Santa Fe steps up to the mark

The first Hyundai Santa Fe was one of those vehicles people either loved or hated; not because of the way it performed, but the way it looked. John Oxley reports

However, the latest Series II version is as handsome as they get. John Oxley reviews the top-of-the-line Elite Limited. The Hyundai Santa Fe has changed a lot over the years, with styling upgrades, engine and transmission upgrades, and in terms of its size. From a vehicle that operated very much as a medium SUV, the latest Santa Fe has moved into the large segment, and more than that, in terms of the Elite Limited model tested here, in terms of pricing into the Executive market. Quite a switch from the slightly doddery and ungainly rounded original that battled to keep up with any off-road conditions more difficult than a rutted road, and where I was once overtaken in said conditions by a bloke in an old front-drive Opel Kadett! Not that the Santa Fe is designed as an off-roader. It doesn’t sit far enough off the ground for that, at 185mm, and besides, it hasn’t got a low-range gearbox, although it does have a hill descent system (downhill brake control), as well as selflevelling suspension. What it has become is a spacious and sophisticated SUV, able to carry seven people and their stuff in comfort, and to occasionally venture onto the bush. Drastic changes were never going to be on the menu for the Series II version of the Santa Fe, and this has proven to be the case – but then, if it ain’t broke, etc. Exterior styling changes are understandably minimal on the Series II Santa Fe, with the front getting a tweaked grille and new front bumper, xenon headlights, DRLS, fog lights, cornering lights and wing mirrors, as well as a new design of ally wheel. Around the back the Series II gets a tweaked bumper and taillights, as well as a new exhaust tip. The excellent 147kw/440nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel provides motive power, and it’s still hooked up to the same six-speed automatic transmission. Improvements to the suspension and NVH offer improvements in road noise and ride quality as well. While all of these tweaks are relatively minor, it is in the technology department where Hyundai has really put all the focus in the Series II Santa Fe. The top-spec Elite Limited diesel now comes standard with blind spot detection, radar cruise control, lane change assist, autonomous emergency braking, and there’s also a lane departure warning system, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors and a camera, keyless entry, daytime running lights, cornering lights, heated side mirrors, Hyundai’s flex steer system, Bluetooth, and a leather-rimmed steering wheel with satellite controls. And on top of that there’s an electrochromatic rear view mirror with a digital compass, a windscreen de-icer, a proximity key with keyless start, electric folding side mirrors, a “smart welcome” system, rear privacy glass, SUNA satellite navigation, an upgraded audio system, dual zone climate control, a chilled glovebox, leather electrically adjustable front seats, front and second row seat warmers and an electric parking brake. Plus the benefit of xenon headlights, LED taillights, rear window shades, a panoramic sunroof and smart park assist. Hyundai have basically taken an excellent car, left all the good bits alone, jammed a bunch of new stuff in and tweaked a few bits to make them even better. The 4WD diesel is where the real gold in the Santa Fe range has always been, and that continues for the Series II incarnation – composed, sure-footed handling, a comfortable and controlled ride and that strong diesel engine makes for a very compelling package at any spec level. The Series II Santa Fe is an even more impressive vehicle than its predecessor, which was deeply impressive, although the real improvements come with the intangibles – comfort and NVH. They might only be slight, but they make a big difference to everyday life with any vehicle. The Santa Fe continues to be a handsome, practical, comfortable and safe family vehicle, which is no doubt why it is a huge seller for Hyundai. And will no doubt continue to be so with this Series II model.