The previous generation Hyundai Santa Fe was a highly underrated machine. I remember testing a post-facelift model at the same time as its smaller brother, the hugely popular ix35, and struggling to figure out why Hyundai doesn’t sell more of it. It had more space, was more confident off the beaten track and with its then newly launched 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine, also powerful and economical. Of course, in this fashion-conscious segment, dashing good looks rate high on the wish-list, and it is perhaps here where the previous model came undone.
Well, no more. The new Hyundai Santa Fe builds on the strengths of its predecessor, but has improved in the areas that are of high importance to buyers parting with nearly R500 000 – good looks on the outside, a stylish, featured-laden interior and a new unibody construction that makes it a better on-road companion, which is where most of these vehicles spend most of their time.
Spacious, upmarket interior
Besides the look-at-me new styling details, the new Santa Fe looks like a more polished product also because it is longer and wider than its predecessor, giving it a more masculine, less top-heavy stance. The larger dimensions obviously benefit occupant space in all three rows of seating (a more affordable five-seat model is also offered). The Elite derivative features a 12-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (including height). The centre row on seven-seat models can also be slid back or forwards to tailor legroom or packing space. They can also be reclined and split fold for extra carrying capacity. There are numerous storage areas and a very capacious luggage area (with the rearmost seats folded down). Importantly, the Santa Fe features a full-size spare wheel (mounted underneath the vehicle).
The facia design follows the style set by recent Hyundais, with a “pinched” hangdown section and smart cylindrical instrumentation. There is a definite premium look and feel to the cabin, although I’d say some of the trim fittings still feel “lighter” than those in the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 for example. It is also worth mentioning that the facia top-mounted storage box lid rattled on all three vehicles I drove, and another suffered from rattling rear seats. Then again, these rattles were only evident on poor roads and at higher speeds.
Comprehensive standard specification
Hyundai offers a full-house of features, including dual zone climate control (with second- and third-row ventilation outlets), a glove box cooler, a rear-view park assist camera, electrically folding mirrors, automatic rain sensor, a full-length panoramic sunroof, cruise control and a sound system with four speaker and two tweeters – including ports for AUX cables, iPod and USB connections. Unfortunately navigation, RDS for the radio, and Bluetooth are not offered locally. UPDATE – Bluetooth will become available soon.
Turbodiesel only
All three Santa Fe derivatives are powered by the marque’s 2,2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The 16-valve R2,2 powerplant delivers a meaty 145 kW at 3 800 r/min and 436 N.m between 1 800 and 2 500 r/min. All models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shift control. Hyundai claims a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 8,3 L/100 km for this model. This Elite flagship features a part-time all-wheel drive system. It runs in front-wheel drive mode most of the time to save fuel, but will start sending power to the rear wheels when necessary. For rougher conditions a 4WD Lock mode is offered that distributes the power in a 50:50 ratio, automatically switching back to “Auto” mode when the vehicle speed is above 40 km/h. Downhill Brake Control and Hillstart Assist also help in off-road conditions.
Off the beaten track
With its lower ground clearance (185 mm), larger alloy wheels (19-inch) and on-road focused unibody construction, we weren’t expecting to go off-roading on this launch. Nevertheless Hyundai’s launch route included sand driving as well as some particularly nasty rocky sections. In my opinion the “off-roading” done on this launch represent arguably the maximum most Santa Fe owners would attempt, and it sailed through the test. Nevertheless, if you’re of the overlanding persuasion, keep in mind that it is NOT a serious off-roader with low-range etc., and that it can only be filled up with 50 ppm diesel, limiting its role as an adventure vehicle.
No, the Santa Fe is a spacious, comfortable crossover that can tackle the occasional gravel road or stretch of sand. It is deeply impressive on tarred surfaces, with a quiet cabin and great overtaking acceleration on tap from its turbodiesel engine. The Santa Fe rides on multi-link rear suspension and the ride quality is certainly firm (potentially also because of the big wheels and, possibly, tyre pressures), but it deals with large undulations very well. The ride is, however, a bit fidgety at lower speeds and over smaller road imperfections. It is fitted with Hyundai’s Flex Steer system that offers three steering modes (Comfort, Normal and Sport) via a switch on the steering wheel. I couldn’t detect a big difference between Comfort and Normal, but Sport certainly felt “heavier”.
Summary
This flagship model is priced at just under R500 000 and comes standard with a five-years/90 000 km service contract. A maintenance plan is an option and service intervals are scheduled for every 15 000 km. The Santa Fe competes in a busy segment that includes the likes of body-on-frame seven-seaters such as the Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Trailblazer, and also smaller premium SUVs such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. When purchasing the two Germans quite a number of optional boxes will need to be ticked to match the Santa Fe’s specification, and with regards to the Fortuner and Trailblazer, the Santa Fe offers more features and a more car-like driving experience. Hyundai expects to sell around 150 units a month. I suspect they may have to revise that figure, because the Santa Fe seems destined to cash in on Hyundai’s rapidly rising brand image by offering a superb all-round package.
Specifications*
Model: Hyundai Santa Fe R2,2 Elite AWD
Engine: 2,2-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 145 kW at 3 800 r/min
Torque: 436 N.m at 1 800-2 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10 seconds
Fuel consumption: 8,3 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 64 litres
CO2: 194 g/km
Top speed: 190 km/h
Price: R499 900
Service plan: 5 years/90 000 km
Warranty: 5 years/150 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
*According to the manufacturer
