Hyundai has launched the facelift Santa Fe in the Mzansi market amid a sharp spike in the company’s growth curve and forecasts. Spurred on by products like the i20 and the ix35, Hyundai is making exceptional progress in sales, such that market speculators place both it and sister company Kia among the top three car retailers in the country. No wonder then that the new Santa Fe is expected to push over 200 units a month.
Yes it’s possible; the newly-launched Sonata has already shifted over 120 units since it was introduced to the public about ten days ago. Because this is just a mild makeover, no nomenclature changes were made to keep up with the new models in the range. But do expect the next-generation Santa Fe to be called either ix40 or and ix45.
Facelift is probably the operative word since only a few aspects can be considered brand new. We can start with the face itself, which now features a new style, more aerodynamic lines and a new front grille. Side views feature mirrors with integrated indicators and a chrome strip on the door handles. The back end has a new lights cluster, rear bumpers and twin exhaust tailpipes with a sporty hint.
Taking things forward is a new 2.2-litre DOHC turbo diesel motor with a much higher power output than the previous-generation vehicle, thanks to variable geometry turbo technology and common-rail direct injection. It makes maximum power of 145kW at 3800rpm, as well as 436Nm of frothy torque available between 1800rpm and 2500rpm. Mated to it is a new 6-speed automatic gearbox which, despite Hyundai’s protects, exhibits notable turbo lag at take-off. At speed it goes on quite smoothly and changes with ease. No, this is not a performance engine but it’s not meant to be. Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.3 litres per 100km and C02 emissions of 220 g/km.
“The second-generation Santa Fe was at the forefront of Hyundai’s renaissance and established the philosophy that the brand can go toe to toe with its rivals for quality and overall value rather than just price,” says Hyundai SA’s Marketing Director, Stanley Anderson. “With the major changes taking effect with this version it will continue to offer a highly appealing package in the full-sized recreational SUV segment.”
The interior also got some improvements in the form of a 3.5 inch LCD screen on the rear view mirror. It’s for helping out when reversing and it works with a rear-mounted camera. I did find though, during the drive, that the blue LCD background lighting always gave the impression that the car’s headlights were on the “bright” setting. A stop/ start button near the steering wheel negates the need for using your key when starting up the engine; the car automatically detects it nearby and all the driver has to do is to push that button. Hyundai has overlooked the ever-growing trend of installing Bluetooth connectivity in their cars. Hopefully this will be remedied with upcoming vehicles.
Other nice interior features include a 6-CD changer with radio playability, a USB connection, an information computer, cruise control, full leather, a sunroof and dual-zone climate control so that there are no fights over what the temperatures should be enjoyed in the car. Two versions, a 5-seater and a 7-seater model, can be ordered when purchasing.
Although all-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard in the Santa Fe, recognition must be made of the fact that it is still a soft-roader. In fact, we took the cars out to an off-road course outside of Pretoria to test some of their skills. The Santa Fe fared well on most of the obstacles, taking them on without even blinking an eye. Caught over tricky sand however, the car got stuck and wasn’t able to conquer the challenge. Again, this is a soft-roader with no low-range gears. A safety package consisting of, among others, six airbags, active headrests, stability/traction control and all-disc braking with ABS, EBD and BAS assistance is standard.
People in the market for a car like the Santa Fe won’t be disappointed to look in its direction for answers. I wasn’t.
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing
5-seater (R399 900)
7-seater (R409 900)
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