Hyundai Santa Fe 4th Generation

“Blows the socks off bakkie-based SUVs.”

The Hyundai range in South Africa has been rapidly changing in composition as customers eschew conventional saloons – even those as pleasingly-wrought as the Accent and the Elantra – and join the hordes of SUV owners who block the views of us old-school drivers trying to exit congested car parks in low-slung hatchbacks.

Indeed, Hyundai could almost be accused of over-populating the SUV category with their Creta, Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe derivatives, but who can argue with such wide choice. I have to admit to not having any long-term experience of the Santa Fe in its earlier execution, but I learned enough to develop a huge respect for Korea’s range-topper as it offered well-rounded virtues at a palatable price. Truth be known, it bridged a gap between the mid-range SUV contenders and those sitting at the top of the pile, but if on-road observations carry any validity, it seems that the recipe has attracted fewer buyers than deserved.

Perhaps this can be partly explained by the lure of more premium badges which are seen by buyers as being worth the extra outlay because the neighbours will be more impressed. Possibly in recognition of this, Hyundai is positioning the new Santa Fe as the perfect family adventure vehicle which to me puts it slap bang into typical bakkie-based SUV territory.

Three models, namely Premium, Executive and Elite are offered in RSA and span the R600 000 to R750 000 price range. You’d be right if you guessed the difference is made up in equipment levels as all three share the same well-proven 142kW/440Nm 2.2 turbo D as well as an intelligent 8-speed auto box which offers improved responsiveness at low speeds and more relaxed cruising on the open road.

A variable HTRAC electronic all-wheel-drive system offers Sport, Comfort, Eco and 50:50 drive distribution modes allied to variable brake force control between left and right wheels. Staying underneath, a refined MacPherson strut front end does duty with a tweaked multi-link while the power steering has been the beneficiary of a weight reduction regime and other tweaks which are in-situ to improve feel and responsiveness.

No fewer than six airbags, along with the use of higher strength steel and a more rigid body shell, look after static safety issues and have led to the issue of a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating. Other safety elements include ABS, EBD, hill-start assist and downhill brake control.

Aesthetically, the changes are not major which means the Santa Fe lineage is still obvious – and as conservatively handsome as before. The decent paint gloss and uniform panel gaps did not escape my notice either but the numerous aero tweaks are harder to spot, albeit they are obviously effective as the big Santa Fe had no problem recording fuel consumption in the low 8l/100km range with 6.8l100km achievable on the straight and narrow.

Inside the new model, you’ll find added space, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, dual climate control, better visibility and lots of convenience items which vary in outright number according to which derivative is selected. For example, you’ll find virtual instruments only in the Elite but the main point to note is that the cabin is very smartly trimmed whatever the derivative. There’s an inviting ambience to enjoy thanks to the widespread deployment of soft-surfacing and the use of matt trimming edges and shiny highlights.

Multi-adjustable front seats are beautifully trimmed while those lounging further back will find more space and improved access thanks to clever seat folding mechanisms. With the third row folded down, luggage space has risen to a generous 547l and this increases to 1625l with the second row down too.

I’ve already made mention of the 2.2 turbo diesel motor and its impressively low thirst, but should the mood take you, this engine delivers decent thrust and absolutely effortless open road cruising. Further, Hyundai have clearly been working hard on refinement as the isolation of mechanical noises at all speeds is nothing less than outstanding.

It’s virtually impossible to tell that diesel fuel is being burned which, along with the smooth-shifting auto that can also be activated by paddle shifters in the Elite version, makes for an especially relaxed cabin environment.

Sure, there is some road noise evident on coarse surfaces (it’s a big cabin to isolate, remember) and there’s some wind rustle around the large wing mirrors, but overall, the Santa Fe puts on a terrific show that elevates it leagues ahead of any ladder-frame 7-seat SUV.

That superiority is extended even further when the well-judged ride is accounted for. A pleasing pliancy is soon evident, but the plushness is not achieved at the expense of control which remains good even on rutted dirt surfaces.

Let’s not pretend that a big 7-seater is going to compete with smaller, well-sorted saloons or hatchbacks in terms of dynamic performance but when you add in the improved and more responsive power steering, you’re left with a spacious, smart hold-all that’s now good enough to bear comparison with SUVs that traditionally rule the lower luxury end of the SUV armada.

It’s hard not to be impressed and I’m sure Santa himself would be very happy to be delivering his goodies in such a spacious, comfortable and dynamically competent vehicle. Take a look for yourself and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Article: Richard Wiley