Overview
HYUNDAI shocked the market from a styling and powertrain perspective with its boxy new Santa Fe massive SUV. The brand new bigger mannequin launched mid-2024 arrived with hybrid petrol energy solely and rear styling solely a mom may love.
The massively well-liked 2.2-litre diesel on the earlier fashions isn’t any extra, however a potent 2.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder (non-hybrid) is within the pipeline and needs to be right here within the subsequent few months.
For the time being since launch, the large six- or seven-seater has earned its stripes notably on the gasoline economic system and efficiency fronts whereas consumers are clearly warming to the look of the rear finish judging by the variety of new Santa Fes out and about.
We had been in a position to take the top-of-the-line Calligraphy mannequin, from $76,000 +ORC, for an prolonged mortgage and drive over the Christmas interval. We discovered it to be a superb touring machine other than some grumbles related to ADAS options just like the incessantly beeping velocity limiter, the gnawing driver consideration monitor, the intrusive lane preserve help and the pessimistic entrance collision brake.
All of the above, and an entire lot extra of what we discuss with as DHFs (Driving Hindrance Options) default to on each time the automobile is restarted…
Although polarising, Santa Fe’s styling does are likely to develop on you and no criticism might be levelled on the good-looking Vary Rover-esque entrance, however the cumbersome, boxy rear is an acquired style. The H sample LED head, tail and indicator lights are actually cool.
That’s all we are going to say other than relocating the taillights additional up the physique could also be useful.
A facet advantage of the take a look at automobile was its matte bronze duco (Earthy Brass) that brought on a stir in all places it went.
Energy in each front-wheel drive (base grade solely) or all-wheel drive comes from a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder petrol (91RON or E10 unleaded) engine with an built-in 44.2kW electrical motor within the six-speed computerized transmission drawing energy from a 1.49kWh lithium polymer battery.
The hybrid powertrain produces 172kW and 367Nm working “seamlessly” to ship ample torque the place it’s most wanted, whereas maximising effectivity and minimising CO2 emissions.
Claimed gasoline consumption is 5.6 litres per 100km for each 2WD and AWD fashions. The gasoline tank is 67 litres and the braked towing capability is 1650kg with a downball restrict of 100kg.
The Calligraphy’s three rows of seats had been configured in an elective 2:2:2 format providing a excessive degree of particular person luxurious for the six passengers (with extendable leg rests in entrance). Entry is simple to rows one and two and OK within the again due to the center row’s adjustability that locations the seat utterly out of the way in which for third row entry.
The trendy inside is roomy in most dimensions other than headroom that’s compromised a tad by the twin sunroof.
Data is fed to the motive force/passenger by means of a large curved display screen that incorporates most of the Santa Fe’s controls with further buttons and dials topping the centre console and dotted alongside the decrease fringe of the sprint.
The take a look at automobile had cream leather-based upholstery that was a godsend in summer season… and the fronts have heating and ventilating for an added measure of consolation.
Normal package on the Calligraphy consists of: Nappa leather-based upholstery, heated and ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, in depth electrically assisted entrance seat adjustment, particular 20-inch wheels, a twin sunroof, head-up show, and a digital digicam mirror.
As well as, the vary topper scores twin 12.3-inch screens, twin wi-fi telephone charging, an influence tailgate, keyless entry and push-button begin, a full-size spare and LED lighting, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Bose stereo, UV-C sterilisation tray in addition to Hyundai’s BlueLink related companies package deal and the totally array of Hyundai’s SmartSense security suite.
Calligraphy consumers have a few completely different inside trims to select from.
There’s no ignoring the engaging inside design and luxurious supplies used inside that are a step up on earlier Santa Fe. The cleverly appointed inside gives ample storage all through and an honest quantity of usability to the design.
The touchscreen show for local weather management is considerably advanced, however in any other case options are comparatively simply accessed and facilitated by the array of button or dial controls.
4 ISOFIX factors (two within the second row, two within the again row) and 5 top-tethers (one for each rear seat) are included within the package deal. As are USB-C ports within the again, and B-pillar-mounted vents for the second row whereas the third row has a devoted fan controller and vents.
Even the boot is useable with three rows in place.
Driving Impressions
A number of driving modes appear irrelevant on the brand new Santa Fe Hybrid because it’s finest left in Eco that gives robust efficiency, glorious gasoline economic system and a much less frenetic drive really feel.
The weighty SUV will get out of the blocks shortly and continues with spectacular acceleration and minimal fuss or noise.
The petrol engine turns into audible when pushing exhausting however as soon as cruise velocity is achieved, there’s just about no noise because the powertrain cycles by means of its hybrid modes relying on calls for.
And we’d must say, with just a few reservations, that becoming a traditional six-speed auto as a substitute of a CVT or a DCT was a stroke of genius as on the transfer it hyperlinks effectively with the hybrid powertrain underlined by the gasoline economic system and obtainable efficiency. However low velocity manoeuvres are balky and must be carried out with care.
Hyundai claims 5.6 litres per 100km mixed gasoline economic system for the Santa Fe and every so often we really got here near that determine. General, the common throughout some 3000km was 6.2L/100km which is spectacular – and made higher because it’s on cheaper 91RON or E10 unleaded gasoline.
It means the Santa Fe Hybrid has a possible vary greater than 1000km on a tank which price about $113 at time of writing… Once more, pretty spectacular.
Regenerative braking and torque vectoring enhance effectivity and security.
Experience high quality is supple and managed with a touch of sportiness when pushed. It would in the end understeer, however you’d must be nuts to drive the Santa Fe like that.
Tyre grip is nice backed up by quiet operating and there’s a full-size spare wheel within the again.
Like different dynamic capabilities, the automobile’s brakes are as much as par showing to be bigger than earlier than with larger callipers and extra chunk although with a towing capability restricted to 1650kg, we couldn’t assess the take a look at automobile with our regular automotive trailer rig attached behind (2000kg all up with a medium measurement automotive on board).
It has effectively weighted steering with an honest turning circle even with an extended wheelbase than earlier than.
We drove the mannequin as if it was our personal in most driving environments together with some gravel roads, multi lane motorways, tight inner-city forays, commuting and customarily hacking concerning the suburb all of which match simply throughout the Santa Fe’s capabilities.
A hidden help deal with that had us stumped for some time is positioned C-pillar, improves roof entry for optimum out of doors performance (Calligraphy variant).
The digital centre mirror and multi adjustable ambient lighting appear mere gimmicks however the highly effective Bose audio system is a cracker.
We loved our time within the new Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy however recommend consumers needn’t spend a lot to entry this spectacular SUV because the well-equipped decrease spec’ fashions could be pretty much as good for normal driving even the entrance wheel drive model.
It has extra punch than the earlier 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, extra roll-on acceleration, is quieter, smoother, simply as low cost or cheaper on gasoline and doesn’t stink up your arms on the servo.
Tows much less although… which might be a deal breaker however there’s at all times the two.5 turbo within the wings if gasoline consumption isn’t a difficulty.
