,
Glen Burnie, Md.

Hyundai Goes Upscale in Midsize Crossover

Hyundai goes upscale in midsize crossover

The 2007 Hyundai Veracruz crossover. It’s not a Lexus, it’s a Hyundai.

You’ve got to give Hyundai a bit of credit for coming so far in such a short amount of time. Just a few years ago, the Korean manufacturer’s stateside offerings were the butt of jokes, econoboxes with shaky reputations and second-world manufacturing standards. American drivers, first exposed to the budget-minded Excel, are particularly lucky that they were spared the automotive terror that was the Hyundai Pony, an auto which was imported to my native Canada for many years. Friends from Edmonton showed up in their second-hand Pony when I first moved to Colorado a decade ago and my American acquaintances didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Flash forward not so many years and you have a totally new world of Hyundai. The once-nascent automaker has improved so much and inspired enough vehicular confidence in the American market where it can begin to directly poke fun at more expensive automobiles, taunting them, as it were.

Case in point is the new Hyundai Veracruz – I guess they could have called it Mazatlan or Cotopaxi, but they stuck with Veracruz – a well-designed and reasonably attractive seven-passenger mid-size crossover SUV whose sole mission, one might believe, was to thumb its nose at the more haughty Lexus RX350.

The argument goes something like this: Buy a Veracruz Limited (in my tester’s case, front wheel drive only), and for just over $33,000, you’ll get a laundry list of options that you’d pay thousands and thousands more for in a Lexus, or in the frankly more comparable Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Tribeca or Nissan Murano.

And there’s plenty of truth in that. Without requesting extras, your standard Veracruz comes with a 3.8 liter V-6 producing 260 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual Shiftronic mode, plus attractive 18-inch alloy wheels and Michelin rubber, power adjustable and heated leather seating, a fancy Infinity stereo with XM Satellite radio and even a power liftgate.

There’s third-row seating, sliding second row seats, a sunroof, dual exhaust and a backup warning system. The Veracruz looks like a blend of the 2005 model Acura MDX, bits and pieces of the BMW X5 and … well, yes, a lot like a Lexus RX350.

While the “get almost the same vehicle for much less” argument will certainly get Hyundai some traction in the crossover market, the basic problem is that attacking the Lexus crowd is a lot like saying a $35 RCA stereo, purchased at Wal-Mart, will do the same basic functions as a very, very expensive Bang & Olufsen stereo system – i.e. play CDs and allow you to listen to Biff America or “Eggs Over Irie.” That is technically true but … uh … well, stick with me for a minute.

Sadly, those who want a Lexus will probably still buy a Lexus and will get a somewhat more expensive vehicle that is still just an SUV but, is a Lexus and is not a Hyundai.

This is not a fight I chose to start – that was Hyundai’s decision – but if you’re talking smack about the epitome of slightly staid but tremendously well-designed Japanese automobiles, you have to accomplish a few simple goals.

The first would be a ride that is as smooth and solid as a Lexus. My week in the Veracruz suggested that this goal is being rapidly pursued, but hadn’t quite been achieved. The Veracruz, weighing in at 4,266 pounds, feels just a bit unwieldy when cruising the byways, as most mid-size SUV crossovers do. Steering is marginally vague and the suspension, while not quite as pogo stick-like as the Kia Sorrento, is just a little too happy to communicate every thump and bump in the road. Power is fine and plentiful (and earned me about 21 miles per gallon), but the basic ride and handling lack a certain sophistication.

The overall design, especially the interior details, come much closer to that goal, with a modern look epitomized by a ridged hood, bubbled headlamps, mirrors with signal repeaters and wraparound brake lamps, plus a rear spoiler and adaptable roof rails.

The Veracruz’s insides are very nice indeed, with loads of leather surfaces, comfortable and infinitely adjustable seating (even the third row has moderately comfortable space, provided those in the second row slide forward a bit) and a decoration scheme that includes woodgrain-styled trim, aluminum-styled plastic and glowing blue mood lighting. The heating and cooling system is great and even the center console box is cooled; rear passengers get their own air controls and a series of ceiling-mounted vents.

It’s a wonderful package and for those seeking mid-size perks with small-size pricing, the Veracruz is one to investigate. Just don’t expect a Lexus; you’ll get a very nice Hyundai.

