The Hyundai Santa Fe is a favourite for family cars, however the latest model has been regarded among car reviewers as the best in the range.
This car is longer, wider and lower than previous models, and is a far more imposing machine with the beefy front. The extra room is ideal for families of all shapes and sizes, and the design will appeal to both mums and dads.
The result of Hyundai’s latest ‘Storm Edge’ design language is a look that is ideally suited to its core market of North America, yet it also feels equally at home on Irish roads where it will undoubtedly take over from the current model for Irish buyers seeking a practical, economical and well equipped solution to family motoring.
Inside, the seven-seat layout that made the second generation car so popular is retained but interior space has been increased with more room for all occupants – whether it’s toddlers in car seats or teenagers and their friends. The rear-most seats are still strictly a child-only zone, but even with them in place there is still enough space in the boot for a few shopping bags or a child’s buggy. In five-seat configuration (achieved with a simple pull of two handles) the Santa Fe offers 532-litres which can stretch to an Ikea busting 1,615-litres with the middle row collapsed.
Otherwise, the cabin is bright and spacious with great all-round visibility. The driving position is first rate, providing a commanding view of the road, all while perched in a leather seat. All of the major controls, be it on the dashboard or multifunction steering wheel, are logically laid out with a positive action while the rest of the plastics have a premium look to them.
The entry level price for the Santa Fe is €36,995 for which you get a 2.2-litre two-wheel drive diesel in Comfort specification. As entry-level cars go it is generously specified with 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, air-conditioning and reversing camera all included as standard. If that is not enough to tempt you then an extra €4,000 buys you the four-wheel drive ‘Executive’ model that we drove that adds cornering lights, those leather seats (cloth is standard on Comfort models), auto lights and wipers and climate control. There is a ‘Premium’ model that is available for €48,995 that adds satellite navigation and a panoramic sunroof.
No matter which version you choose all Irish Santa Fe’s are powered by a reworked version of Hyundai’s 2.2-litre diesel engine. With 420 Nm of torque (in addition to 197hp) on tap it is completely unstressed around town, and even at motorway speeds it always feels as if it has more power in reserve. Despite being more powerful than the version in the outgoing model it is actually twelve per cent more efficient with emissions of 149g/km (147 for the two wheel drive model) meaning road tax of €390 a year (as of January 2013). Fuel economy of 6.1 L/100kms is also impressive for a car of its size.
Key Specs:
Price: €40,995 (Santa Fe range starts at €36,995)
Engine: 2.2-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, fourwheel drive
Power: 197hp at 3,800rpm
Torque: 420Nm at 1,800rpm
Acceleration: (0-100km/h): 17.5 seconds
Emissions: 149g/km
Running Costs:
Annual Road Tax: €390 (as of January 2013)
Fuel Economy: 6.1L/100kms (46mpg)
With thanks to Car Adviser Magazine
