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Chicago Review of the 2010 Hyundai VeraCruz in Chicago

"Ample, able Veracruz the latest success story for Hyundai"

"Hyundai continues to make qualitative gains"



Chicago residents know getting good press is sometimes hard to find, but the Chicago Tribune had some nice words to say about the Chicago 2010 Hyundai VeraCruz. If anyone can appreciate how Toyota feels, it's Hyundai.... Hyundai Motors used to have the little $4,000 Hyundai Excel which set a first-year record in sales during the mid-'80s before quality problems swept Hyundai to one of the car-makers Chicagoans laughed at.  Some analysts are thinking that Hyundai's increase in sales are at the expense of Toyota and their recalls, but we tend to think otherwise.
 

Even before Toyota's troubles surfaced, Hyundai planned to make some inroads for 2010 by adding even more standard "necessities" on the base Veracruz GLS, such as power driver's seat, roof-rack side rails, backup alert, fog lights and a "cool box" under the center armrest.

The Chicago Tribune tested the midsize GLS Veracruz. It has three rows of seats for seven. The third row hides under the cargo floor until needed, creating a very generous space: "Think room for more than a week's supply of groceries or more than two weeks of vacation luggage. "

"Second-row seatbacks also fold, though not flat, to make way for bikes or golf clubs. Also generous are head, leg and knee room in the 60/40-split second row, where a center armrest flips down to expose a pair of cupholders and a small stowage compartment. Climate controls and power plug reside there too.To slip into the third row, second-row seats slide forward to open a tight aisle.... The wide front seats are well cushioned, and the smooth suspension limits unnecessary movement. Neat touches are the heated cloth front seats, plus USB, iPod and auxiliary power outlets in the center console, along with a power plug and cupholders. An air vent in the cool box under the center armrest chills pop cans using the air conditioning or warms coffee cups using the heater."

The Chicago Hyundai Veracruz is powered by a 3.8-liter, 260-horsepower V-6 that moves nicely from a stop light or into the passing lane.... "Stability and traction control ensure good road manners in fair or foul weather, while an AWD lock setting helps in deep snow."

The well-equipped 2010 Hyundai Veracruz GLS starts at $30,045. Add the premium option package at $4,950 to get navigation system, power sunroof/tailgate, dual-zone air and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available ($1,500) in the Limited version.