The Hyundai Veracruz (Korean: 현대 ë² ë¼í¬ë£¨ì¦ˆ), also known as the Hyundai ix55 in Europe and Russia, is a mid-size crossover that was manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 2006 to 2012. The Veracruz was sold in the United States, Canada, South Korea, China, Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the Middle East. It was also imported to Europe and parts of Asia from 2007 to 2011. The Veracruz was discontinued in other countries except South Korea.
History
2007 Hyundai Veracruz Review - Kelley Blue Book - FOR PRICING & SPECS ON THIS CAR VISIT: http://www.kbb.com/KBB/NewCars/Hyundai_Veracruz.aspx Hyundai Veracruz. At one time, Hyundai Motors had a reputation for poor quality and workmanship....
The official date of unveiling in South Korea was October 12, 2006, and was made available in the United States as a 2007 model. The Veracruz went on sale in March 2007 and is Hyundai's largest crossover SUV. It replaced the truck-based Terracan that was sold worldwide except for North America. The Veracruz is built on a Hyundai Santa Fe platform. The revamped 2011 Veracruz was based on the same platform as the Kia Sorento.
The Veracruz gets its name from a state in Mexico, continuing the Western theme from the small Tucson SUV and mid-size Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. Powering the Veracruz is a 3.8Â L 260Â hp (190Â kW) V6 engine with an Aisin sourced 6-speed Shiftronic Automatic transmission.
In Europe was sold only with 3.0Â L CRDI V6 diesel S-Line engine with Variable geometry turbocharger and 240Â hp (180Â kW). In 2008, the Veracruz was also sold in some European countries as the ix55.
Features and options
The Veracruz was only available in two models during its six-year run: the base GLS and the luxurious Limited, in Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive configurations. Standard features on all Veracruz models included full power equipment, air conditioning with allergen filter, an A/M-F/M stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary inputs for portable media devices, steering wheel-mounted audio system and cruise controls, third-row seating, aluminum-alloy wheels, a V6 engine, an automatic transmission, and color-keyed side mirrors and door handles. Additional options included a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer, Infinity surround sound, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated and ventilated seats, a power sunroof, smart-key access (featuring a "Twist-to-Start" ignition system), chrome accents, and touch-screen GPS Navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link service. One feature that was not available from the factory on any Veracruz model was a Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, though one was available as an accessory through Hyundai that replaced the sunglasses holder in the overhead console. However, the optional Bluetooth hands-free accessory kit did not support A2DP wireless stereo streaming of music, as it did not integrate into the Veracruz's audio system, and instead featured its own, integral control panel and speaker.
Discontinuation
The Hyundai Veracruz was discontinued on November 15, 2011 in other countries except South Korea. Last-produced 2011 models were rebadged in 2012 and carried over the extended year. Hyundai has announced on April 6, 2012 that the 7-passenger version of the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe will replace the Veracruz and that production of the current Veracruz would stop "around November 2012".
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said crash results indicated, "... a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity" which is the highest result possible. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found similar results when they tested the Veracruz, awarding it five stars after its frontal crash test for both passenger and driver and in the side impact event. On November 15, 2007 the IIHS declared Veracruz vehicles built after August 2007 a Best Safety Pick for side, rear, and frontal impact protection.
References
External links
- Hyundai: Veracruz Official American Homepage
- Hyundai: Veracruz Official South Korean Homepage
- Chicago Sun-Times: Veracruz does it right
- JB car pages: Hyundai Veracruz
- 2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited AWD - Comparison Tests
- Motor Trend: 2007 Hyundai Veracruz vs. 2008 Lexus RX350 Comparison
- IIHS News | November 15, 2007
- Washingtonpost: That's No Lexus, It's a Hyundai
