Hyundai Santa Fe [2014-2017]

Summary

Hyundai has come up with the new Storm Edge styling on the Santa Fe, which is essentially nothing but a more refined and evolved version of the design nomenclature adopted by Fluidic. The SUV, when seen live gives it an attractive look because of its huge stance and beautifully and dexterously carved features. Despite the excessive chrome treatment, the SUV has a magnificent appeal when viewed from the front side. Proportionality has been articulately maintained on the sides. The first thing that catches the eye on the rear side is the LED lamps and has a neat finish overall. However, when compared with other SUVs, Santa Fe has a lower front stance when compared with contemporaries. Like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or the Toyota Fortuner. Hyundai has provided the car with large rims but the 235 mm tyres is somewhat on the sleeker side.

What separates out Fortuner from the Hyundai Santa Fe is the fact that the Toyota model was constructed and designed for the developing countries mainly. However, the Hyundai model is sold in countries like USA as well as Europe, which are known to be the first world regions. Along with the 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, this car has come up beyond the expectations of many. Earlier the Santa Fe was sold as a CBU; the 3^rd generation model has been imported as CKD. However, the price remains on the higher side still. For those who do not want to compromise on the solidity of a SUV and maintain the premium nature, Hyundai Santa Fe should be the prime choice.

Further to this, read Hyundai Santa Fe Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

The first thing that you will notice about the Santa Fe is its sturdy body with neat angles all across. The SUV has been built delicately by the best of designers to make it rock solid while giving it a perfectly aerodynamic structure. Clearcoat paint does the trick for the model, which glistens in sunlight ad imparts a premium touch to the car. Chrome side window inserts give a neat finishing to the sides that accentuate the neat lines all along. Chrome door handles are elegantly placed, which make for a neat finish.

The chrome grille imparts the masculine touch to the Santa Fe with completely galvanised steel panels. Daytime running lights make sure that the road is clearly visible even under foggy circumstances. The tail lights have been specially designed to mark the perfect finishing for the car.

Interior

The interior of the Santa Fe is as classy as the exterior, if not a few notches higher. The latest design theme has been applied generously in the interior. The large central console has been made hexagonal, which is surrounded by air-con vents in the shape of arrows. From the inside, the SUV looks regal and imparts a contemporary touch. The finishing, fit and quality are optimised to make the most of the design elements. This aesthetic sedan-like finishing on the interiors have left Santa Fe’s prime competitor Toyota Fortuner miles behind.

The seats, both in the front and the middle rows, have been designed for providing maximum support and comfort. Seating position is characteristics of a crossover, but a tad lower than the Fortuner, Rexton or the Pajero Sport. The frontal visibility from the driver’s seat is perfectly fine. There is an option to raise the seat height to improve visibility, but at the cost of destroying the ergonomics as some of the controls might just move out of hand’s range. Optimising the seat height to lower levels will work best for both ergonomics and visibility.

Engine and Transmission

Hyundai Santa Fe comes powered with a four cylinder, 2.2-litre, 4^th generation common-rail diesel mill. This allows it to generate 194 bhp at the rate of 3800 rpm. The torque output of the Santa Fe stands at 436 Nm at the rate of 1800 to 2500 rpm. Manual transmission has been provided only on the two-wheel drive models. Automatic six-speed transmission pattern is present on both the 2WD as well as the AWD systems.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to the performance of this large SUV, there is hardly any gap. Be it on the general urban traffic or on the highways, Santa Fe proves it mettle at ease. The company has equipped the masculine SUV with most of the standard features, which make its handling superbly efficient. Once you get to understand the dimensions of the car on the road, manoeuvre it with pleasure and with utmost ease even in tricky traffic.

Braking System

The SUV has been provided with four-wheel disc brakes. Apart from these, ABS is provided as a standard. Front vented discs, hill descent control, brake assist and hill hold control make up for almost all required safety features.

Mileage

The 2199 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 10 kmpl in city and 12 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

Apart from the usual safety features like ABS, the SUV is also provided with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Driveline Traction Control takes care of the SUV on slippery tracks. Side impact beams, dual stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front airbags, driver knee airbags take care of the other safety elements of the large SUV.

Verdict 

Hyundai has designed this SUV for meeting the expectations of a varied population of car lovers. If cruising on all types of roads is what you aim for, Hyundai Santa Fe should be the one SUV for you.

Competition

SUVs like SsangYong Mahindra Rexton Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are close contenders to the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Pros

1. Exceptional Safety Features
2. Powerful on the Road
3. Specialised for hilly terrains

Cons

1. Slightly high-priced