Hyundai Santa Fe

Overview:

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize sports-utility vehicle (SUV) introduced by the South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai. Hyundai has always been popular in providing quality and convenience to its customers. Same is being proved by its new offering i.e. Santa Fe. For residents of Sri Lanka, four variants of SUV is provided named as – GLS, Limited, Sport and SportT. Among which, GLS and Limited trims are powered with 3.3-litre gasoline direct injection DOHC V6 engine that churns out maximum power output of 290 HP at 6400 rpm and high torque of 341 Nm at 5200 rpm. Whereas, 2.4-litre gasoline engine in Sport trim generates power output of 190 HP at 6300 rpm along with the peak torque of 245 Nm. All of the equipped engine variants are coupled with 6 speed Shiftronic automatic transmission which helps in improving car’s accessibility. In case of styling of this SUV, it reveals impressive structure with advanced equipment fitted inside. Indoors of Santa Fe gives the feel of premium quality and futuristic design comprising of high quality interiors inserts. It delivers striking appeal with its ultra modern fluidic design, exceptional cargo compartment space, adjustable driver’s seat in 10 way, three zone air conditioning and leather wrapped steering wheel mounted audio controls. In addition, this seven seater SUV is equipped with number of advance systems such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control), BAS (Brake Assist System), TCS (Traction Control System), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), three steering modes (comfort, normal and sport), LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System), SPAS (Smart Parking Assist System), 4WD system, adaptive front lighting system (AFLS) and HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) preventing dangerous roll back.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The technically modified engines of Hyundai Santa Fe provides better mileage as well as exceptional fuel consumption. The 2.4-litre Sport trim engine delivers a fuel consumption of about 8.5 kmpl in city areas, whereas on highway runs the mileage increases to about 11.5 kmpl. With other two variants, you get the mileage of 8.6 kmpl which is a good count for the vehicle.

Power:

The new Hyundai Santa Fe embeds a variety of engines which are capable of delivering the maximum power output. Powerful 2.4-litre gasoline direct injection, in-lined 4 cylinder engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing technology in Sport trim generates power output of 190 HP at 6300 rpm along with the peak torque of 245 Nm. The Sport 2.0-litre T gives power output of 264 HP at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 364 Nm. Whereas, other two trims GLS and Limited are equipped with 3.3-litre gasoline direct injection DOHC V6 engine churns out maximum power output of 290 HP at 6400 rpm and high torque of 341 Nm at 5200 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

This mid-size SUV accompanied with 2.4-litre engine in fiercely Sport trim provides a good acceleration and pickup features to its customers. It takes only 10.2 seconds to achieve the 0-100 kmph checkpoint, proposing the maximum speed of 199 kmph.

Exterior:

On its exteriors, the Hyundai Santa Fe shows off robust and stylish appearance embracing high quality exterior inserts. The bold and delicate looks of Santa Fe steals the attention of its occupants by representing its voluminous yet balanced style. At the front end, the key features of this charismatic SUV are four bar-type radiator grille exuding elegance and authority and HID headlamps consisting high intensity discharge lamps which makes your vision clearer against any sporty or rectangular projection lens. At the rear end there are number of impressive furnishing which gives superb appearance to its rear side including rear combination lamp aligned horizontally which helps in maximizing your vision. In addition, LED rear spoiler provided complements the aerodynamic rear body profile of the Santa Fe. Rear bumper skid plate shows its sporty and stable design and rear wipers helps you to see better in unkind weather.

Exterior Measurements:

Though the Hyundai Santa Fe appears compact in structure, but it comprises specific dimensions to explicit in its variants. For GLS and Limited trim, dimensions measures as 4690 mm x 1884 mm x 1689-1699 mm (L X W X H) alongwith the wheelbase of 2799 mm. Whereas, the both of the Sport trims count the figures as 4688 mm x 1879 mm x 1678-1689 mm (L X W X H) and wheelbase measures 2700 mm.

