Veracruz can where Terracan can't

Hyundai has milked the SUV boom quite effectively with its Tucson, Santa Fe and Terracan, but the latter is now feeling its age.

Based on an old-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, the big seven-seater is becoming something of an anachronism in a climate of soaring fuel prices and changing buyer requirements -- a fact evidenced by its modest sales tally of just 1793 units last year.

Where once these vehicles were bought for their rugged off-road ability, the modern job description is more akin to a mum's taxi. Hardly surprising, then, that the old warhorse has been replaced in many global markets by a new breed of softroader that brings style (to a degree), comfort and relatively car-like dynamics.

Hyundai's all-new Veracruz is pitched primarily at the US market where competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-9 and Subaru Tribeca. It's built on a stretched version of the platform that underpins the Santa Fe (which launched here 12 months ago).

Will we see the Veracruz here? It's a possibility, but a Hyundai Australia spokesman says there are no plans in the immediate future as there's no confirmation as yet that a right-hand-drive version will be built.

Be that as it may, the Carsales Network had the opportunity to attend a launch event for the vehicle in the Middle East and can confirm that it's a well resolved offering that's likely to make an impact on its segment.

Visually, the Veracruz is a relatively formulaic entity as it borrows elements of the Lexus RX 350 and seven-seat Mazda CX-9 (due here in early 2008). The California-designed SUV isn't drop-dead gorgeous by any means, but it's unlikely to offend anyone either.

Under its snout resides a 3.8-litre 'Lambda' V6 with outputs of 191kW and 348Nm, putting it more on less on par with the 4.0-litre versions of the Toyota Prado (183kW/380Nm) and Nissan Pathfinder (198kW/385Nm). A turbodiesel version is rumoured.

Where it really scores over these rivals is in the fact that it comes equipped with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, compared with their five-speeders. On the downside, its torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system isn't really cut out for serious offroad work -- even though there is a '4WD Lock' mode that splits torque to front and rear axles in a fixed 50:50 ratio.

Our preliminary impressions are based on tarmac driving, and in this domain the Veracruz comes across as a competent, composed package. The drivetrain is smooth and refined, and the 3.8-litre V6 has enough poke to serve up reasonable acceleration.

The chassis doesn't hold any nasty surprises either. Ride quality is on the compliant end of the scale but the Veracruz isn't a leaning, understeering mess through corners. On the contrary, it sits quite well considering its girth and high centre of gravity.

The cabin is well appointed, and it's another reminder of how far Hyundai has progressed in the areas of fit, finish and trim materials. The interior is a generally agreeable place to be, thanks to an attractive layout and comfortable seats -- barring the rear-most ones, which are of the kiddies-only variety.

Overall, we're prepared to give the Veracruz a preliminary nod of approval based on our limited exposure to the vehicle. The big Hyundai isn't necessarily a benchmark setter, but it's polished in most areas, especially in relation to its pricetag in markets where it is sold.

The large seven-seater could be a very worthy addition to Hyundai Australia's range if right-hand-drive versions do, in fact, begin rolling out of the factory in due course.

FAST FACTS - Hyundai Veracruz

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