BY Andy Stonehouse
special to the daily
September 14, 2007

Hyundai Entourage Packs Outstanding Safety and More Value in All 2008 Models

Hyundai Entourage Packs Outstanding Safety And More Value In All 2008 Models

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/01/2007 Hyundai Motor America announced pricing today for the best minivan ever tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the 2008 Hyundai Entourage[1] now on sale at Hyundai dealerships.

Hyundai’s first minivan, the Entourage, which earned top safety marks when first introduced last year, picks up the pace in 2008 with even more value and equipment options to suit the needs of families on-the-go. Sporting a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission — all backed by Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty — the Entourage is a smart buy with an entry-level price of $24,595 including freight. With standard safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), six air bags, active front-seat head restraints and a top five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Entourage is a vehicle that continues to be a frontline contender in the minivan segment.

ENTOURAGE GLS $24,595 including $700 freight
ENTOURAGE LIMITED $30,495 including $700 freight

2008 NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

· Replacement of SE trim level with a new Popular Equipment Package option on the GLS, which includes dual power sliding doors, power driver seat, back-up warning sensors, steering wheel audio controls and power rear quarter glass
· New GLS Premium Package includes a rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch LCD monitor, Infinity® audio system and other features
· Standard Infinity AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7® Surround Sound on Limited trim level
· Optional Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity (Available later this year)

The Entourage’s GLS Popular Equipment Package is new for 2008 and offers a high level of convenience and safety features for less than a comparably equipped 2007 Entourage SE. (The SE trim level is discontinued for 2008.) This high value package includes backup warning sensors to enhance driver awareness when the vehicle is in reverse; steering wheel audio controls to minimize driver distraction; and dual power sliding doors with power sliding windows, power rear quarter glass and power driver seat. This new optional equipment package delivers desirable safety and convenience features to make the GLS trim level a versatile alternative to the higher priced competition, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In fact, the Entourage equipped with the Popular Equipment Package is the lowest priced minivan offering power sliding doors and backup warning sensors.

The new GLS Premium Package for 2008 adds exterior and interior trim enhancements, along with thoughtful features, including fully automatic front-dual automatic climate controls, Infinity AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio and an eight-inch DVD rear seat entertainment system.

For 2008, the Entourage will continue to feature the popular standard equipment offered when the vehicle was introduced last year, like the Hyundai Hideaway™ third-row seat, a simple-to-use 60/40 split fold-into-the floor seat that offers flexibility for up to seven passengers. Entourage’s flip and fold second-row seats add to the vehicle’s space and versatility, providing easy access to its third-row seating.

At 202 inches long and 78.1 inches wide, the Entourage is truly full-size. In fact, these larger dimensions and efficient packaging deliver an interior volume of 172 cubic feet – more than Honda Odyssey.

The Hyundai Entourage comes in two distinct trim levels: The well-equipped GLS and more luxurious Limited.

ENTOURAGE GLS

The Entourage GLS starts at $24,595, including $700 freight, and is equipped with the following standard features:
· 3.8L DOHC V6 engine
· 5-Speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® feature
· Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control
· 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
· 16-inch steel wheels
· Manual tri-zone climate control system
· AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers
· Roof rack side rails
· Dual body-colored power side view mirrors
· Chrome-insert bodyside moldings
· Body-colored exterior door handles
· Premium cloth seats
· Tilt steering wheel
· Cruise control
· Keyless entry with panic alarm
· Dual vanity mirrors
· Front armrest
· Front wiper deicer
· Manual sliding rear doors

ENTOURAGE GLS OPTIONS

· Popular Equipment Package ($1,500 MSRP) includes a power driver seat, dual power sliding doors, backup warning sensors, power rear quarter glass, and steering wheel audio controls
· Premium Package ($4,850 MSRP) requires the Popular Equipment Package and includes an Infinity® AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7® surround sound, rear-seat entertainment system and eight-inch LCD monitor, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, heated side view mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather tilt steering wheel and shift knob, compass plus trip computer, solar control glass, chrome inside door handles, wood or metalgrain trim, dual front fully automatic HVAC with manual rear, chrome exterior door handles, automatic headlights, fog lights, and body-colored with chrome accent rear license garnish

