Hyundai’s latest SUV: The Hyundai Santa Fe.

4th Generation Hyundai Santa Fe

Meet the new Hyundai Santa Fe. This fourth generation model, features more tech and Hyundai’s new design language. Here’s what you need to know:

Design

We can safely say that the Koreans outdid themselves with this model. It’s not only worlds apart from the previous one, but it can also stand its ground against other premium rivals, when it comes to looks alone. Slim headlights and a large front grille emphasize its sporty nature, whilst there’s nothing to complain about at the rear either. It may look a bit “Soccer mumish” at the back, but at least it looks good.

Interior

From the images I’ve seen, interior quality looks decent. However, in the world of bigger screen sizes, I feel Hyundai could of added a few more inches to the 7-inch LCD display.

More space for rear passengers is also something to take note of, with a 38mm increase in legroom for the second row, and a 22mm increase in headroom for the third row. I look forward to a visit to my local Hyundai dealer to experience it in the flesh.

Engine and Gearbox

The Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 2,2-litre CRDi engine that produces 142kW and a tidy 440Nm of torque.  A newly developed 8-speed auto box transfers this power to all four wheels, using technology that controls and adjusts torque distribution between front and rear wheels. In sport mode, up to 50% will be sent to the rear wheels for ” better acceleration”, with 35% in comfort mode.

Safety

I’ve been impressed which some of the safety tech on recent Hyundai vehicles including the I30 N.

Being a family car, safety is a priority for the Santa Fe. 6 air-bags are installed, along with a 15% increase in high-strength steel over any other Hyundai vehicle (57%)

Contributing to the Hyundai Santa Fe’s best-in-class safety, includes systems such as, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Rear Occupant Alert – which notifies the driver when rear passengers leave the vehicle. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, which will monitor and also apply braking if a vehicle approaches from the rear side when reversing. Safety Exit Assist is one of the coolest features, which prevents the rear doors from being opened when a vehicle approaches from behind. Best demonstrated here:

Tech

Standard in all models is a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display which is Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto enabled. From looking at the specs of the infotainment system, it doesn’t seem as state-of-the-art as Hyundai suggests it is. It does however, seem to do everything you need and a USB port and Aux jack are included.  If you opt for the Elite model, a 7-inch TFT display is also featured in the centre of the instrument cluster.

Elite models also include a panoramic sunroof, electronic rear hatch, heating and cooling front seats, keyless-start and Rear-door retractable side curtains.

Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing in South Africa

• Premium automatic – R599 900

• Executive automatic – R659 900

• Elite automatic – R749 900.

All prices include Hyundai Automotive SA’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty (consisting of the standard 5-year/150 000 km warranty plus the additional 2-year/50 000 km drivetrain warranty extension).

An additional part of the package is a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, and roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km.

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