Interior:

On the inside, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers futuristic design, plenty of space and exceptional luggage capacity. Comprising a stylish design and top quality materials, creates an emotional and soft quality reminiscent that places the SUV at top of its own class. The centre fascia is extremely clean and tidy that encloses all controls within the comfort of the driver. It has various seating alternative which allows you to make space for storage whereas for more convenience the driver’s seat is adjustable in 10 ways. Other interior insert includes a crash pad that features a two-tone interior with a classy and distinct garnish. Moreover, the Santa Fe is made available in four classy options that makes the interior look more sophisticated. Overall, the interior design of Santa Fe continues to show off the exterior’s sporty and dynamic styling.

Interior Comfort:

Hyundai never makes any compromise when it comes to comfort and convenience of its customer. The interiors of new Santa Fe are well-laid with plenty of space and innovative style. Legroom in the first two rows are quite sufficient for a mid-size SUV, while the third row is more of an emergency seat. It comprises huge luggage enclosing tray space and mid-section which can be folded down to extend the cargo volume. To increase the comfort, it has a functional armrest at the floor console that encases a generous storage and a wrap door for an easy get in and out of the car.

Interior Measurements:

The new Hyundai Santa Fe employs 382-litres of boot space which is expendable if you have applied the foldable functionality at the rear seats making the boot count to stretch to 2265-litres.

Engine and Performance:

This seven seater Sport-utility vehicle offers three engine units including 2.0-litre Gasoline Direct Injection twin-scroll turbo 4-cylinder engine in Sport T trim, 2.4-litre Gasoline engine in Sport trim and 3.3-litre Gasoline Direct Injection DOHC V6 engine in GLS and Limited trim. Maximum power output producing unit amongst all are the 3.3-litre V6 engine that churns out maximum power output of 290 HP at 6400 rpm and high torque of 341 Nm at 5200 rpm followed by the Sport 2.0-litre T engine which delivers 264 HP at 6000 rpm and peak torque of about 364 Nm. All of these engine variants of Santa Fe are available with six speed Shiftronic automatic transmission gearbox that brings improved intuitive accessibility.

Stereo and Accessories:

On board, Hyundai Santa Fe is employed with a CD or MP3 audio system (Playback music with AM, FM, Sirius XM, MP3 files) along with twelve speakers with good sound quality to make your ride more interesting. The stereo system is equipped with USB jack and Bluetooth connectivity for your audio devices through which you can simply connect the external devices for streaming of your favorite tracks. Also, you can simply put your phone on hand-free and talk while driving without any hindrance. Better operation and regulation of this stereo functions can be conducted via 8-inch navigation and 4.3-inch touchscreen available with just one finger tip touch.

Wheels:

The Hyundai Santa Fe is anchored with large alloy wheels, delivering a better performance as well as sporty and elegant flair. This SUV car come with three different sized wheels ranges from 17 inch alloy wheels, 18 inch alloy wheels and 19 inch alloy wheels, comprising the tyre size 235/55 R19.

Braking and Handling:

Latest Hyundai Santa Fe features electronic stability program (ESP) to ensure amazing braking by automatically delivering the right amount of brake force on each and every wheel which is based on engine torque and driving style. Also, it has BAS (Brake Assist System) to provide mechanical pressure to the brakes at the event of urgency, TCS (Traction Control System) for monitoring the amount of acceleration from the driver and road conditions, HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) which prevents dangerous roll back by initiating brakes automatically. For better handling, the Santa Fe offers plenty of advanced features including VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), three steering modes (Comfort, Normal and Sport), LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System), SPAS (Smart Parking Assist System) and ATCC (Advanced Traction Cornering Control).

Safety and Security:

For safety and security, the mid-size Sports-utility vehicle comes fitted with airbag technology, child seat fixture (comprising easy mounting features with locks in compliance and ISO standards), Disc brakes, TCS (Traction Control System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) for preventing nasty roll back, and also safety power windows which proposes additional safety for the occupants of Hyundai Santa Fe.

Pros:

Interesting styling
Substantial size and appearance

Cons:

Extravagant prices
Steering not very responsive
Cramped third row seating