It's all change as the new Santa Fe gets a complete makeover. The mid-sized sports utility vehicle now features a sophisticated exterior, longer wheelbase, a new 2.2 litre diesel engine, seven seats and improved driving dynamics.
The exterior is far less Korean (not that that harmed sales figures) and features a more European look. Santa Fe is now as elegant as any SUV on the market. From any angle you will see hints of the best SUVs Europe has to offer, even the lights exude class. 17-inch alloys are standard with 18s on higher equipped cars, Hyundai means business.
Inside the spacious cabin the materials used are of a far higher quality save for some really awful fake wood trim that spoiled my top spec test car, oh and you'll need to invest in a magnifying glass to use the aftermarket stereo, which sadly for the time being remains a Hyundai Ireland signature. These two niggles are all that let down an otherwise well-appointed cabin.
MPV owners are rightfully licking their lips at the chance to get into something a little more rugged than their one box machines. The new additional seats in the last row fold up from the floor with a simple pull of a handle. When in place they leave little or no boot space but when folded flat to the floor the load area is very impressive.
On the open road the Santa Fe makes good use of the 150bhp available from the 2.2 litre CRDi diesel. This engine is a gem especially when matched to my test car's five-speed automatic gearbox (a manual five-speed is standard). Automatic diesels are very easy to live with day to day. The suspension has been revised with the rear end receiving most attention. The original Santa Fe had pretty poor road manners particularly in two-wheel-drive only form (the biggest selling version). It was perhaps the last car I would want to take down a twisty road. Now the track is wider so the car sits more securely on the road plus the body’s stiffness has been upped by 50%.
The new entry level Santa Fe comes again in two-wheel-drive only form and retails for €39,495 (almost eight grand more than the old car!). My test car on the other hand is the top spec model (€44,495) and comes with an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive set up that drives the car in two-wheel-drive form under normal conditions.
A small four-wheel-drive 'lock' switch is the only clue to any off road pretensions or ability. On road the car is civilised and estate car-like. The driving position is good thanks to the fully adjustable steering wheel. All round visibility is excellent also.
Hyundai is really getting its act together and in no time Korea will be on a par with Japan in terms of product. Santa Fe gets a three-year warranty in Ireland while Hyundai UK gives a five-year warranty.
The new four-wheel-drive Santa Fe is very impressive and with seven seats it's a truly tempting family vehicle.
Michael Sheridan