ENTOURAGE LIMITED

The Limited starts at $30,495, including $700 freight, and offers all the standard features of the GLS trim with Popular Equipment Package plus the following:
· Leather seating surfaces
· Heated front seats
· Leather tilt steering wheel and shift knob
· Dual front fully automatic HVAC with manual rear
· Infinity® AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7® surround sound
· Power tailgate
· Compass plus trip computer
· Solar control glass
· Premium scuff plates
· 17-inch alloy wheels
· Automatic headlights
· Fog lights
· Chrome inside door handles
· Wood or metal grain trim
· Chrome exterior door handles
· Body-colored with chrome accent rear license garnish
· Dual illuminated vanity mirrors
· Heated side view mirrors
· Limited badge

LIMITED OPTIONS

· Ultimate Package ($2,900 MSRP) includes rear-seat entertainment system and eight-inch LCD monitor, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, power front passenger seat, power adjustable foot pedals, integrated memory system, auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink

WARRANTY

The 2008 Hyundai Entourage is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Entourage buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 750 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

[1] Excludes products from other Hyundai Auto Group divisions

Hyundai sport-ute rides with the big boys

Hyundai sport-ute rides with the big boys

Hyundai is at it again.

This time, it attacks the upper-end sport-utility market with its luxurious-feeling Veracruz Limited. That’s the South Korean automaker’s top-level sport-ute, and it’s on par with some of the top models on the market.

The test vehicle was a sparkling black Veracruz Limited loaded with what Hyundai calls its “ultimate” package: a $2,950 option that includes adjustable pedals, memory power seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with surround sound and a 115-volt outlet, rain-sensing wipers, lighted door sills and a remote key fob.

That, along with $125 for carpeted floor mats, takes a fancy sport ute that starts at $32,305, including destination charges, to $35,380. Sounds like a lot, but is smack dab in the middle of the luxury sport-ute market that includes Acura’s MDX, Buick’s new Enclave and the Lexus RX350.

On performance numbers, it competes well with all of them.

Veracruz, in all its models, features a 3.8-liter V-6 that generates 260 horsepower. The Acura, for example, has a 3.7-liter V-6 that creates 300 horses, while the Lexus 3.5-liter V-6 creates 270 horses and Buick’s 3.6-liter V-6 delivers 275.

Size is similar, too. The Veracruz checks in at 190.6 inches long, while the Acura is 190.7. The Buick is longer at 201.8 and the Lexus slightly shorter at 186.2 inches.

Note, too, that the Veracruz can be had for less than the Limited’s mid-$30,000 price tag. The base GLS model starts at $26,305 with the all-wheel-drive model starting at $28,005. Moving up to the mid-level SE puts the starting price to $28,005 and $29,705 for the AWD version.

So how does it drive?

Pretty well, starting with the handling, which features fairly firm steering with a heavy wheel feel. Most folks will associate that with quality because it’s similar to that of the Japanese luxury makes. More importantly, the Veracruz corners well. You can put it into a corner at speed and it will track well with little lean and without the rear-end wanting to come around.

Hyundai assures solid control with both stability and traction control systems to help keep the wheels from spinning in the wet, or the ute from wanting to swap ends. All that is controlled through the braking system, an anti-lock system with discs front and rear. These do a great job of stopping the heavy feeling ute, too.

The engine also provides plenty of power, but the gearing in the smooth six-speed automatic gearbox isn’t quite what I’d expect here to boost speed. This one is a little slow away from stoplights but picks up the pace after about 35 mph. You can tromp the gas pedal to get it up to speed more quickly, but normal acceleration is a little lackluster.

Ride is good in most conditions, and its long wheelbase helps. But a bit more dampening could take the edge off the ride on really bumpy roads.

Inside, you’d be hard pressed to separate the Hyundai from the other luxury models in this price range. This one had a tan and brown leather interior with a dark brown dash top and steering wheel, plus a wood-look trim between the dark textured top and lighter lower portion of the dash. Buttons and dials feature a pewter-look finish.

Seating is mildly contoured but very comfortable, front and rear. Veracruz also comes with a fold-down third-row seat that when stowed gives you oodles of storage space in back. Both rear seats are easy to maneuver and have plenty of cup holders, plus overhead lighting and air vents.

