Cars Service

The 2007 Santa Fe continues the companys upwardly mobile ways. Built on a new unibody platform, the new Santa Fe is 7 inches longer than the outgoing model and sits on a wheelbase 3 inches longer, allowing room for a third-row seat.

Even though its been upsized, the new Santa Fe boasts a turning circle 2 feet tighter than the outgoing version. Hyundai used some pretty lofty benchmarks, such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Lexus RX 330, while developing the new Santa Fe. To that end, features such as stability control, full side curtain airbags and heated mirrors are all standard (even on the base model), and interior room is greater than that of the Lexus RX.

Two V6 engines will serve duty in the new Santa Fe — a 2.7-liter putting out about 180 hp and 180 lb-ft is standard on the base GLS model. The 2.7 is paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The sporty SE employs a 3.3-liter V6 with "over 230 hp and over 220 lb-ft." A manually shiftable five-speed automatic, power driver seat and 18-inch wheels are part of the SE as well. The top-of-the-line Limited has all that the SE offers, plus leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and chrome trim on the grille and door handles.

Two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available across all trims, and although the Santa Fes pricing hasnt been set, Hyundai officials claim it will be "thousands less than Toyota Highlander" when it goes on sale later this year.

"When in 2006 is the 2007 Santa Fe going to be released?"

The vehicle will be on sale in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2006 -- trial production is already underway at the Alabama plant. According to one source, the vehicle will debut in Korea on Friday, the 11th of November, so we should be getting some really good stuff in the next three weeks. The official US debut (at NAIAS) is only about 2.5 months away.

Price and availability info

Well, this is the way I figured it: its lowest-priced true competitor will likely be the Mitsubishi Endeavor, which starts at $25,699. Its most expensive competitor will likely be the Subaru B9 Tribeca at $31,320. Since Hyundai generally undercuts the competition by $1,000-$3,000, I figured a $24K-$27K range would be about right.

Now, if the navigation system and Dynamic Toe Control do indeed make their way to the options sheet, a $30,000 price tag (or even a touch more) on a loaded LX AWD could be very realistic - especially since that current trim can cost up to $26K. At this point it is unclear whether the 3rd-row seat will be standard or not. So I guess Ill go ahead and revise my estimates to between $24,499 (assuming a GL 3.3-liter 5-seater as the base model) and $29,999 (for an LX AWD NAVI with a Premium Sports Package.


2007 Santa Fe will be a contender for top 3 ranking

The all new 2007 Santa Fe is going to be an exciting vehicle. Top notch fit and finish with a standard safety package which will put the great Toyota to shame.

Toyota is scrambling to respond to this safety standardization initiative from Hyundai and Honda. The racked their brains and viola - "the Star safety system" is their new marketing slogan.

Where was this "Star" system two years ago? Toyota had the audacity to bundle safety features in "packages". Want side air-bags? Buy package # 5.

If you are in the market for a SUV, I suggest you wait till the 2007 Santa Fe goes on sale. You will not be disappointed. And yes, dont insult your intelligence by falling for the "Star" marketing system.

3rd row seat of 2007 Santa Fe

One of my criteria for picking SUV is 3rd row. last week, I did test drive for Pilot and Highlander. Pilots 3rd row seat is quite roomy. its pretty good for two adults. But, highlanders 3rd row seat is terrible. its not for adults at all. only for kids.

I wonder how about 2007 Santa Fe.
I dont expect it is as big as pilot. but, I really really hope it is better than highlander.

Interesting (& some surprising) developments...

The following information is from a couple of sources; I cant confirm any of it at this time:

* Standard 3rd-row seats will be marketed as "Magic Folding".

* US advertising launch date set for 1 July 2006.

* Trims will be GLS, SE, and Limited.

* GLS comes with a new 2.7-liter CVVT V6 standard, while the SE and Limited get the 3.3-liter CVVT V6. Dont freak-out yet, though: horsepower and torque ratings havent been released, and may be higher than expected. Hyundai hasnt revealed whether or not the 2.7 is the Delta-II or an all-new engine. One source claims that its the latter (2.7 = ~220hp) and that the 3.3 is re-tuned to ~240-250hp. The 3.8-liter CVVT V6 will be standard on the larger SUV (EN), but not available --at least initially-- on the Santa Fe.

* Interior space is greater than Toyota Highlander.

* 110-volt auxiliary power outlet will be standard.

* A rear-seat DVD entertainment system will also be standard.

