The New Hyundai Santa Fe
Published: 16th April 2006
Hyundai Santa Fe
Suspension
Perfecting the suspension system has been a key consideration in the development of the new Santa Fe. The results of Hyundai’s engineering efforts can be appreciated in improved ride, handling and all-round suspension performance.
At the front, a new MacPherson strut design is used with optimally positioned, reverse L-shaped lower arms to provide superior steering wheel sensitivity and improved dynamic control. Suspension quality and performance are further enhanced by locating new, larger bushes between the front sub-frame and the suspension. And, by widening the caster angle, both straight line stability and all-round handling have been improved.
The revised multi-link rear suspension is a significant factor in the new Santa Fe’s dynamically superior, car-like performance. Driving feel and cornering stability have both been improved by using more rigid shock absorbers and setting them lower, while road noise intrusion has been reduced and ride and handling improved by relocating the trailing arm from the body to the rear cross member. The new system is also more compact, so intrudes less on the space in the rear of the vehicle.
Self-levelling Suspension for Seven Seat Versions
Seven-seat versions of the new Santa Fe feature a new self-levelling suspension system. This ensures a constant vehicle ride height, regardless of size of load on board or its distribution. The result is smooth, predictable suspension performance and enhanced vehicle stability, whether you are travelling alone or with a full complement of seven on board. The system uses no external power source, so there is no penalty in performance or fuel efficiency.
This system is ideal for towing, at which new Santa Fe also excels, being capable of towing a braked trailer weight of up to 2,200kg (2,000kg for automatic variants).
Unquestionable Reliability Record
Hyundai already has an enviable and unquestionable record when it comes to build quality and durability.
For example, in BBC Top Gear Magazine’s own 2005 reliability survey Hyundai was placed 6th overall, with a maximum available five star result. Not only that, but Hyundai boasted the lowest average repair cost and shortest time in the garage.
Meanwhile, in What Car?’s 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index, current Santa Fe was placed 3rd in class, again above all European competitors.
Built in Korea for the UK market, at the world’s largest car factory, the new Santa Fe has been engineered to even higher standards, helping ensure even greater levels of refinement and reliability.
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
