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Hyundai Santa Fe First Drive


Hyundai Santa Fe First Drive

Author: Isaac BoberDate: 19 June 2010

Facelift for family favourite

Hyundai has given the Santa Fe the nip/tuck treatment along with a terrific new drivetrain.

Okay, so no one really listens to what marketing men and women have to say. But the guys and gals at Hyundai are stretching things by saying that this newcomer makes tough look easy. Because it doesn't. Not even slightly. No, what Santa Fe makes look easy is being feature packed and excellent value for money.

The pick of the range is easily the new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which punches out a grunty 145kW and 421Nm in six-speed manual trim (you get a smidge more torque if you opt for the new six-speed auto). And if it was my money on the line, I'd go for the auto, because the manual is just too notchy and the clutch too rubbery to be fun.

The launch drive route was only short, but the bitumen was genuinely challenging and the Santa Fe, surprisingly, ate it up, burped and asked for more.

This two-tonner can really be hustled along, but for those of us with non-American-sized bones, the seats are too flat and unsupportive. So you tend to slip and slide from one side of the seat to the other. While talking about the interior, the rest of the spruced-up Santa Fe looks good and the dash layout is much better than its twin, the Kia Sorento. As for the outside, well, the Sorento leaves it for dead. But then, it's what's on the inside that really counts, right?

So if you're in the market for a compact-ish seven-seater that won't cost the earth (from $37,990, as tested) and will actually be a bit of fun to drive, then the Santa Fe makes a good case. Just don't fall for the marketing guys' tough talk!

Quick specs

 Engine  2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
 Power  145kW @ 3800rpm
 Torque  421Nm @ 1800rpm
 Transmission  Six-speed manual or auto
 Kerb weight  1960kg
 Fuel consumption  6.7L/100km (manual); 7.5L/100km (auto)
 Co2 emissions  197g/km (auto)
 GVG rating  3 stars
 ANCAP  5 stars
 Pros  Strong engine, excellent handling, the price is right
 Cons  So-so looks, unsupportive seats, no steering wheel reach adjustment
 Price  $37,990

Quick Facts

Make Hyundai
Model Santa Fe
Category Medium SUV
Body type SUV
Pros

Strong engine, excellent handling, the price is right
Cons

So-so looks, unsupportive seats, no steering wheel reach adjustment

Country of manufacture Korea
Priced from $37,990

Specifications

Engine

  
Engine size 2.2 L
Claimed max power (kW) 145 kW @ 3800 rpm
Claimed max torque (Nm) 421 Nm @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Consumption

  
Claimed fuel consumption 6.7 (manual), 7.5 (auto) L/100km
CO2 Emissions 197 g/km

Tags:

Hyundai, Santa Fe, Medium SUV, SUV, Press-releases, Santa Fe, Motoring Feed

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