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Auto Driven: Hyundai Santa Fe
14 March 2006 Price as tested: Range price: £20,995 - £25,195 Insurance group as tested: Insurance group range: 13 Road tester: Stuart Milne
And Stuart Milne has to admit, that if it's all-new, second generation Santa Fe SUV is anything to go by; its rivals should be getting worried. Hyundai invited us out to the launch of it's latest model in Valencia, Spain to take it for a spin. The first Santa Fe was a dependable, if slightly dull SUV which was largely let down by patchy build quality - particularly in the cabin. And on first impressions, they've not made a bad fist of its replacement. Outside, the SUV isn't what you'd call pretty, but it's certainly more attractive than the outgoing model. It's the same story inside. The solid feeling interior doesn't look bad at all, but the juxtaposition between the silver and wood-effect trim is very, well, Korean. One thing that is beyond doubt is the amount of car you get for your cash. The range starts at just £20,995, rising to £25,195 for the well stacked CDX+. All models get the basics - six airbags, CD player and air-con, while the CDX models we tested came with such niceties as climate control, heated leather seats and stability control. The CDX - sitting in the middle of three trim levels - costs just £1,800 more than the basic GSI and is expected to account for most sales. Those seeking ultimate luxury will have to part with another £800 to get sat-nav and an integrated cool box in the range-topping CDX+. Comfortable It's not difficult to get comfortable behind the wheel, although in our left-hand drive test car, we found that there wasn't much space between the driver's left arm and the side of the car. To be fair this could be because we're used to right-hookers, so we'll reserve judgement until we get our hands on one. Visibility is good all round, helped by some huge door mirrors, although they do give the impression that the Santa is bigger than it actually is. Good or bad thing? It depends on your viewpoint. The big selling point for a lot of potential buyers is the optional third row of seats for just £600. There's bags of space in the first and second rows, although the third row is strictly for children only, due to limited legroom. However, this does mean that there's a fair amount of boot space when the third row is not in use. Both the first and second rows fold flat to create a huge load area that is free from bumps and undulations that can cause problems when trying to put in a large load. The Santa Fe is incredibly refined in its 2.2-diesel guise, but it's the 2.7 petrol that really shines, offering hushness on par with Germany's best. Unfortunately, the only other redeeming feature of the petrol is that it has a bit of a NASCAR soundtrack when you plant your right foot. It isn't a great performer, and its 26mpg on the combine cycle isn't good. When you floor the throttle to overtake, the rev counter spins round like crazy, there's loads of noise but little in the way of acceleration. It's only available as a 4-speed automatic, which doesn't really help. Its little surprise the petrol is expected to make up only 14 per cent of UK sales. The diesel is far better. Available as a 5-speed auto or manual, it has far more urge on the move and is a nicer drive all-round. It'll manage 38 or 35mpg depending on whether you plump for the manual or auto - but the self-shifter is so good, we'd forgo the extra 3mpg for the predicted stronger resale values. Unlike most cars, the steering seems quite light and vague at low speeds, but weights up nicely when you're making swift progress. Oddly, the steering feels better in the diesel; in fact, the diesel feels better all round. Our CDX test car came with 18in alloys, which look fine, but make the ride a bit jittery. On the smooth and pothole free roads around the Valencia launch bash this wasn't a big deal, but could become tiresome on the UK's scarred blacktop. 17in wheels come as standard on the GSI, and could be the more comfortable proposition. Sleek The original Santa Fe looked awkward, and far bigger than it actually was. Its replacement has a bit of European flair about it and hides its girth well. It's longer, wider and taller than the Mk1. Amazingly, it's comparable in size to the BMW X5, despite looking far smaller.  It looks as good as the majority of its rivals, but it's just a shame that they carried over the off-centre boot handle over from the previous model. It looks like something you'd have on your fridge. The Santa Fe has a history of strong residual values and according to pricing experts, Glass's, the new model will perform even better. Hyundai's unique five-year, unlimited mileage warranty is having an impact, as is the slow, but steady rise in Hyundai's image. Servicing is a sensible 10,000 miles or once a year, so shouldn't cost a packet. An added bonus is that the petrol and diesel configurations cost the same, unlike many of its rivals. Hyundai have ambitions to take the SUV fight to the likes of VW's Touareg, the Discovery, X5 and Merc ML - a tough act, but they've certainly got a quality product. It's just a question of whether prestige buyers will consider a Hyundai as an alternative to their German motors. The Santa Fe is certainly the best Hyundai yet - and can stake a real claim to being the best Korean motor ever. You may also want to consider one of the following Volvo V50 Subaru Legacy |
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