Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L Car Review

Hyundai has joined the four wheel drive fray at the lower end of the medium off-road segment of the market, with an entrant called Santa Fe.
Described by Hyundai as a 'soft road' four wheel drive, the Santa Fe has a contemporary style that gives both a solid and beefy appearance. Its external curvaceous lines accentuate the corporate Hyundai grille and the handsome rear end is uncluttered thanks to the spare wheel being stored under the rear floor.

The Santa Fe will compete against the CRV, RAV4, Forester, Freelander and the soon-to-be released Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape. Although it has a larger capacity engine than the others, it is quite similar in body size.

There are three models of the Santa Fe, namely the GL 2.4 litre manual priced at $29,990, the GL 2.7 V6 automatic at $33,990 and the top-of-the-line GLS V6 automatic at $36,990. An option pack is available for both GL models consisting of a passenger airbag and ABS at a cost of $1790. Metallic or Mica paintwork is also optional for an additional $165 and $198 respectively.

The standard equipment list is quite impressive, with driver's airbag, height adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, adjustable head restraints on all seat positions, impact absorbing bumpers, power operated mirrors, electric windows, power steering, air conditioning, engine immobiliser, CD player, remote central locking, luggage net, security blind and driver's seat height adjustment fitted on all models. The V6 models pick up cruise control and the GLS as tested, adds a passenger airbag, ABS, front foglamps, driver's seat lumbar adjustment, plus leather steering wheel and gear knob.

The basic GL Santa Fe is fitted with a 2.4 litre, twin cam, sixteen valve, four cylinder engine and a five speed manual transmission. The upper level GL and GLS share the same 2.7 litre, all-alloy, DOHC, 24 valve, V6 engine that powers Hyundai's Trajet people mover.

The V6 engine drives all four wheels through a four speed automatic transmission and a transfer case with a double differential and a viscous coupling. This transmission has a tiptronic/sports mode feature that was developed with assistance from Porsche's engineering team.

Front and rear suspensions are fairly conventional with McPherson struts on the front and multi links with coils on the rear. Both front and rear are fitted with stabiliser bars and hydraulic dampers.

Large 295 mm ventilated front discs and rear drums provide the stopping power on the base GL, whereas the V6 models have large 285 mm diameter discs on the rear as well, and the GLS has ABS as standard.

Safety and security is well catered for in the Santa Fe's standard equipment and can be improved further with the addition of the optional safety pack previously mentioned.

There are plenty of storage compartments as with most modern vehicles, with the addition of roof rails and areas under the left front seat, the rear floor and in the rear compartment side trim. A cargo net and retractable security blind are also standard fittings.

Seating in the front is quite comfortable, assisted by the height and lumbar adjustments on the GLS. When these are combined with the adjustable steering column it is not difficult to achieve a reasonable driving position. The conventional Asian/Australian instrument and control layout enables easy orientation for most drivers.

There is plenty of leg and headroom in the rear seat area; however, shoulder room is limited for three adults and the centre position fails in the comfort stakes.

Although the V6 engine looks fairly impressive on paper, it is quite thirsty, and both its torque and power are achieved at high revolutions. As a result, the transmission is quick to downshift when passing or on any incline, unless the sports mode is selected. This not only allows closer control over gear changes, but provides greater driver satisfaction.

While it is not in the league of sports car handling, the Santa Fe is no slouch, aided no doubt by the constant all wheel drive. The large diameter brake discs and ABS, when fitted, enables it to stop impressively without any undue heat or fade.

The Santa Fe is neither designed nor intended for serious off-road use; however, it is surprising where it will go with the ability of all-wheel-drive and reasonable ground clearance. The large diameter wheels smooth out the ride considerably on corrugated and potholed gravel roads, and when its capable handling characteristics are combined with the sports mode transmission, it provides a very acceptable ride and is enjoyable to drive.