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AYou can see this from the images, new Hyundai The Santa Fe is right at home down on the farm, even if it may draw quizzical glances from the guinea fowl, curious creatures. Just like me, as it happens, and after four generations of quite enjoyable but forgettable versions Hyundaiflagship of suvThey decided to give the latest version a complete modernization, based strongly on the themes used on their latest electric vehicles, especially the larger Ioniq 9. suvThis is a much more distinctive and successful exercise in Santa Fe styling.
In an age when there are plenty of completely generic-looking SUVs and crossovers out there, it’s great to see a manufacturer making an effort to distinguish itself. Strong, bold front reminiscent of a range roverWhile the boxy rear end looks a bit classic volvo estate. The LED headlights cleverly choose the “H” shape at the front (presumably for Hyundai), and are arranged in neat rectangular blocks at the rear.
If seen from the side, there is a lot new in it land rover defender Regarding it, the only failing is that the black paintwork around the arches and the black alloys look ridiculously small, whereas they are, as is the fashion, huge at almost 20 inches in diameter. This is apparently standard on the top-of-the-range “Calligraphy” spec models.
specification
Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 6 Seats 1.6T Hybrid 6 Speed Automatic 4WD
price: £57,745 (as tested, range starts at £46,390)
Engine Capacity: 1.6lPetrol, 4-cylinder + 13.8kWh battery, Auto
Power Output(HP): 215
Maximum Speed (mph): 112
0 to 60 (seconds): 9.8
Fuel Economy (MPG): 38.6
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 165
If you can overlook this, which is easily rectified by ordering one of the lower trim levels with a more traditional silver finish, the Santa Fe acquits itself as one of the best-looking new cars on the market. It has great presence, and not just because of its size – slightly smaller than a full-fledged Range Rover.
Inside, there’s also a “premium” feel and an excellent mix of buttons, dials and touchscreen controls so you’re rarely distracted. Removing all physical controls and loading too much onto the touchscreen is a mistake many new Chinese entrants make, and it’s hard to understand why you’d want to make it so difficult to, say, adjust the door mirrors or open the glove box. Hyundai avoids such excesses.
it’s an ideal cruiserIt feels and is extremely comfortable. Complementing the internal combustion engine with its sophisticated electric set-up, the Ioniq accelerates leisurely in “Eco” mode, although in “Sport” mode it can be quite brisk.
There are also a huge range of options for this hybrid, including four-wheel drive and plug-in capability to create a highly capable and huge range. For most buyers, the front-drive and extremely efficient standard hybrid setup will be more than enough. It can seat six, with separate captain’s chairs fitted in the middle row with a motorized “Relax” mode; Or with three level benches in the middle and two seats “in the boot”, and they also recline. The seats fold down easily with controls just inside the boot electric tailgate as standard). It’s all wrapped in leather and soft-touch plastic, and, as far as I can see, is built to last.
This Hyundai easily matches most of its rivals and offers good value for the package. It’s cheaper than its all-electric counterparts, the Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9, but will be cheaper to run and have less mileage for business users than the hybrid Santa Fe. It doesn’t really offer as much advantage as its similarly priced rivals. mercedesBMW and Audi – but you get much more for your money.
More direct hybrid rivals are plentiful, comfortable and capable – the Volvo XC60, Nissan X-Trail and skoda kodiakYou won’t be disappointed with any of them, but it’s the Santa Fe that is by far the most modern, practical, and best-looking. You should not be discouraged, and neither should your possibly extended family visit the farm.