November 13, 2007 — LOS ANGELES, Calif. — 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.
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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.
