With the runaway success of the Hyundai ix35 we’re seeing in this market, I’m afraid just not enough heads are turning toward the compact SUV’s bigger brother, the highly-underrated Santa Fe. This is rather unfortunate, because there’s a lot on offer, especially so after the recent facelift.
The front wheel drive models have been picked off the list, which in my opinion was a smart move, because I’m sure most consumers would opt for the curvaceous lines of the ix35 in any case, leaving two high-specification all-wheel drive units with R10 000 difference between the 5-seat and 7-seat versions.
If you opt for the 5-seater, like the one driven here you’re left with an impressive 308 dm3 of luggage space, but to make full use of that room really requires good manipulation of that parcel shelf, which locks into its holsters, slides, flips and has extra attachments to latch onto the rear seatbacks – which falls just short of being over-complicated… But only just.
But there’s nothing to complain about with regards to the rest of the interior, which comes standard with comfort features like dual-zone air-conditioning and vents for rear passengers as well, a six-CD MP3-compatible audio system with USB and AUX inputs, reverse camera cleverly integrated into the rear-view mirror, tilt and slide sunroof, and one-touch operation of the driver’s side window (electric all-round), and electric front seats with leather upholstery all-round.
The center console storage bin also double as a cool box for items that need cold storage during transit, but what would really have been appreciated is Bluetooth connectivity, though.
The Sante Fe is powered by the marque’s new 2,2-litre turbodiesel powerplant (shared with the Kia Sorento). The update makes use of a dual-overhead camshaft design (a s-o-h-c unit was used previously) ),a strict diet of 50 ppm diesel, as well as longer stroke and bore for new peak outputs of 145 kW at 3 800 r/min and 436 N.m of torque available from 1 800 r/min – a massive 35 kW and 101 N.m gain.
Torque is permanently sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and that uses exactly the right amount of grunt per ratio, in fact better than most torque converter set-ups I’ve come across recently. Interestingly, during the acceleration runs of our testing procedure, it proved faster in automatic mode than shifting in sequential manual mode…
With ESP off, the wheels momentarily scrabble for grip as the torque is sent to tarmac, and even overtaking acceleration can be described as a no-sweat exercise with the vast reserves of grunt when cruising between 2 000 and 3 500 r/min. Push to 4 000 r/min and the oil-burner runs out of steam momentarily before the 4 300 limiter really hampers progression.
Even with some performance potential, the switch to cleaner diesel and a larger fuel tank (70 litres) should result in respectable range if all-out bursts are kept to a minimum, because the 2,2 CRDi unit can prove to be quite thirsty if a lead-footed approach to driving is adopted.
On-road, the suspension is compliant (but quite firm, just like its Kia Sorento brother) and the set-up is even competent enough for comfortable speeds off the beaten track. When things get a little rough, there is an electronic diff lock switch located to the right of the steering column. Unfortunately what may deter most from a decent off-road jaunt is that the ride is slightly marred by the hard plastic panels that tend to rattle a little too much when above anything more than a crawl – even on a plain gravel road.
The minor facelift to the range has added spark to the Santa Fe’s appeal with an athletic diesel powerplant, and touch-ups to the looks and features list. The price is even less than its predecessor’s… What is very interesting is that at R399 900, this model is just R20 000 more than the range-topping ix35. With more power, more space, and a less obviously-urban appearance, I know which one I’d have.