The Entourage shares just about everything underneath its skin with its well-done-but-unexciting corporate cousin, the Kia Sedona. (Actually, the two mom vans are Mary-Kate-and-Ashley similar on the outside, too.) This means one powertrain choice: a strong 242-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 teamed to a five-speed manu-matic driving the front wheels.





Standard features include flat-folding third-row seating, numerous air bags, stabillity control, a windshield-wiper de-icer, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system, not to mention Hyundais impressive 10-year powertrain warranty. The lengthy options list adds power-sliding doors and tailgate, power-adjustable pedals, a clever thirteen-speaker Infiniti sound system, and rear-seat DVD entartainment.

What’s inside

The 2007 Hyundai Entourage looks to offer most of the features a minivan family requires. For example, there’s a folding center tray table with four cupholders, folding sideview mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, optional power adjustable pedals, power dual rear sliding doors, power windows, and an adjustable conversation mirror. The interior has a two-tone color scheme with wood grain or metal grain accents. Leather seats are standard in the Limited model, as are a power tailgate, heated front seats, and an electroluminescent instrument cluster. A rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor, backup warning sensors, and a premium audio system with surround sound are also available. The Entourage also features flip-and-fold second-row seats, and a hiding third-row seat with a 60/40 split fold-into-the-floor design.

Drivers will also enjoy a tilt steering wheel plus optional power adjustable foot pedals and heated front seats, while all will find the Entourages optional power liftgate handy. As for the available rear-seat entertainment system, which features an eight-inch LCD monitor, I wouldnt consider a new van, SUV or crossover without one, and the new Hyundai also can be had with an optional Infinity AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound. Heck, forget the kids... leave them in bed inside the house while you and your honey enjoy a little R&R in the back of the van.

To some who will be driving the Entourage, the fact that it can be had with backup warning sensors will be of greater significanc than how much engine output is hidden under the hood. Still, theres no reason to have to give up one to have the other either. All Hyundai minivans will boast a version of the Azeras velvety-smooth 3.8-liter V6, a highly refined DOHC, 24-valve engine that produces a maximum of 242-horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful in the minivan segment. Rather than out-power all rivals the Entourage splits the difference, featuring more horsepower than Fords Freestar, Chevrolets Uplander (and therefore Buicks Terraza, Pontiacs Montana SV-6 and Saturns Relay) and Dodge Caravan, plus greater torque than the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan.

What’s under the hood

All Hyundai Entourage minivans get a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 242 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. The Entourage rides on the same minivan platform as the Sedona, with a 118.9-inch wheelbase that is longer and wider than the competition, according to Hyundai. Hyundai engineers also claim that the Entourage has the tightest turning radius in its class, a big deal for minivan drivers. Steering is handled by a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system, and the Entourage rides on a four-wheel independent suspension system.

Perhaps most notable about the Entourage, however, is the long list of standard safety features. All Entourages get a bevy of passive and active safety systems, including side impact and side curtain airbags, traction control and more. Just these two safety devices – traction control and side curtain airbags – can make any car significantly safer to drive.

As for ride and handling, expect it to be very good. As mentioned previously, Kias version of the van is getting bullish reviews from those who have driven it, and with Hyundai benefiting from an extra year of development overseen by its own expert engineers, it should be refined even further. And unlike other vans that are based on midsize sedans, the two Korean models ride on a purpose-built unibody architecture featuring a 118.9-inch wheelbase and a 66.3-inch track width; both longer and wider than minivan competitors. While a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs plus a stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link setup with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in back, should be good for absorbing the bumps and dips of inner city streets while delivering adept road-holding, I, for one, would find its 39.6-foot turning radius equally nice to live with. The Entourage accomplishes this, as well as deft turn-in at high-speeds, via an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. Connecting to the road are a set of four 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 225/70 R16 all-season tires. Optionally, 17-inch alloy wheels can be fitted to 235/60 R17 tires.

Why it matters

Someone once said the minivan segment was dead. Hah. It was only taking a nap, and it’s back now, with a strong import vibe that’s only getting stronger with the introduction of the 2007 Hyundai Entourage. For Ford and GM, this minivan is bad news of the worst kind: obsessed with losing market share to Japanese automakers such as Honda and Toyota, the two domestic automakers have recently all but conceded the minivan market to the likes of the Odyssey and the Sienna. Now, here comes Hyundai/Kia, with the impressive Entourage and Sedona. Should the Hyundai Entourage get a warm reception from American families, it will make regaining minivan competitiveness all but impossible for Ford and GM, and put pressure on DaimlerChrysler’s Grand Caravan.




