The New Hyundai Santa Fe
Published: 16th April 2006
Hyundai Santa Fe
Five and Seven Seats - Variable Versatility
The new Santa Fe delivers new high levels of practicality, versatility and customer choice, thanks to its ingenious interior design and the choice of a five or seven seat configuration.
Significantly, whether choosing five or seven seats, the generous increase in rear load space is identical, with 969 litres available with all seats in place (and third row stowed on seven seater). And again, in both five and seven seat models, capacity grows to a massive 2,213 litres with all rear seats folded down. This is thanks to the flush folding third row seats, which stow invisibly into the boot floor.
While seven seat Santa Fe customers will have the obvious benefit of a third row of seats, five seat customers will find a substantial storage area beneath the boot floor where the seats would otherwise be stowed.
In-line with Santa Fe’s lifestyle appeal, this under-floor area is ideal for keeping equipment and clothing out of sight. It is a space where wet or dirty outdoor gear, for example, can be placed to avoid wetting or marking the boot space or other luggage or goods being carried.
As well as having a wider and longer boot, the new Santa Fe is easier to load and unload, thanks to a wider rear hatch and optimised loading height.
‘Torque on demand’ Four-Wheel Drive
Whereas the previous Santa Fe used a fixed four-wheel drive set up, the all-new Santa Fe employs a ‘torque on demand’ system, similar to that in its smaller sibling the Tucson.
In normal conditions, drive is through the front wheels only. Electronic sensors monitor road and driving conditions and automatically engage all-wheel drive when required, to gain the best possible traction and maintain vehicle stability, working in conjunction with the vehicle’s other active safety systems, including ESP (electronic stability programme), ABS with EBD and TCR (traction control).
When conditions demand, four-wheel drive can be engaged simply by pushing the 4WD button on the front console. This locks all four wheels into permanent drive for better performance when travelling off-road or on low-grip road surfaces.
Active and Passive Safety
The new Santa Fe was designed from the outset to provide superior levels of active and passive safety. Central to this ambition was the creation of a highly robust and more rigid bodyshell, using extensive computer design techniques and crash simulations.
This has enabled strategic crumple zones and reinforcements to be built into the vehicle, which can absorb impact forces and direct them away from the passenger cabin should an accident occur.
In addition to the reassurance of four-wheel drive, the new Santa Fe comes fully equipped with the latest in on-road active safety systems, including: ESP (electronic stability programme) and ABS with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). Brake dimensions have also been increased, with ventilated 16 inch front discs and larger brake boosters ensuring powerful stopping power.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Our Hyundai Santa Fe Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Santa Fe range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £21,895 - £26,475
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 10
We have road tested the Hyundai Santa Fe, to read our in-depth car review:
Hyundai Santa Fe Review - May 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
