Introducing an array of new equipment, safety addenda and powertrain features over the outgoing generation, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe factors in an up-market stance for its new car due this September. It is combined with fresh exterior styling that showcases the SUV design language initiated by the smaller Kona model, which includes the cascading radiator grille and composite lamps. The interior has also been completely re-designed to create a roomier environment possessing heaps of soft touch and greater use of high-end materials.
Santa Fe’s engine line-up features the 2.2 CRDi ‘R’ engine that has been upgraded with the addition of both selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and lean NOx trap (LNT) to further reduce emissions, in conjunction with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system. It still delivers a healthy 197bhp power output and will be available with front, or 4WD underpinnings, with a choice of 6-speed manual, or an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. A ‘smart’ gearbox, the auto unit features an enhanced drive mode logic that improves engine responsiveness and control when cornering, by suppressing upshifts over a set lateral G-level, while over-riding engine braking by raising the gearbox downshift revs level, when slowing rapidly.
Four-wheel-drive models introduce HTRAC, an evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Torque on Demand’ 4WD system. Previously, front and rear torque distribution was controlled automatically, HTRAC offers the driver manual control over torque distribution with the introduction of three set-mode splits (front-to-rear bias in brackets):
SPORT: | 65/35 (50/50) |
COMFORT: | 80/20 (65/35) |
ECO: | 100/0 (80/20) |
The new system allows the driver to select ‘4WD Lock’ manually, which holds the torque delivery at 50/50 until the road speed exceeds 19mph, for better defined off-road progress, at which point the torque distribution is controlled automatically as required.
In terms of equipment, Santa Fe benefits from seven seats, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, with rear view camera, privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, drivers’ seat height adjustment, leather steering wheel, automatic windscreen wipers, DAB radio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, cruise control, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Smart High Beam Assist, all as standard.
Prices, before any MSG discounts are applied, start from £33,425 for the SE 2.2 CRDi 197bhp 6-speed 2WD manual, which rides on 17.0-inch diameter alloys. Automatic variants incorporate smart cruise control and an electric parking brake. From £36,995, the Premium 2.2 CRDi builds on the SE trim level by offering 18.0-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, LED headlamps, heated steering wheel, electric front seats, leather seat facings and electrically operated tailgate. The higher trim also includes a Krell sound system with 8.0-inch touch screen, 10-speaker sound system and navigation.
Additional safety features include Rear Occupancy Alert, which alerts the driver to any occupants, including children or pets that may have been left inadvertently in the vehicle, when the central locking has been operated, and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) on manual models and Blind Spot Detection with Brake Assist on automatic transmission models, which automatically counter-steers by individual brake application, should a collision be detected during a lane-change manoeuvre. 4WD is available optionally.
The top of the range Premium SE 2.2 CRDi 8-speed automatic 2WD enters the range at £41,495 and adds 19.0-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, with drivers’ seat position memory function, and Head Up Display (HUD) which projects relevant information directly to the driver’s line of sight, in the windscreen. The HUD lowers into the dashboard when not in use and is fully adjustable for both angle and height. Premium SE trim also introduces an around-view monitor (automatic transmissions only) and is also available with an optional £300 Burgundy Pack that includes two-tone burgundy and black leather seat facings, dashboard trim and a black suede headlining. This model can also be ordered with 4WD.
There is a choice of nine exterior colours: (pearl finishes) black, cream, orange, red and turquoise, or (metallic) silver, blue, bronze and green. Interestingly, red is available to customers as a no-cost option, while all other finishes cost £575.
The new Santa Fe represents a huge step-change for the model. Its fresh exterior and interior design aspects, the elevated equipment levels and high-end standards of refinement will serve to reassert the model range’s position at the head of Hyundai’s model line-up. Naturally, because they are Hyundai cars, they also come standard with the industry-leading five years unlimited mileage warranty, roadside assistance package, five years annual health check, and 12 years’ worth of anti-corrosion warranty.
