Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for being fans of the great outdoors, or so I thought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle.
With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display, front-row relaxation seating, two-way accessible centre console and UV-C sterilisation tray.
The Big Fella can call on Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services, stay up to date with Over-The-Air software capability or rest easy with SmartSense safety.
The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine helped out by a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrids will be joined later in the year by a muscular 2.5T-GDi power plant.
On test was the entry-level Santa Fe seven-seater with front-wheel drive, which kicks off the pricing at $55,500, plus on-road costs. All-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price.
Next on the list is the Elite seven-seat all-wheel drive only, at $65,000, with the range topping Calligraphy AWD kicking in at $65,000. For a further $500 the Calligraphy can be kitted out with a pair of second-row captain’s chairs. Premium paint options are available for up to $1000 across the board.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000km high voltage battery. A lifetime service plan is complemented by a Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav update Plan while the vehicle is serviced by the maker.
STYLING
At almost five metres long, the new Santa Fe ‘pulls a serious face’ with a high-set level bonnet, H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance that draw cues from the new squashed Hyundai ‘H’ logo.
A chiselled profile features clean sculpting and flat roofline, robust wheel arches’ a short front overhang and arty 2-inch alloy wheels. From the rear a wide-opening tailgate speaks to stability, while H-shaped tail lamps ape the front of the vehicle.
The Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours, including standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange. Premium mica colours include Magnetic Force (grey) as ‘worn’ by the test vehicle.
INTERIOR
At almost five metres long, close to three metres wheelbase, the new Santa Fe gains are substantial in occupant and cargo space, the latter also winning out with a 145mm wider tailgate opening than its predecessor.
The power tailgate is smart too, opening to different heights at varying speeds remotely by using the key or by simply standing close to the tailgate for a few seconds. An already generous luggage area (628 litres) with all seatbacks up swells to 1949 litres with the back two rows folded flat.
Once again, an H-shape motif is predominant on the instrument panel and air vents, with a curved panoramic display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment layout.
Eco-friendly materials are put to good use on many of the cabin’s soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, instrument panel, door trim and seat coverings.
And storage deserves a special mention with two-level centre console with twin-hinged lid making a large cubby equally accessible to the first and second row occupants.
Also on hand are intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display and high-speed dual wireless smartphone charging.
INFOTAINMENT
The new Santa Fe sees the introduction of Hyundai’s award-winning Seon Connected Car Next Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in the one interface.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the new Santa Fe range and gives access to visual alerts from SmartSense safety systems as well as the speedometer, tacho, fuel and temperature.
Multimedia functions covered include AM/FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar, Over The Air updates, Bluetooth, quiet and valet modes and Quick Control (swipe down) menu.
Bluelink features include Automatic Collision Notification, emergency call function, connected routing with traffic updates, remote control climate and vehicle functions.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The 1.6 litre petrol engine is matched with a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, and in the case of the test car, front-wheel drive. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain develops a combined 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.
SAFETY
Hyundai SmartSense is an extensive system of occupant protection via a standard suite of advanced driver assistance, including forward collision avoidance, steering assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot monitor and surround view monitor.
The Santa Fe has been subjected to increased body rigidity measures and the inclusion of ten airbags – driver and passenger airbags, first and second-row side thorax and pelvis airbags, driver knee airbag, an advanced front centre side airbag and curtain airbags.
DRIVING
Hyundai says the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is designed with the idea of engaging the driver more, while at the same time maximising the fuel efficiency of the petrol/electric powertrain.
A dedicated hybrid information display features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator and regenerative braking information, while the multimedia unit chips in
with fuel economy and electric motor graphs.
Regen braking can be adjusted in three steps via steering column-mounted paddles.
The driver is given greater braking control and the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions. After a week’s work the test vehicle recorded average petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Handling, stability and general driving control are optimised by e-Motion Drive, a new electric dynamic torque vectoring control system, by easing instability that can be caused by loss of traction of an inner wheel during cornering.
This was particularly efficient in keeping the long Santa Fe Hybrid on an even keel on fast bends and tight corners. The long wheelbase and local suspension tuning turned rough road into its level best. Only tyre noise got through to the cabin.
Occupants had little to complain about with head, leg and shoulder room to spare, even with a full load. Parking provided some angst among drivers, especially in crowded shopping centres.
SUMMARY
Social studies and hybrid technology have resulted in Hyundai approaching Santa Fe from a new direction.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 6
Safety – 8
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 8
Comfort – 7
Tech – 7
Value – 6
