Hyundai’s new Santa Fe makes its debut in SA
The Hyundai Santa Fe has lasted for more than two decades on the market. It has also become the brand’s longest-running model in Europe, essentially one of the pioneers in the SUV market. Of course, times have changed with the SUV market in full swing, meaning an upgrade is always needed. Fast forward to 2021 and Hyundai has finally given us locals their all-new and restyled Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe is of course an icon for Hyundai, so modern and stylish changes made to the exterior are expected. Outside, the Santa Fe gets a bold new exterior with the front section featuring a striking new grille, making it appear more luxurious than its predecessors. This eye-catching cascading grille has been improved, with its signature geometric patterned inlay getting integrated with the headlights and T-shaped daytime running lights. At the back, the rear bumper does get a bold stance with the sweeping horizontal line, connecting the combination lights and tailgate garnish.
In terms of size, the Santa Fe will measure at 4 785 mm in length, 1 900 mm in width, and 1 710 mm in height, making this Santa Fe bigger than its predecessor. The Santa Fe also gets fitted with Hyundai’s new Gen 3 platform, meaning that the second row of passengers will be able to enjoy more legroom as well as benefit from cargo space of 634 litres when the third-row seats are folded flat. New 18-inch alloy wheel will come standard on the Santa Fe Executive, while the Elite derivatives come with either 19- or 20-inch wheels. Consumers will be able to choose from different exterior colour options ranging from, White Cream, Typhoon Silver, Lagoon Blue, Phantom Black, Taiga Brown, and Magnetic Force.
Under the hood, the Santa Fe becomes the first Hyundai model to be fitted with the latest-generation powertrain Smartstream R2.2 turbodiesel engine. It produces a maximum power output of 148kW and 441 Nm of torque. In comparison to the previous generation, the new engine block will consist of aluminium instead of iron, ensuring a weight reduction of 19,5 kg. it seems that the Santa Fe is the first of many for the South Korean brand as it becomes Hyundai’s first SUV to be equipped with a newly developed Smartstream Wet 8DCT delivering quick eight-speed shifting and acceleration performance. The 8DCT will have all the smooth-shifting characteristics of your traditional automatic transmission while still enhancing efficiency over dry dual-clutch transmissions.
In the Elite derivative of the latest, Santa Fe will be Hyundai’s signature HTRAC four-wheel drive technology. Also, a first for the Elite derivative will be a Terrain Mode selector, which consists of a control knob that is in the centre console allowing the driver to switch between different drive modes. These unique driving modes have been made for modes such as sand, snow, and mud, as well as other driving modes such as Comfort, Sport, and Eco.
The cabin of the Santa Fe will be equally as luxurious as its exterior. It comes equipped with full leather seats and a new floating centre console that comes equipped with shift-by-wire transmission buttons. The centre console will also feature buttons for functions for automatic climate control as well as a selector knob for the drive modes in the Elite derivative. Other lavish features include a cup holder and a hidden wireless charger. The Santa Fe will also host a range of new technology and comes featured a touchscreen function 8-inch infotainment system display that provides Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Andriod Auto. The Santa Fe will come with Remote Start, which allows one to start the vehicle remotely with the smart key, In the Elite derivative, both the driver and front passenger will be able to electrically adjust their seats. Of course, the Elite derivative will sit on top of the range and will come equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD Super Vision Instrument Cluster for the driver.
The Santa Fe is currently on sale locally and hosts a list of safety features such as Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Warning, Safe Exit Assist, an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Downhill Brake Control will be available too as well as Hill Start Assist Control. The Santa Fe will come equipped with front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as curtain airbags, to protect all passengers.
Pricing
Santa Fe R2.2 Executive 8sp DCT R769 500
Santa Fe R2.2 Elite 8sp DCT AWD R869 500
The Santa Fe will come with a 7-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000km service plan as well as roadside assistance over a period of 7 years or a distance of 150 000 km.
