Hyundai Announces Name of New SUV: Veracruz
Hyundai has just announced its ninth (you read that right) vehicle for its 2007 model-year lineup, and it’s going to be a sport utility vehicle. Its name fits in with the rest of the Hyundai SUV name scheme; it’s been christened Veracruz after Mexico’s biggest port. It’s based off the new Santa Fe but it has a stretched wheelbase in order to give ample accommodation room for those in the second and third row. Mind you, the Veracruz is no boat - Hyundai claims that it’ll be about the same size as Honda’s Pilot, but, when the second and third row seats are folded, it’ll offer more cargo volume than Benz’s full-size GL Class.
As of right now, the Veracruz will be available with one engine - a 3.8-litre V6 engine, but it’ll be mated to a brand new six-speed automatic, and will be available with either front wheel drive, or optional all wheel drive. Hyundai seems to be playing the safety card with this one; it features standard front, side and curtain airbags, and electronic stability control to keep the shiny side up. Of course, Hyundai isn’t going to keep the Veracruz to itself, insiders have reported that it’s going to be shared with sister company Kia, who is to offer a new seven-seater SUV to replace the aging Sorento, and a pickup-truck variant. It’ll debut at the NAIAS at Detroit in January.