Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 GDi (A) Review
03 Jul 2013|48,512 views
No prizes for the guessing the right answer - the Hyundai Santa Fe is indeed named after the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico, which explains why its name may sound a little Spanish-Mexican.
The first mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the Korean marque was introduced here in 2003 with a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine.
Then in 2006, it was reintroduced with a new and larger 2.7-litre V6 engine but it was hardly popular due to its thirst for fuel. Things were better in 2010 when Hyundai updated the Santa Fe with a new powerplant - a 2.4-litre direct-injection engine, shared with its cousin - the Kia Sorento.
The Santa Fe we have is the Korean-spec version - a shorter wheelbase with seven-seater capacity
Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the third generation Santa Fe is another chapter in the company's next generation styling language, dubbed 'Fluidic Precision', which has driven the company's most recent product line revisions such as the i45 as well as forthcoming models.
The all new Santa Fe also represents a new design concept called 'Storm Edge', which apparently captures strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.
Exterior
While traditional Hyundai family design cues are still present - most obviously the hexagonal front grille - there are plenty of new design tweaks.
The first mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the Korean marque was introduced here in 2003 with a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine.
Then in 2006, it was reintroduced with a new and larger 2.7-litre V6 engine but it was hardly popular due to its thirst for fuel. Things were better in 2010 when Hyundai updated the Santa Fe with a new powerplant - a 2.4-litre direct-injection engine, shared with its cousin - the Kia Sorento.
Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the third generation Santa Fe is another chapter in the company's next generation styling language, dubbed 'Fluidic Precision', which has driven the company's most recent product line revisions such as the i45 as well as forthcoming models.
The all new Santa Fe also represents a new design concept called 'Storm Edge', which apparently captures strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.
Exterior
While traditional Hyundai family design cues are still present - most obviously the hexagonal front grille - there are plenty of new design tweaks.
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The signature grille is ornamented with chrome highlights and the strong crease lines that run down the bonnet complement the bold look, allowing the Santa Fe to strike a muscular appearance.
A two-tone voluminous bottom car body and wider front and rear bumpers also help to give the new Santa Fe a more urban SUV feel.
Additionally, dynamic side character lines - designed to evoke the flowing power of a growing storm as hinted by the 'Storm Edge' name - provide a more aerodynamic appearance.
From the rear, the Santa Fe continues its bold design with the rear shoulder lines sitting high and wide, while the roof slopes sharply and the rear window lip spoiler gives the aft a sporty design.
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Interior
The interior of the new Santa Fe is a quantum leap forward from its predecessor. The dashboard is full of appealing angles and curves with sharply sculpted air vents and geometric shapes that intertwine with one another. Even the deeply hooded gauges with electroluminescent backlighting further attest to the Santa Fe's suaveness.
Panoramic sunroof helps to give the interior a bright and airy ambience
Fortunately, the controls remain straightforward and easy to use despite the dramatically different look.
There's also some wood grain trimmings sprinkled around the cabin that add a touch of class.
Overall material quality has improved with most surfaces finished in a soft-touch material. Satin chrome details are matched to leather seats which are mounted high, so you get that SUV-style commanding view of the road that many drivers want.
The interior of the new Santa Fe is a quantum leap forward from its predecessor. The dashboard is full of appealing angles and curves with sharply sculpted air vents and geometric shapes that intertwine with one another. Even the deeply hooded gauges with electroluminescent backlighting further attest to the Santa Fe's suaveness.
Fortunately, the controls remain straightforward and easy to use despite the dramatically different look.
There's also some wood grain trimmings sprinkled around the cabin that add a touch of class.
Overall material quality has improved with most surfaces finished in a soft-touch material. Satin chrome details are matched to leather seats which are mounted high, so you get that SUV-style commanding view of the road that many drivers want.
Space is a major plus for the all new Santa Fe. Bountiful storage areas abound in terms of the deep glove compartment and cubbyholes in the console, as well as at the door pockets, all ready for a road trip up North.
There's ample head and legroom for occupants in the second row as well. The seats here split 60:40 to offer convenience for loading and stowage, while the third row features split full-folding seats.
The last row seats aren't the easiest to get into but they are spacious enough, making short trips possible for smaller-sized adults and children.
With the rear seats folded down, a 969 litre cargo area will see to all your luggage and shopping bags
There's ample head and legroom for occupants in the second row as well. The seats here split 60:40 to offer convenience for loading and stowage, while the third row features split full-folding seats.
The last row seats aren't the easiest to get into but they are spacious enough, making short trips possible for smaller-sized adults and children.
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The Drive
Powering the new Santa Fe is a 2.4-litre GDi engine that provides 192bhp and 242Nm of torque. The Santa Fe is also lighter than it used to be, and this engine is more powerful than the old 2.4-litre 174bhp lump, which results in the car being slightly easier to lug around than before.
