Looks aren’t everything, but they sure play a big part in why people buy the Hyundai Sante Fe. Damien O’Carroll reports in the newest version.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Hyundai Santa Fe was a somewhat dated, slightly funny-looking SUV, that people bought simply on price. That changed drastically with the introduction of the handsome and capable second-generation model in 2006, and became even more convincing in 2010 with the introduction of the impressive R Series four-cylinder diesel engine. Now an all-new Santa Fe has landed, although Hyundai is reticent about making huge claims for the new model coming, off the back of a massive year for the old model that saw it sell 1,730 units. Hyundai NZ boss Andy Sinclair puts that number (more than 700 up on the previous year) down to a particularly aggressive marketing push, and is reluctant to claim that the new model will sell in quite the same numbers. The new Santa Fe range kicks off with the entry level car in a choice of five or seven-seat configurations, as well as a choice of an improved 141kW/242Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, or the still-impressive 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel R Series, both hooked up to Hyundai’s slick six-speed automatic transmission. The entry level car comes standard with17-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather steering wheel with audio and phone controls, roof rails, electric lumbar adjustment, a trip computer, electric heated mirrors, cruise control, fog lamps and rear air con in the seven seat models. The petrol 2.4 five-seater kicks things off at $57,990, while the diesel drops in at $63,990. Seven-seat versions add $2,000 to the prices. The Elite models are only available in seven-seat guise and add 18-inch alloys, a premium audio system, and satellite navigation with live traffic updates, leather interior trim, electric heated seats (rear also heated), climate control air con, keyless entry with push button start, a rear view camera, an electric park brake, static front cornering lamps, a chrome grille, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and electric folding mirrors. The Elite starts at $67,990 for either the 2.4-litre petrol, or the only 2WD model in the Santa Fe range - the FWD V6 Elite, that boasts the 199kW/318Nm 3.3-litre V6 engine. The diesel Elite rounds things out at $73,990. Finally topping out the range comes the Elite Limited which lands at a rather hefty $79,990. Only available with the diesel engine, the Elite Limited adds 19-inch alloys, a panoramic glass sunroof, xenon headlights, headlight washers, LED taillights, auto-dipping side mirrors, rear door window curtains, a windscreen deicer and self-levelling rear suspension. Disappointingly, we didn't get to drive the 2.4-litre petrol-engined version as none had arrived in time, but the FWD V6 Elite was massively powerful and impressively smooth. The chassis and associated electronics are good enough that you would be pushed to know that it wasn't actually 4WD under anything other than most extreme on-road situations. The 4WD R Series diesel models are the obvious pick so far, though, with a thick chunk of torque across the important areas of the rev range, and a nice progressive power delivery. Equipment levels are impressively high across the spec range, and the interior has a nice, quality feel to the majority of the materials in use. This is where the question about the Elite Limited diesel's $80k price tag comes in, though, as it is still an obvious step or two below the quality of materials used in even the lower-price Europeans in the price range.
As to whether the Hyundai badge has the cred to carry the price tag against the Euro competition, that is something that only the potential buyer can answer. On the road, the Santa Fe has an effortless, easily toss-able feel to it, despite its size, and punting it along your average New Zealand road is a simple and enjoyable affair. The nose turns in nicely, with the rear happy to follow with no obvious complaints, despite the Santa Fe's not-inconsiderable size. Overall, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a deeply impressive machine. Well equipped, well-built, and undeniably handsome, it has all the ingredients to continue selling well in New Zealand.
The biggest hurdle will be the potential buyer’s readiness to accept Hyundai as a premium brand, but Hyundai reports that early indications from existing Santa Fe owners is all positive so far. And that is all that really matters.