Other goodies include a sunroof and shade, steering wheel audio controls, HomeLink, keyless entry, a power rear hatch, trip computer, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and Michelin tires, fog lights, a rear spoiler and roof rack. Add to that tire pressure monitoring and side airbag curtain, a couple safety features that often add cost to the vehicle.

The Hyundai’s radio sounds great, too. The controls for it, as well as for the automatic dual climate control system, are easy to get at and use.

Gas mileage is good for a ute. I got 22.5 mpg in about an even mix of city and highway driving. The EPA says to expect 18 mpg city and 25 highway. All-wheel-drive models get a little less.

Complaints? Other than the somewhat slow pickup when pulling away from a stoplight, I’d like to see sun visors that slide to block out side sun. Other than that, Veracruz is a worthy competitor in its market.

Sept. 14, 2007
Savage on Wheels
Mark Savage

Test Drive: Veracruz Seems More Luxury Than Mainstream

Test Drive: Veracruz seems more luxury than mainstream

Hyundai’s 2008 Veracruz is mechanically identical to the ’07. The only changes are a few more available options and the way some features and options are packaged.

Being either bold or absurd, South Korean car company Hyundai compares its newest SUV, Veracruz, to the Lexus RX 350.

The vehicle’s $27,000 starting price, for instance, is “$11,000 below Lexus RX 350,” Hyundai bragged when it launched the vehicle earlier this year.

The popular Lexus crossover SUV was the benchmark that Hyundai used developing the Veracruz, says John Krafcik, vice president in charge of product design for Hyundai Motor America. The automaker needed a so-called stretch goal because it knew that the Veracruz would hit the market amid redesigned Toyota Highlander and, next year, Honda Pilot, as well as the new Mazda CX-9 and General Motors’ Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia twins.

Hyundai hoped a premium treatment of a mainstream model could give it an advantage. Trend-meisters call that the “democratization of luxury” — deluxe features and luxury execution in mid-price products.Drive time in a 2008 Veracruz shows that Hyundai came close enough.

Hyundai launched Veracruz in the spring as a 2007 model but has replaced it after a few months with the mechanically identical 2008. Only changes are a few more available options and the way some features and options are packaged.

Test model was an ’08, close to loaded and priced about $39,000, which is enough to make you think at least twice before choosing it instead of a more proven model.

“When you buy a Toyota, you don’t have to explain. When you buy a Hyundai, especially a $35,000 Hyundai, you have to explain,” acknowledges Krafcik. “We hope you can just sit your neighbor in the vehicle and that will explain.”

Salients during the drive, which was a mix of suburban runaround and highway jaunts.

•Driving feel: Good; well-balanced, almost sporty, at least by nose-heavy SUV standards.

Steering did as told and didn’t require multiple mini-corrections as some models (even premium brands) still do. Brakes felt firm enough to be reassuring. Suspension kept body movements in check sufficiently to encourage snappy cornering, yet provided a very smooth ride.

•Engine, transmission performance: Engine sound and feel were better than average in this category of vehicle, inviting a heavy foot. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted crisply up or down and was free of untoward, unpleasant, unwanted delays, stutters and stumbles that mar many reputable rivals’ gearboxes.

The snaky path for the gear lever was slightly balky and unnatural, though.

•Comfort: Seats in all rows were comfortable. First and second rows were actually roomy. The third row could accommodate adults briefly. The way-back has more legroom than Highlander, but at the expense of cargo room behind the third row, which is a minuscule 6.5 cubic feet.

The third row is split so you can fold half to stretch cargo space while using the other half for a seat. Toyota doesn’t give you that benefit on the redesigned Highlander, arguing that while it’s a nice feature to demonstrate in showrooms, nobody really uses the third row half-and-half, so why spend to make it so, and why complicate the raising and lowering mechanism?

Handiness is part of overall comfort, and it was more-or-less good in the tester.

Controls were big and obvious. Gauges likewise, but in the tester, the dashboard illumination couldn’t be dimmed sufficiently to avoid intruding on night vision. At night, you want as little light inside as possible. The darker the interior, the wider your eyes can open to see the dark road.

Ceiling notches where you grab the sun visors are on the outboard ends. Your hand naturally reaches for the inboard edge. New notches next year, Hyundai says.

