Hyundai Santa Fe R Series 2009 review

Petrol power has gone out of favour in the team Hyundai camp. So too the budget two-wheel drive base model of the Santa Fe which has been given the flick. For 2010, Hyundai has dropped the petrol 3.3-litre two-wheel drive wagon and the petrol 2.7-litre all wheel drive versions. Like it or not, the new range is now all diesel and all all-wheel drive. The three variants new share a new win-win 2.2-litre unit - more power and reduced fuel consumption.

There's also a new in-house designed six-speed lightweight auto which, combined with the engine, has delivers more torque than the manual making it the ideal tow machine. With the smaller Tucson Hyundai was one of the first to offer a two-wheel drive version of a wagon as a way of getting more city dwellers into its fold - buyers who wanted the look of an all-wheel drive wagon but didn't need off-road capability.

But that marketing game plan no longer works as well in the current economic climate, according to Ben Hershman, Hyundai's public relations manager. The two- wheel drive Tucson stays in the Hyundai lineup, but the front wheel drive Santa Fe version has been culled.

Explore the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe range

• Hyundai Santa Fe 2009 review
• Hyundai Santa Fe R Series 2009 review

Hershman says the new 2.2 diesel, which cost $227 million to develop (with the help of Bosch), gives buyers the performance of the old 3.3 petrol but at lower running costs. He says offering a two-wheel drive midsized wagon doesn't make sense, when the new Santa Fe has so much to offer. But you never say never in the automotive business and Hershman has left the door open for the two-wheel to return (quote) if there is demand in the future (unquote). So watch this space.

For 2010 the SLX replaces the old SX as the base model, with entry pricing up $1000. There are now three variants: the SLX, Elite and posh Highlander. The base SLX comes standard with five-star crash rating (up from 4 stars) , traction and stability control, six airbags, parking sensors, cruise control, iPod and USB connectivity, audio controls on the steering wheel, 17-inch alloys and fog lamps.

The Elite adds a cool box, wide-angled cabin mirror, auto headlamps, power adjustment for driver's seat, roof rails, push button start, smart key entry, dual climate control zone air conditioning and leather steering wheel.

The Highlander gets a rear parking camera, leather upholstery, powered front passenger seat, six-stack CD/MP3 audio, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers and a sunroof.

Driving

Hyundai has ticked all the right boxes with this revamped wagon.

More power for cheaper running costs will be a big draw card as Hyundai fights for sales with Holden's Captiva, the Kia Sorento (which shares the same engine/transmission package) Toyota Prado and any one of half a dozen contenders in the medium SUV bun fight.

The new R-Series 2.2-litre common rail turbo diesel - this one gets the new piezo electric injectors for faster and cleaner light up - proves without a doubt that the days of cumbersome, noisy, smelly diesel wagons have long gone. This family seven-seater is clearly a winner. Affordable to run, good towing capacity, well equipped and sharply priced.

The new engine is quiet for a diesel, at least from the cabin. Matched to the new six-speed manual there's abundant and wide-spread low to mid-speed torque; but in typical diesel fashion the performance does peter out once you get past about 2200 revs.

The cabin layout is functional and comfortable; the instruments and switches big and clear. The control to lock the rear dif has been moved from the centre console to the right of the steering wheel and out of reach of passengers or kids.

The downside: I'm still not convinced the styling works from all angles. Hyundai has gone for a more muscular look and the face now has the familiar Hyundai family look about it. No complaints about the cabin though. The third seat pews are best in class and can seat adults in comfort. The rear is not a kids-only zone like some of the Santa Fe's rivals. And you can control the rear air conditioning system from back there as well.

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