Tech wizardry to keep you safe if you decide to take things off the tarmac
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, gear changes are delivered smoothly albeit a little laggy. But it's really a small quibble to be complaining about, especially when the Santa Fe is already offering such a complete package.
One interesting feature is that of an adjustable steering system called 'Flex Steer'. There are three modes to choose from - Normal, Comfort or Sport with the latter having the heaviest feel and Comfort being the lightest, though we reckon leaving it in Normal mode will do just fine.
The Santa Fe also comes with full time All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides off-road capabilities for the more enthusiastic drivers seeking occasional adventures.
Powering the new Santa Fe is a 2.4-litre GDi engine that provides 192bhp and 242Nm of torque. The Santa Fe is also lighter than it used to be, and this engine is more powerful than the old 2.4-litre 174bhp lump, which results in the car being slightly easier to lug around than before.
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, gear changes are delivered smoothly albeit a little laggy. But it's really a small quibble to be complaining about, especially when the Santa Fe is already offering such a complete package.
One interesting feature is that of an adjustable steering system called 'Flex Steer'. There are three modes to choose from - Normal, Comfort or Sport with the latter having the heaviest feel and Comfort being the lightest, though we reckon leaving it in Normal mode will do just fine.
The Santa Fe also comes with full time All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides off-road capabilities for the more enthusiastic drivers seeking occasional adventures.
In addition, the Santa Fe is the first Hyundai in Singapore to sport the Smart Parking Assist System. Currently, it only helps drivers access the tightest of parallel parking spaces.
As a leisurely commuter and family shuttle, the Santa Fe is well set up for a comfortable ride, easily absorbing bumps and smoothening out most rough road surfaces.
The Santa Fe can be an excellent companion for daily commutes or even a road trip to our neighbouring country
Conclusion
The all new Santa Fe stands out even among its distinguished relatives and if its rivals could express emotion, they wouldn't be too pleased about the Santa Fe.
While scoring well in most areas, we must say for its looks, spaciousness and value, the Santa Fe throws down the gauntlet to many in its league.
As a leisurely commuter and family shuttle, the Santa Fe is well set up for a comfortable ride, easily absorbing bumps and smoothening out most rough road surfaces.
Conclusion
The all new Santa Fe stands out even among its distinguished relatives and if its rivals could express emotion, they wouldn't be too pleased about the Santa Fe.
While scoring well in most areas, we must say for its looks, spaciousness and value, the Santa Fe throws down the gauntlet to many in its league.
No prizes for the guessing the right answer - the Hyundai Santa Fe is indeed named after the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico, which explains why its name may sound a little Spanish-Mexican.
The first mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the Korean marque was introduced here in 2003 with a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine.
Then in 2006, it was reintroduced with a new and larger 2.7-litre V6 engine but it was hardly popular due to its thirst for fuel. Things were better in 2010 when Hyundai updated the Santa Fe with a new powerplant - a 2.4-litre direct-injection engine, shared with its cousin - the Kia Sorento.
Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the third generation Santa Fe is another chapter in the company's next generation styling language, dubbed 'Fluidic Precision', which has driven the company's most recent product line revisions such as the i45 as well as forthcoming models.
The all new Santa Fe also represents a new design concept called 'Storm Edge', which apparently captures strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.
Exterior
While traditional Hyundai family design cues are still present - most obviously the hexagonal front grille - there are plenty of new design tweaks.
The first mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the Korean marque was introduced here in 2003 with a 2.4-litre six-cylinder engine.
Then in 2006, it was reintroduced with a new and larger 2.7-litre V6 engine but it was hardly popular due to its thirst for fuel. Things were better in 2010 when Hyundai updated the Santa Fe with a new powerplant - a 2.4-litre direct-injection engine, shared with its cousin - the Kia Sorento.
Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the third generation Santa Fe is another chapter in the company's next generation styling language, dubbed 'Fluidic Precision', which has driven the company's most recent product line revisions such as the i45 as well as forthcoming models.
The all new Santa Fe also represents a new design concept called 'Storm Edge', which apparently captures strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.
Exterior
While traditional Hyundai family design cues are still present - most obviously the hexagonal front grille - there are plenty of new design tweaks.
The signature grille is ornamented with chrome highlights and the strong crease lines that run down the bonnet complement the bold look, allowing the Santa Fe to strike a muscular appearance.
A two-tone voluminous bottom car body and wider front and rear bumpers also help to give the new Santa Fe a more urban SUV feel.
Additionally, dynamic side character lines - designed to evoke the flowing power of a growing storm as hinted by the 'Storm Edge' name - provide a more aerodynamic appearance.
From the rear, the Santa Fe continues its bold design with the rear shoulder lines sitting high and wide, while the roof slopes sharply and the rear window lip spoiler gives the aft a sporty design.
