Hyundai Santa Fe now has it all

Now their ever-impressive full size SUV has undergone a few design refinements, as well as added an advanced range of new active safety, comfort and convenience features. The upgraded Santa Fe is now only available in two top of the range derivatives that ensure their extensive Elite standard features package. The Santa Fe 2.2d five-seater Elite uses a front-wheel drive system, while the 2.2d seven-seater Elite is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that can be locked when needed.

The latest Santa Fe retains key elements of the Hyundai “family look”, featuring the brand’s hexagonal front grille, finished in chrome. Road presence is enhanced by new front and rear bumpers with redesigned fog and LED daytime running lights, framed with new silver trim. At the front, a layout for the xenon projector headlamps has been applied, while the rear lamps feature a fresh LED graphic.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has an advanced range of new active safety, comfort and convenient features. Picture: Supplied

The modern and bold exterior appearance benefits from newly designed 17 inch, 18 inch and 19 inch alloy wheels that accentuate the model’s refined lines, while reinforcing the car’s status at the top of Hyundai Motor’s SUV line-up.

Inside, Santa Fe remains a refined and comfortable place to be with updates to the console cluster and the navigation system presenting the car’s sophisticated image. The relationship between design and functionality continues throughout the cockpit, where new material and exterior colours build on the premium quality that has become the hallmark of Hyundai’s flagship model.

Building on Santa Fe’s high safety specification, the new Santa Fe introduces several active safety and comfort features. In line with changing customer perceptions of the Hyundai Motor brand, enhancements boost the premium feel and sophisticated appearance of the new model.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has an advanced range of new active safety, comfort and convenient features. Picture: Supplied

Reflecting Hyundai Motor’s global safety philosophy, new active safety features have been introduced to maintain Santa Fe’s class-leading levels of equipment and occupant/pedestrian protection. Adding further driver convenience and enhancing safety, blind spot detection (BSD) technology is introduced to the new Santa Fe. Using radar technology, BSD monitors the rear corners and, if another vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the exterior mirrors. If the driver then activates the indicators, an audible signal is emitted.

Using the BSD sensors, the rear-cross traffic alert (RCTA) system reduces the risk of collision with approaching traffic when reversing out of narrow areas with low visibility. Using a radar to scan a 180 degree area behind the vehicle for approaching cross-traffic, RCTA alerts the driver visually and acoustically.

A new smart cruise control function delivers a safer and more relaxing experience to the driver by maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead, automatically decreasing the speed, or accelerating to a preset cruise in line with prevailing traffic conditions. Inside, enhancements are focused on presenting a premium feel with high-specification technology. Hyundai Motor’s navigation system combines with premium sound to provide occupants with a high-quality interface, including the latest in-car audio technology.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has an advanced range of new active safety, comfort and convenient features. Picture: Supplied

Alongside these upgrades, passengers sitting in the new car’s second row of sliding seats will benefit from greater space, as an extra 15mm has been added to the travel, boosting the adjustment to 270mm.

Another new feature is the smart power tailgate that opens at the push of a button – either on the tailgate door itself, or on the keyless entry fob, with an audible warning to anyone in the vicinity. This is particularly useful when loading shopping bags in the spacious luggage area.

Doing duty is Hyundai’s very competent 2.2 litre CRDi diesel engine that develops 145kW and 436Nm of torque and is used in both the front-wheel and four-wheel drive variants, and is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox that offers the option of manual gearshift.