Hyundai Santa Fe Drive Impression

Overview

The second-generation CM Santa Fe is here, and it has the Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger squarely in its sights. Featuring a sharper, more aggressive style, courtesy of Hyundai's Californian design studio, the previous model's clumsy proportions are now consigned to history. It's also larger - 175mm longer, 45mm wider and 55mm taller. A stretched wheelbase (by 80mm) aids interior space while wider front and rear tracks (15mm front, 20mm rear), help in the handling department.

Power and torque are both up, thanks to the inclusion of variable valve timing on the "Mu" series alloy V6. Increasing fuel prices have put the brakes on the SUV market, so it's no surprise that Hyundai want to showcase the new car's ADR 81/01 test result, topping the charts at 10.4 (man) and 10.6 (auto), compared to the Territory - 12.8 (6 speed auto) and Kluger - 12.3. Diesel buyers will have to wait until later this year when the Euro IV compliant 2.2 turbo arrives.

Along with the increased track and wheelbase dimensions, the suspension benefits from improved geometry and stiffer subframes. There are front and rear stabilizer bars plus a less intrusive rear suspension layout providing a flat rear floor for third row passengers.

There's an impressive list of safety features across the range. Along with dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags are standard. Primary safety is aided by ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and traction control, plus larger diameter front and rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD.

Consisting of three distinct models, 5 and 7 seater plus the range topping Elite (5 seater only), the Santa Fe's pricing reflects Hyundai's traditional value for money, while exerting extra pressure on the opposition.

Standard equipment
5 and 7 seater feature: airconditioning (separate third row a/c on 7 seater), power windows, remote central locking with alarm, cruise control, MP3/WMA/CD player, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions, trip computer, 17" alloy wheels.

The Elite has the above plus: dual zone climate control, 6 stack in-dash CD player, leather trim, electro chromatic rear view mirror with digital compass, automatic headlights on, 10 way power driver's seat - 4 way power front passenger seat, 18" alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, rear roof spoiler.

Standard safety equipment
Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control, ABS brakes with EBD, front and rear foglamps.

Options
Metallic/mica paint. Note that "Vanilla White" is the only non-metallic colour.

Drive impression

From behind the wheel the neatly laid out dash mirrors the simplicity of Hyundai's recent releases. Large, clear instrumentation ahead of the driver, and a prominent centre dash area housing the audio and ventilation controls places everything within easy reach.

One jarring note is the "wood trim". It's obviously plastic and detracts from the interior's modern style.

Adjustable for tilt and reach, the leather trimmed steering wheel features the usual cruise control and audio switches. There are a number of interior storage pockets for your bits and pieces, with a cooled "drinks box" between the front seats. In the 5 seater, there is a roomy compartment under the rear luggage area.

Seating up front is comfortable, although the cushion feels a bit short, and the parking brake pedal can get in the driver's way. The centre row features an adjustable backrest but once again the under thigh support could be more generous. Access to the third row in the 7 seater doesn't require too many gymnastics, and while average size adults will fit, it's really for kids. Practical inclusions are the "B" pillar face vents for the middle row and a separate fan control for the back row vents. And if you need to keep an eye on the kids, a flip down panoramic mirror means you don't have to turn around to keep the peace.

Improvements to the suspension mean ride quality is firmer than you might expect from a medium size SUV but it's comfortable across ripply bitumen and gravel surfaces. Through the bends there's no escaping the Santa Fe's mass, the nose pushing wider as speed increases. But there's plenty of feedback to let you know what's happening, rather than what happened?

Performance from the 2.7 litre V6 is acceptable, but down low there's little torque available to get things moving quickly. The 4 speed auto is impressive. Gearchanges are virtually seamless, whether in full auto or "manual" mode. There wasn't an opportunity to test the AWD system across anything other than well made gravel roads, so we'll have to save that for a full test.

Scoring points on safety features and standard equipment, the Santa Fe's build quality and aggressive pricing make it an attractive proposition. On paper it boasts class leading fuel economy, which for buyers in this category may well be the deciding factor.