Preliminary Specifications:

Price Range (estimated MSRP): $30,000 - $45,000
Body Type: 5-door minivan, unibody construction
Layout: front engine, FWD
Engine: 242-hp, 251 lb-ft, 3.8-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6 with CVVT
Transmission: 5-spd auto w/ manual mode
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
Curb Weight: 1,989 - 2,107 kg (4,378 - 4,646 lbs)
Seating Capacity: 7
Cargo Volume (seats removed): 4,007 L (141.5 cu ft)
Towing Capacity: TBD
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.2 / 8.6 L/100km

Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
Direct Competitors: Buick Terraza, Chevy Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Ford Freestar, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest, Pontiac Montana SV-6, Saturn Relay, Toyota Sienna.

Forget the powerful engine, forget the stylish premium luxury, and forget the glorious wheels. I bet Hyundai can sell just about any plain tin cans that they can hammer up as long as they come with these gorgeous girls. Dream on guys. Someday in the near future, Hyundai may become dire enough that they might offer these girls as an option with their automobiles.

Just a funny thought.





The interior looks more conservative than the FX or RX.
You can see the RX has a 2 tier dash, with distinct gauges.

The Veracruzs lines are clean, with no bold offsets.
Its a more traditional look.
Not for me, but I can appreciate its serene old boardroom quality.
Everything about this car is a "clean" quality, for an older audience.

News

The Veracruz SUV, equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel-powered V-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower, is a longer and roomier version of the previous model, Santa Fe, with additional high-tech features.




"We are confident the Veracruz will be poised as a new global brand for Hyundai Motor after the Sonata and Santa Fe," Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Kim Dong-jin said in a statement.

The Veracruz will compete primarily with upper-midsize crossovers, including Toyota Motor Corp.s (TSE:7203) Lexus RX 350 and Honda Motor Co.s Pilot, the automaker said.

The new SUV, named after a Mexican port city, is priced from 31.8 million won (US$33,000) to 41.14 million won, depending on accessories, in South Korea. Hyundai Motor spent 223 billion won and took 26 months to develop the new vehicle.

The Veracruz will be put on sale in the North American market in December. Next year, Hyundai Motor targets sales of 85,000 Veracruz SUVs at home and abroad,

Prudential Investment and Securities analyst Yoo Young-kwon said the new vehicle is expected to help Hyundai Motor expand its market share in the United States, unlike the automakers predecessor SUVs such as the Terracan that were shunned by American drivers.

However, in a research note, Yoo noted the launch of the Veracruz at home came at a bad time because the government hiked the SUV ownership tax by 17.7 per cent this year amid persistently weak private consumption.

The new models introduction followed a series of delays after Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo was arrested in April on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust in connection with a slush fund scandal.

Chung, 68, was released from prison in late July and is now on trial.

Hyundai Motor, along with its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. (KSE:000270), aims to become one of the worlds top five automakers by 2010.

However, annual labor strikes and opaque management practices by the Chung family, as well as higher oil prices and a stronger Korean currency, have pushed the automaker to the sidelines, some analysts say.
(http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/061012/16/43zzl.html)


The article indicated Hyundai will begin selling the Veracruz in December, which is very surprising when learning this. I know the Veracruz is confirmed and will make its "world" debut in January 2007 at NAIAS. Whats the word, will we receive this before the auto show unveiling? If true, thatd be great!! Otherwise, Ive been told during the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2007.

One thing I am sure, Hyundai will have no problem selling the Veracruz, the car itself, quality, price, safety, and warranty will sell a lot of units

Here are some comparative specs between the Hyundai Veracruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

Track, front (in.): 65.7 / 63.6 / 66.5 / 65.1 / 62.2
Track, rear (in.): 65.7 / 63.8 / 66.7 / 64.7 / 62.1
Overall Width (in.): 77.6 / 74.4 / 77.5 / 76.2 / 73.9

Height, w/o roof rack (in.): 68.9 / NL / 70.1 / 68.1 / 66.4
Height, w/roof rack (in.): 71.1 / 67.9 / 71.3 / NL / NL

Overall Length (in.): 190.6 / 184.1 / 188.0 / 199.6 / 189.8

Wheelbase (in.): 110.4 / 106.3 / 106.3 / 113.2 / 108.2
Overhang, front (in.): 38.0 / NL / NL / NL / NL
Overhang, rear (in.): 42.1 / NL / NL / NL / NL
Specs for 3.0 V6 Diesel:-

Type: V6 E-VGT
Displacement: 2,959 cc
Max. Horsepower: (ps/rpm): 240/ 3,800
Max. Torque, (lb.-ft./ RPM) : 333/ 1,750~3,500