Hyundai Santa Fe
Plusher and with more engine options
WANT A LARGE SUV with room for seven and a warranty that’s equally capacious? Enter the Hyundai Santa Fe. This Korean-made SUV has impressed us with its generous equipment list and practical interior, but now there’s a new model tasked with taking the ght to rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-trail.
Outside, there’s a bold new look that includes a prominent front grille and thin LED headlights, but it’s inside where buyers will notice the biggest improvements. Because the new car is slightly longer and wider than before, there’s more room for rear passengers (in both ve and seven-seat forms) and a larger boot, although neither is an area in which the current car struggled.
A 5.0in infotainment screen is standard, with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection. Upgrade to a 7.0in screen and you’ll get support for Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a rear-view Camera. There’s also an 8.0in screen option with integrated sat-nav.
Other new features include a head-up display and a 7.0in screen as part of the car’s instrument Cluster. There’s also wireless charging for your smartphone.
Available safety equipment includes a blindspot monitoring system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance and a rear cross traf c alert, although Hyundai hasn’t yet revealed which features will come as standard.
The sole engine option in the outgoing Santa Fe was a 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel; this engine continues and is joined by a new 185bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit. Gearbox options are a six-speed manual and six or eight-speed automatics.and buyers can now choose between front and four-wheel drive. Ride comfort was one area in which today’s Santa Fe had its rivals beaten; nevertheless, Hyundai is promising an even smoother ride from revised Suspension. A self-levelling system is an option.
Prices haven’t yet been revealed but are expected to rise slightly on those of the current car, which starts at £32,845.