Interior
The interior of the new Santa Fe is a quantum leap forward from its predecessor. The dashboard is full of appealing angles and curves with sharply sculpted air vents and geometric shapes that intertwine with one another. Even the deeply hooded gauges with electroluminescent backlighting further attest to the Santa Fe's suaveness.
Fortunately, the controls remain straightforward and easy to use despite the dramatically different look.
There's also some wood grain trimmings sprinkled around the cabin that add a touch of class.
Overall material quality has improved with most surfaces finished in a soft-touch material. Satin chrome details are matched to leather seats which are mounted high, so you get that SUV-style commanding view of the road that many drivers want.
The interior of the new Santa Fe is a quantum leap forward from its predecessor. The dashboard is full of appealing angles and curves with sharply sculpted air vents and geometric shapes that intertwine with one another. Even the deeply hooded gauges with electroluminescent backlighting further attest to the Santa Fe's suaveness.
Fortunately, the controls remain straightforward and easy to use despite the dramatically different look.
There's also some wood grain trimmings sprinkled around the cabin that add a touch of class.
Overall material quality has improved with most surfaces finished in a soft-touch material. Satin chrome details are matched to leather seats which are mounted high, so you get that SUV-style commanding view of the road that many drivers want.
Space is a major plus for the all new Santa Fe. Bountiful storage areas abound in terms of the deep glove compartment and cubbyholes in the console, as well as at the door pockets, all ready for a road trip up North.
There's ample head and legroom for occupants in the second row as well. The seats here split 60:40 to offer convenience for loading and stowage, while the third row features split full-folding seats.
The last row seats aren't the easiest to get into but they are spacious enough, making short trips possible for smaller-sized adults and children.
There's ample head and legroom for occupants in the second row as well. The seats here split 60:40 to offer convenience for loading and stowage, while the third row features split full-folding seats.
The last row seats aren't the easiest to get into but they are spacious enough, making short trips possible for smaller-sized adults and children.
The Drive
Powering the new Santa Fe is a 2.4-litre GDi engine that provides 192bhp and 242Nm of torque. The Santa Fe is also lighter than it used to be, and this engine is more powerful than the old 2.4-litre 174bhp lump, which results in the car being slightly easier to lug around than before.
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, gear changes are delivered smoothly albeit a little laggy. But it's really a small quibble to be complaining about, especially when the Santa Fe is already offering such a complete package.
One interesting feature is that of an adjustable steering system called 'Flex Steer'. There are three modes to choose from - Normal, Comfort or Sport with the latter having the heaviest feel and Comfort being the lightest, though we reckon leaving it in Normal mode will do just fine.
The Santa Fe also comes with full time All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides off-road capabilities for the more enthusiastic drivers seeking occasional adventures.
Powering the new Santa Fe is a 2.4-litre GDi engine that provides 192bhp and 242Nm of torque. The Santa Fe is also lighter than it used to be, and this engine is more powerful than the old 2.4-litre 174bhp lump, which results in the car being slightly easier to lug around than before.
Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, gear changes are delivered smoothly albeit a little laggy. But it's really a small quibble to be complaining about, especially when the Santa Fe is already offering such a complete package.
One interesting feature is that of an adjustable steering system called 'Flex Steer'. There are three modes to choose from - Normal, Comfort or Sport with the latter having the heaviest feel and Comfort being the lightest, though we reckon leaving it in Normal mode will do just fine.
The Santa Fe also comes with full time All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which provides off-road capabilities for the more enthusiastic drivers seeking occasional adventures.
In addition, the Santa Fe is the first Hyundai in Singapore to sport the Smart Parking Assist System. Currently, it only helps drivers access the tightest of parallel parking spaces.
As a leisurely commuter and family shuttle, the Santa Fe is well set up for a comfortable ride, easily absorbing bumps and smoothening out most rough road surfaces.
Conclusion
The all new Santa Fe stands out even among its distinguished relatives and if its rivals could express emotion, they wouldn't be too pleased about the Santa Fe.
While scoring well in most areas, we must say for its looks, spaciousness and value, the Santa Fe throws down the gauntlet to many in its league.
As a leisurely commuter and family shuttle, the Santa Fe is well set up for a comfortable ride, easily absorbing bumps and smoothening out most rough road surfaces.
Conclusion
The all new Santa Fe stands out even among its distinguished relatives and if its rivals could express emotion, they wouldn't be too pleased about the Santa Fe.
While scoring well in most areas, we must say for its looks, spaciousness and value, the Santa Fe throws down the gauntlet to many in its league.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 GLS 7-Seater Sunroof (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.6km/L
Horsepower
138kW (185 bhp)
Torque
241 Nm
Acceleration
10.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Hyundai Santa Fe
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