The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is here and it certainly is worth taking a look at if a large SUV is is in your immediate future.
The new Santa Fe comes in three trim levels … at the bottom we have the Activ … a little further up the ladder we have the Elite … and right at the top we have the Highlander. Many people might think that buying the entry level Santa Fe could be a mistake because entry level vehicles … well they’re pretty basic aren’t they?
If that’s what you’re thinking the equipment levels of even the basic Active Santa Fe should be enough to make you think again. A 5-star safety rating is standard across the range … 7 airbags are standard across the range … a rear view camera is standard across the range … rear park assist is standard across the range as are automatic dusk sensing headlights, electric lumbar support for the driver, Advanced Traction Cornering and third row air-conditioning vents.
If you want things like Satnav, climate control air conditioning, glove box cooling, 12-way power driver’s seat and electrochromatic rear view mirror with compass you’ll want to start thinking about the Santa Fe Elite.
And if you really can’t live without a full-length glass sunroof, HD Xenon headlights, LED rear combination lights, powered front passenger seat and heated front and second row seats you won’t settle for anything less than the new Santa Fe Highlander.
Engine and transmissions
Regardless of which trim level you choose you also get a choice of two engines … the Theta II 2.4-litre GDi petrol engine or the R-series 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine. There’s also a choice of two transmissions … a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual box.
Around town both the manual and auto transmission coupled to the petrol engine will return 12.2 L/100km and 7.1 L/100km for highway conditions. The diesel manual on the other hand returns 8.7 L/100km around town and 9.6 for the diesel automatic while for highway conditions the diesel manual returns 5.4 L/100km and 5.9 L/100km for the diesel automatic.
Advanced Traction Cornering Control
This new system is standard across the Hyundai Santa Fe range . It distributes torque via an electro-mechanical multi-place 2WD coupled that works in conjunction the Vehicle Stability Management system to anticipate traction requirements and deliver additional stability.
The system can transfer torque from front to rear and apply individual brakes to make pro-active adjustments to the torque delivery through each wheel.
The system continuously monitors and analyses data from the vehicle controller in relation to speed, throttle input, steering angle and yaw rate to determine power delivery front-to-rear and left-to-right.
This system operates in the background and won’t be noticed by the driver.
Prices
Prices start at $36,990 for the 6-speed manual petrol Active and $39,990 for the diesel and range up to $49,990 for the diesel Highlander – these prices do not include dealer delivery and government charges.
Would I buy one … well after driving the previous model for a week I would certainly take the time to have a serious look at the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the price is certainly very competetive.
