Hyundai Santa Fe – FDI

By Farzana Chaumoo

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a decent choice for SUV shoppers. There is only one engine available but three trim levels and 2 different interiors. The new fourth-generation model has a new, premium design, beautiful colours, advanced technology, and plenty of safety features.

 

Styling/Design

Hyundai’s fourth generation Santa Fe has a wide stance and a chic new look. It benefits from the automaker’s new SUV family appearance and has a more expressive look.

It has nice features and the premium touches come through from the leather seats and upgraded trim accents. In the Executive model, the driver’s seat has electrical adjustment while both driver and passenger's seats are electrically adjustable in the Elite.

All derivatives get a new 17.8 cm (7-inch) high-resolution colour LCD touchscreen infotainment system that features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system integrates all media and connectivity features, so the driver can stay focused to the road. There’s also a reverse camera, cruise control and climate control.

The top-of-the-range Elite model benefits from a 17.8cm TFT digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate (with adjustable height and opening speed), steering-mounted paddle shifters, driver and passenger seats with either heating or ventilation and it also features front park assist.

With the Elite and Executive derivatives, rear-door retractable side curtains; a push-button keyless start function and folding side mirrors all come standard.

The Drive

The Santa Fe feels solid on the road and has a well-weighted steering wheel. Since our drive was short, we will feedback on its ride quality at a later stage when we receive the SUV on test. The SUV does have a Drive Mode Select which will allow you to switch between Eco, Sport, and Normal driving modes.

Performance

Three models are being offered in the Hyundai Santa Fe range: Premium, Executive and Elite. All three models are powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, and puts out 142kW of power and 440Nm of torque.

The first two models, Premium and Executive, have their power delivered to the front wheels while the top-level Elite model is fitted with a four-wheel drive system called HTRAC. The four-wheel drive system variably controls braking power and torque distribution of the front and back wheels to support drivers in all kinds of driving situations.

Space and Comfort

Seats all around the Santa Fe are comfortable and are all adjustable. The cabin is spacious and has a roomy feel to it. Refinement is also good as there is a lack of intrusive wind and road noise.

Third row passengers will appreciate the increased length of the rear windows so they also get a bit of a view.

The seven-seater Santa Fe has been made more practical as second-row passengers get 38mm more legroom and the third row gets an additional 22mm of headroom. Luggage space has also been increased by 31 litres and now offers 547 litres in total. With both back seats down there is a vast amount of space available totalling 1,625 litres.

Safety

The Santa Fe boasts superior rigidity, even though the car's overall weight was reduced, and will protect its occupants in a case of a collision. This comes from its use of high strength steel (15% more than the outgoing model and more than any other Hyundai vehicle), high impact energy absorption and minimised distortion. It has also received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for its crash tests.

In the cabin, six airbags can be found: two front airbags, two side airbags and two curtain airbags from the first to the second row protecting both driver and passengers.

In terms of safety systems, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System); ESP (Electronic Stability Program); DBC (Downhill Brake Control); and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) all comes standard across the range.

Executive and Elite models are further equipped with systems like the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Blind Spot Detection system, and the Safety Exit Assist which stops passengers from opening doors when vehicles are approaching from behind.

Additionally, the Elite model is fitted with an Electronic Child Safety Lock system whereby it alerts the driver that there is a child/passenger in the rear seat if the driver tries to exit the SUV.

 

Fuel Consumption

The engine and gearbox were engineered with a transversal layout and has a 3 to 4% improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing model. Claimed fuel consumption for the Premium and Executive models sit at 7.8 L/100 km while the Elite pulls 8.2 L/100 km.

Price

Santa Fe R 2.2 Premium automatic - R599 900 

Santa Fe R 2.2 Executive automatic - R659 900 

Santa Fe R 2.2 Elite automatic - R749 900

All models and prices include Hyundai Automotive SA's 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer's warranty (consisting of the standard 5-year/150 000 km warranty plus the additional 2-year/50 000 km drivetrain warranty extension).

Additionally, there’s also a 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan, and Roadside Assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km.

The Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe plays in a highly competitive midsize SUV segment where rivals with solid offerings are plenty. It offers a great deal for its price and has excellent safety features. It’s a good combination of quality and value.