Santa Fe leads in diesel sales

The top-five models in the Large SUV segment so far this year are a surprisingly diverse selection. Rental car sales power the V6 petrol Toyota Highlander to the top position. The aged Holden Captiva ranks number two pushed along by attractive pricing ahead of the Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mazda CX-9.

Along with Highlander, both Outback and CX-9 are also exclusively petrol models and the segment is split 54:46 in favour of petrol.

Clearly leading the diesel arena is the Santa Fe. Hyundai says more than 90 per cent of Santa Fes sold in New Zealand have the 2.2-litre R Series four-cylinder diesel under the bonnet.

The Gen-four Santa Fe (model code TM) now on sale in New Zealand is a full refresh of Hyundai’s large SUV. It delivers more space, a significant increase in safety and connectivity plus a further evolution of Hyundai’s bold styling that lends it a strong visual presence on the road.

The exterior is highlighted by Hyundai’s “cascading grille” theme with a hexagonal 3D treatment and a twin headlamp lighting signature.

Interesting visual touches are the return of a fixed A-pillar window and a significant larger glasshouse at the rear with a claimed 41 per cent improvement in visibility for the third row occupants. An extended wheelbase and increased width and length provide more passenger and load space.

The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are carried over from the previous generation DM Santa Fe while a new H-Trac allwheel-drive system promises faster traction response and improved fuel efficiency. The diesel-powered Santa Fe models follow the Kia Sorento and Sportage diesels in gaining a new eight-speed automatic transmission. But the 2.4-litre Theta II GDI petrol engine — not present during last week’s New Zealand media launch programme

HYUNDAI TM SANTA FE LINE- UP

2.4 GDI petrol (6-speed AUTO) —$59,990 2.2 R DIESEL (8-SPEED AUTO) —$66,990 2.4 GDI petrol Elite (6-speed auto) —$69,490 2.2 R Diesel Elite (8-speed auto) —$75,490 2.4 GDI petrol Limited (6-speed auto) — $76,990

2.2 R Diesel Limited (8-speed auto) —$82,990