Hookup for an iPod or other MP3 player was a throwback. It’s an FM modulator instead of a direct-to-the-stereo link. You plug in your MP3 as usual, but then have to tune the car’s radio to 88.3 on the FM band to receive the player’s signal and route it through the vehicle’s stereo. The ’09 Veracruz will have the conventional hard-wired link plus a USB port, Hyundai says.

The optional navigation system — first time Hyundai has offered a built-in navi — had the desirable bird’s-eye view that seems easier to read than the flat map view of most navigators. It lacked sufficient street names, however. And its color and size coding strangely showed some pretty puny paths as major byways, further confusing you in unfamiliar areas.

•Ambiance: The well-equipped tester seemed like a luxury vehicle rather than a loaded mainstreamer. Smooth, quiet, rich-looking and -feeling inside. More than equal to the challenge of Highlander and could be for CX-9 if you don’t need the best cargo space and can settle for slightly watered-down sportiness instead of the Mazda’s real thing.

No noises, mismatched parts or askew trim were noted; nothing to signal that Veracruz had cut corners in materials or manufacturing.

Hyundai, as a brand, gives mixed messages on quality and reliability. The brand scored exactly average in problems the first 90 days of ownership in this year’s widely watched Initial Quality Study by J.D. Power and Associates. That’s behind last year’s third-place finish, just behind Lexus.

Hyundai’s Accent was among the top three subcompact cars; Elantra was among the top three compacts; Tucson was among the top trio of compact SUVs.

Veracruz is essentially an enlarged Santa Fe, but it’s hard to predict whether the enlarging will help, hurt or not affect Veracruz when it’s included in next year’s IQS.

Hyundai, as a brand, has scored below average in Power’s dependability studies, which measure reliability of three-year-old vehicles. Accent was a top finisher among subcompacts, however. And each new Hyundai seems to improve.

The long Hyundai warranty, better than some luxury brands offer, provides some peace of mind.

The real question isn’t how well the Veracruz compares to the Lexus RX, but whether its $2,000 price advantage, roughly, is enough to draw buyers away from the likes of Highlander and CX-9.

2008 Hyundai Veracruz

•What is it? Midsize, seven-passenger crossover SUV new to Hyundai’s line; loosely speaking, a big Santa Fe. Available with front- or all-wheel drive. Manufactured in South Korea.

•How soon? 2007 model went on sale in March. Mechanically identical ’08 went on sale in August.

•How much? GLS front-wheel drive (FWD) starts at $27,595 including $695 destination charge. GLS all-wheel drive (AWD) is $29,295. SE FWD is $29,295. SE AWD is $30,995. Limited FWD is $34,745. Limited AWD is $36,445.

•How many? 20,000 to 25,000 a year.

•What’s the drivetrain? 3.8-liter V-6 rated 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 257 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode; traction control.

Optional AWD normally operates as front-drive, shifts power to rears under hard acceleration and when fronts slip. Unusual among crossover SUVs, driver can lock AWD into 50/50 split for unusually challenging conditions.

•What’s the safety gear? Frontal, side-impact air bags in front, head-curtain air bags for all rows; anti-lock brakes; stability control.

•What’s the rest? Standard on all models: climate control with rear controls; AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo with FM modulator hookup for MP3 devices; power steering, brakes, locks, mirrors, windows; cruise control; remote-control locks.

•How big? Longer, heavier than Toyota Highlander; shorter, lighter than Mazda CX-9; wider than either. Veracruz is 190.6 inches long, 76.6 inches wide, 71.1 inches tall with roof rack (68.9 inches without), on a 110.4-inch wheelbase.

Weight is listed as 4,266 pounds for FWD, 4,431 pounds for AWD. Cargo space in cubic feet is listed as 6.5 behind third row, 40 when third row’s folded, 86.8 when second, third row are folded.

Rated to tow 3,500 pounds. Rated to carry 1,477 (AWD) or 1,466 (FWD) pounds of people, cargo.

•How thirsty? FWD is rated 16 miles per gallon in town, 23 on the highway, 18 in combined driving. AWD is 15/22/18.

Test vehicle’s trip computer showed 14.3 mpg in 215 miles of mixed suburban and highway driving.

Regular (87-octane) gasoline is specified. Tank holds 20.6 gallons.

• Overall: Worthy of a shopper’s — even a luxury shopper’s — short list.