Hyundai Is the Next Target

Isn’t it thrilling that we live in a day and age when the line between bargain basement and luxury consumer goods is getting incredibly blurry? Take Target, for example. I remember when places like Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target were considered equally low-end retailers. Since then, Target has risen up, and now (at least amongst my circle of friends) it is the cool place for hip moms to shop for designer clothing and home goods on a budget. You get all of this while sipping a latte from the store’s Starbucks.

The Hyundai Veracruz is the Target of the automotive world. Don’t get your hopes up, ladies! There isn’t a Starbucks located inside Hyundai’s cars or even its dealerships (although I like that idea). What I’m trying to say is that the Veracruz is much like that sweet pair of Mossimo wedges I recently purchased: Pewter metallic strappy sandals with cork wedges, and they even have a driving heel — how perfect is that? The point I was trying to make before I so rudely allowed myself to get distracted with euphoric fantasies of shoe shopping was that the Veracruz is a budget-esque crossover masquerading as a luxury one. It does so well that I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the Veracruz is almost as nice (and in some respects even nicer) as the Lexus RX — for a base price of more than $10,000 lower. Meowwww!

During my two weeks in the Veracruz, I was surprised by every new feature I uncovered. Initially, I was just thrilled to be driving the first offering from Hyundai with three rows. Imagine how my excitement rose when I slid one of the rear seats forward to climb into the third row and found an incredibly thoughtful handle perfectly placed on the back of the sliding seat for me to grab and hoist myself into the vehicle. The third row, despite being a bit tight, was certainly more comfortable than the sardine-can seat I’m sitting in right now on the airplane while writing this review. While the seat belt receptors in the third row were easy for my kids to buckle on their own, unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the ones in the second row. I ended up having to buckle in my youngest every time.

The second row seat belt annoyance was quickly forgotten when I found a slew of my favorite car features all standard in the Veracruz, including a backup warning system, power tailgate, a conversation mirror that offers a view of all the rear passengers, steering wheel mounted audio controls, lighted storage compartments and cupholders, a chill zone in the center console to keep my kids’ string cheese cold and — I’m getting way too typeractive here — let me just slow down and collect myself a bit before continuing.

Ahhh. Deep breath. Other fabulous features I found in the Veracruz were an available DVD entertainment system with rear controls so capable backseat passengers could play around with it without distracting the driver for instructions. I also appreciated the under-floor storage bin in the cargo area, good rear visibility and luxuriously tactile fit and finish inside the vehicle.

The main thing that I think would make the Hyundai Veracruz — and, honestly, any Hyundai for that matter — any better would be for them to be on sale at Target. Stick with me on this for a moment. Hyundai could be the next designer brand to pair up with Target. Imagine a world where you could drive up to one store and purchase a new convertible five-point harness to replace the one with the inexplicable odor emanating from it (despite washing the cover three times), a hand vacuum that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter to suck up the endless supply of loose Cheerios, and the car to put these things into. All this while sipping a latte from the store’s Starbucks kiosk.

*For more information on the Hyundai Veracruz and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 7

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great – Excellent

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On

By: Kristin Varela
www.motherproof.com

2007 Hyundai Veracruz

Hyundai is successfully changing the way Americans look at their product line.

During the past decade, the Korean automaker’s lackluster build quality and stodgy designs have given way to sophisticated styling and improved fit and finish — the likes of which mimic their Japanese competitors.

“Our company is experiencing the fastest quality improvement in its history,” Hyundai Product Manager Miles Johnson said. “Our entire organization is fanatical about quality.”

Hyundai’s redesigned Sonata sedan and Santa Fe sport utility are current samples that have helped fuel the company’s annual U.S. sales growth from 91,217 units in 1998 to last year’s 455,520 units.

The newest member to join the Hyundai product line is the midsize 2007 Hyundai Veracruz crossover vehicle outfitted in GLS, SE or upscale Limited models.

Veracruz is larger than its Santa Fe brethren with a 4-inch-longer wheelbase and 6-inch overall length increase that yields a car-like ride quality akin to most large sedans. Cabin acoustics and body sound insulation absorbs engine and road noise to whisper levels.

Unlike a sedan however, Veracruz can manage up to seven passengers with a standard third row 50/50 split-folding seat that accommodates adults for short jaunts, but caters best for children. Second row occupants enjoy adult-size head, leg and knee room with split seats that slide and recline to suit their comfort needs.

Second and third row seats easily fold down to create a cargo hold that swallows everything from bicycles to building material.

Up front, user friendly controls greet the driver with easy-to-read gauges that turn to a soft blue hue for nighttime driving.

Supple cloth seat cushions and soft-textured materials create a pleasing and comfortable ride for all passengers. Limited models are available with two-tone leather upholstery.

Veracruz teams a 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission that propels its standard front-wheel drivetrain managed by 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in all-season rubber. All models are available with all-wheel drive.

Electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes, front and three-row side curtain airbags are standard.

Veracruz is equipped with power accessories, steering wheel audio controls, air conditioning with separate rear climate controls, cruise control, rear window wiper and a keyless entry system.

Popular option packages include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear-obstacle detection system, power sunroof, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and power adjustable pedals. Bluetooth hands-free phone system, auxiliary iPod jack and XM satellite radio also are available.

The 2007 Hyundai Veracruz GLS enters the crossover segment at $26,995, followed by the SE model for $28,695. Limited stretches the bottom line to $32,995. Add $1,700 for all-wheel drive.

Sunday, July 29
BY JIM JACKSON
Times Auto Writer