By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel .com
The all new Santa Fe lineup reinvents the family CUV landscape with progressive design, efficient powertrains and upscale amenities, with flexible seating and cargo, strong performance courtesy of dramatic weight savings and advanced safety technologies.
The exterior of the Santa Fe crossover family invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through a new design concept called Storm Edge. To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers use a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED headlight accents, low stance, rising beltline, roof spoiler and wraparound taillights. Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents and body color mirrors. In addition, 19-inch wheels and a twin-tip chrome exhaust are standard on Santa Fe Sport 2.0T.
Santa Fe Sport models feature the same flowing interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all. Special care and attention went into other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim.
Santa Fe Sport buyers have the choice of a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Both engines provide more than enough power for city or highway driving and have the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. With 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, Santa Fe Sport 2.4 still manages outstanding fuel economy of 22 city and 33 highway. This powertrain truly combines power and fuel efficiency with refined driving dynamics. The higher output 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found under the hood of Santa Fe Sport 2.0T increases horsepower to 264, while also delivering excellent fuel economy.
All the engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that suits the engine’s characteristics. An automatic transmission warmer is included to keep the transmission oil at its optimal temperature, which improves real-world fuel economy.
Santa Fe customers will feel the benefits of the optional Active Cornering Control All-Wheel-Drive system that cooperatively controls engine torque and braking in conjunction with the Vehicle Stability Management System. This system can anticipate traction requirements and deliver additional stability through braking via continuous monitoring of driving conditions compared with other AWD systems, which can only react to conditions after they occur.
All FWD models have a standard Vehicle Stability Management system, which optimally manages Electronic Stability Control and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering. VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter-steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. AWD drive models integrate torque and brake vectoring.
Santa Fe also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes, an Anti-Lock Braking System including Brake Assist providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.
All models are available with four audio systems. Standard is an AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks and wireless audio streaming. The upgrade audio system boasts a 4.3-inch full color LCD touchscreen with HD Radio technology and rear view camera. The third system consists of the Gen 3.0 Navigation unit and rearview camera paired with either a Dimension 10-speaker premium audio system or the Infinity 550-watt, Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer. A SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is integrated into each head unit and features channel logos and SiriusXM Data services. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is also standard. Blue Link turn-by-turn navigation is standard on all Santa Fe models.
Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on all Santa Fe models with up to a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via a smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.
I found the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.4 pleasant to drive. Its performance was impressive, its ride was smooth and controlled over most surfaces, its braking was strong and stable, and its handling was as good as most competitors in its class. The Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $24,450.00. Key competitors Toyota RAV 4, Chevrolet Equinox, Kia Sorrento and Ford Escape.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
