Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD Auto
Maxabout Review
Better Than Captiva & CR-V
Tuesday, February 24, 2009The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s entry in the mid-size crossover utility vehicle market, competing against vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Captiva. All Santa Fes are front-wheel drive to start, with the option of an all-wheel-drive system across the board. Santa Fe’s exterior styling is youthful, modern and fresh with smooth flowing lines, tough proportions and a quality finish that’s becoming pleasingly consistent across Hyundai’s entire range
Inside you'll find one of the best SUV interiors on the market. A two-tone interior with color-coded wood and aluminum trim is standard. A black monochrome interior is optional on the top-of-the-line Limited. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color. Pushing the front seats well back means adults behind them sit knees-up, but they're not cramped, and there's good underseat foot space. Headroom suits six-footers. Three grownups can fit, but only short trips are recommended.
All rear seats fold easily for extra cargo space; dropping 3rd row forms a level floor, but the floor is not level with the 2nd row folded. Cargo volume is generous for class, with claimed 78.3 cu ft maximum, 34.2 behind the 2nd row, and 10 behind the 3rd row. The liftgate lacks opening glass. Cabin storage is good but not exceptional by absolute standards.
Standard equipment includes power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD/MP3 player, alloy wheels, antlilock brakes, electronic stability control, and side curtain airbags. Top model adds a bigger engine, bigger wheels, automatic headlights, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more. The Santa Fe has a five-star crash rating for frontal and side impacts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Pick. All Santa Fe models are fitted with electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, as well as front, front side, and curtain airbags.
The Santa Fe’s strengths are value, a comfortable ride, and a high-quality interior that is better than most of its Japanese rivals. It offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. Hyundai Motor India launched Hyundai i20 in December 2008 which has been a very successful model in the premium hatchback segment. It also launched Hyundai Sonata Transform in India last month to strengthen its market presence in the luxury car segment. Hyundai Director HS Lheem expects to sell more than a thousand units in India annually. With a new SUV in the premium segment, Hyundai certainly looks all geared up to capture the luxury car market in India.