LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2007) – The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named
Hyundai Veracruz the “Best Value SUV” of the 2007 14th annual
Northwest Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year Competition at the Los Angeles
International Auto Show today.
The
two-day test was held at Portland International Raceway. Twenty-six members of
the NWAPA put 28 vehicles through the series of tests October 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. The tests included three main
elements: pavement testing, which included a slalom, curve handling, and
emergency braking maneuvers; off-road testing, which included hill-climbing and
descent abilities, in addition to ride comfort and low-range handling; and
testing of the performance, handling and braking of each competing SUV. The overall value for money, packaging
and versatility were evaluated through a comprehensive scoring procedure. The list of
SUVs was diverse and ranged in price from under $25,000 to well over $45,000.
The Hyundai Veracruz SE with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, equipped with Hyundai’s
first 6-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission performed exceeding well, both
on-road and off-road. With an
“as-tested” MSRP of only $31,120, the Hyundai Veracruz impressed the panel of
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 list as the Best SUV Overall Value for 2007, beating competitors
including the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Xterra and the Toyota FJ
Cruiser. The winners
were announced today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 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. |
