With plans for a ski day looming, I requested one of our SUVs and was given the Veracruz. Although the forecast for Big Bear (about 115 miles northeast of L.A.) was for clear and sunny skies with temps in the mid-50s and hence theoretically no slippery roads, I wanted to be prepared in case the weather took a turn for the worse. Having skied but four times since my arrival here eight years ago, I was not gonna be denied my skiing fix!
As it happened, the weather was great -- just as advertised. Getting to the ski area, however, involves about 15 miles of twisty, narrow two-lane, which is not exactly the Veracruz's cup of 10W-40. Though the Veracruz felt stable enough, something like a Mazda CX-9 would've been more fun, with its quicker steering and sport sedan-like handling.
But overall, the Veracruz was easy to like on the trip -- the heated seats and power lumbar support for the driver were nice on the way home and the ride was quiet and well cushioned. Minor gripes included the lack of water bottle pockets in the front doors and the washout of the clock's display up high on the center stack.
On another note, I checked my trip mileage, which averaged around 17 mpg. Our Veracruz is averaging just 16.3 mpg, against the EPA's combined figure of 18 mpg. I'd blame L.A. traffic and some lead-footed staffers for that...
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 5,555 miles.
opfreak says:
08:48 AM, 03/ 1/08
wait the clock washes out, and we aren't getting posts pointing it out, and pictures.
oh right, its not the aura, details like that get hidden about other cars
carfreak8394 says:
09:20 AM, 03/ 1/08
opfreak,
Is there really any point in being negative ?
Who cares if they blog about the Aura's faults; it doesn't matter.
Just relax.
benson2175 says:
12:46 PM, 03/ 1/08
opfreak; they did just post about the clock. It's right there. It says the clock washes out in sunlight. How is that hidden? What is your problem?
zoomzoom22 says:
01:33 PM, 03/ 1/08
opfreak, would you please get over it. you hate everyone who apparently (in your mind) thinks that the accord is the best car ever, but you put yourself on the same level as those people with posts like the that one -- posts that defend the Aura like it's your job.
This blog was about the functionality of the Veracruz on a ski trip, so the clock washout is minor in this context. Edmunds just got this car and it hasn't been driven much. Maybe there will be a blog about the clock washout later in time when someone else is driving it.
THINK before you turn everything into an argument.
redliner says:
06:45 PM, 03/ 1/08
carfreak8394, benson2175, zoomzoom22,
AMEN!!
People who think (and act)like that, make the whole Edmunds experience kinda sour.
tryan says:
04:41 AM, 03/ 3/08
Like I've said in countless other Hyundai-centric blogs, I'm excited for the future of the brand. I think Hyundai's been making all the right moves and hasn't made any assumptions about the loyalty of their customers. As it stands now, you can get into any one of the cars in their lineup for under $30k (including the upcoming Genesis when it debuts), and that pricing schedule is no mistake. Considering that just last year the average price paid for a new car in America was just under $30k, I'd say the Hyundai marketing team is doing their homework.
I also like that Hyundai makes no bones - and even takes pride - in being a "value" brand. They have not forgotten that they are still a (relatively fast) up-and-coming brand and still have some negative perception from their early years to fight. Hyundai's huge industrial base and capital has allowed them to spend considerably on persistant marketing and constant refinement of their products - and it's paying off, little by little and year by year. I'm personally not an early adopter by any means, but this is one brand that makes a pretty persuasive argument.
johnmarco says:
07:57 AM, 03/ 3/08
^^I totally agree. Hyundai is absolutely barging, and it's exciting to see how much better their vehicles get generation to generation. I think a lot of car companies could learn tons from them.
I think the name Veracruz is one of the coolest new-car names in a while. I'm glad Hyundai has jettisoned the alphanumeric scheme altogether.
estreka says:
12:42 PM, 03/ 3/08
^ Ditto. If Hyundai continues along the course they're on, I suspect they'll be a giant in 5 years.
bimmerjay says:
05:17 PM, 03/ 6/08
"Hyundai's huge industrial base and capital has allowed them to spend considerably on persistant marketing and constant refinement of their products - and it's paying off, little by little and year by year. I'm personally not an early adopter by any means, but this is one brand that makes a pretty persuasive argument."
My one problem with Hyundai is that they receive an approx. $1B annual subsidy from the South Korean government for R&D. This is one of the reasons they have been able to continue to value-price their products while at the same time investing heavily in continued development. It is nearly impossible for anyone to compete with this at their price points, hence one of the reasons that Hyundai has been so successful in the marketplace. S. Korea's escalating labor costs are creating a significant challenge for them, however.
730 says:
07:17 PM, 03/11/08
Hi. Newbie here. I have been browsing around and this is the conclusion that I have arrived at.
OPFREAK must have the smallest p@nis in the world! Why would you think that the world revolve around the Saturn (especially a boring crappy family sedan?).
I am pretty open minded. If you can tell me why you just can't shut up about your Aura, please let me know.