Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?Santa Fe is categorised as a large SUV and Active is Hyundai's entry level trim, available with a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. The diesel is the better option but costs a hefty $3000 more so what we wondered is the cheapy like?It's priced from $36,990 plus on road costs, but that does not include an automatic which adds $2000 to the price. Although the Active is the entry model it certainly doesn't feel or look like it.Plenty of them including the Holden Captiva 7, the Nissan Pathfinder and Kia's sister Sorento (Hyundai owns Kia and the two share engineering).2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine features direct injection that makes things a whole lot more interesting. Same engine as in the now defunct i45 with 141kW of power and 242Nm of torque.Mated with the optional six-speed auto it goes a lot better than we had any right to expect enthusiastic even. The ride and handling also benefits from local tuning.Rated at 9.0 litres/100km, we were getting 8.8 after 300km)Gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide, producing CO2 emissions of 209g/km.An Active ECO system engaged at the push of a button modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy.No problems here. Scores a full five stars from ANCAP in crash tests, with a full complement of safety systems including seven airbags and a reversing camera (smaller in the Active).No problems here either. Plenty or room even in the third row, with large supportive seats. Second row slides backwards or forwards depending on requirements.More refined than earlier models, but feels more isolated from the road too. Most people will view this as a plus. Adjustable steering assistance is standard.Seven seats, all-wheel drive, front and rear air-conditioning with third row air-conditioning vents are all standard.So are auto lights, rear parking sensors and Bluetooth for connecting phones and streaming audio.Like I said it's hard to believe it's an entry model. No reason we wouldn't but if you can afford the diesel it's worth the extra.

Once seen as the poor second cousin of the automotive industry, the Koreans are fast-becoming the trendsetters. Hyundai is putting out product well worth a spot on the shopping list and nowhere is that more applicable than when the family is looking for a daily-duties wagon.The new Santa Fe has improved driving manners and doesn't cause averted eyes in the looks department and features-wise offers value-for-money.The middle child of the Santa Fe retails for $45,990 and the Elite has a solid features list for the outlay. There's seven seats standard (range-wide), with a rear view camera, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.The Elite has a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and separate fan control, a nice 10-speaker USB/iPod/Bluetooth compatible touchscreen sound and SUNA satnav system, rain-sensing wipers 18in alloy wheels (including a full-size spare) and an auto-dimming centre rearvision mirror.Nice touches like puddle lamps that light up on approach, purely by key proximity, and side window blinds show the brand is working hard to win sales.The 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel is a quiet, forceful and worthy powerplant, teamed with an in-house six-speed auto that is one of the more intelligent units around. It's a well-matched package and returns a claimed thirst of 7.3 litres 100km - we had 9.4 showing on the trip computer when we had finished our stint of predominantly-metropolitan running.Kia got the clever AWD system first but now it's been adopted by the parent company's car, and it's also clever - traction is ample and drive to the rear is not tardy. The Hyundai also has the SUNA real-time traffic info on the touchscreen satnav, which for the most part was accurate and well ahead of radio traffic reports.It's one of the better-looking Hyundais yet, although perhaps that is not yet a compliment of mammoth proportions. It's from the Fluidic Sculpture design book, a more cohesive and handsome look and no one is going to mistake this for a rock-hopping off-roader.Less ungainly and awkward outside and in, the cabin is versatile and has a more quality feel to it - the second row is adjustable and the 3rd row of seats, while still only for smaller offspring, folds into the floor for a useful loadspace.It's got useful underfloor storage in the rear that holds the luggage blind when all three rows are in use - clever and useful - and installed without losing the full-size spare.A top-scoring five-star effort from ANCAP, with a driver's knee airbag added to the usual half-dozen airbags, as well as the aforementioned automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, a rear camera (which was a little stilted in vision), rear parking sensors and auto-locking system are also on the list.The little Korean brand that could is now a giant and its quickly-improving SUV brigade has plenty to do with that. Feather-light steering isn't always great - and the gimmicky steering adjustment system is far from the fix for that - but ride quality and handling are of a good compromise for such a vehicle.The powerplant makes its diesel presence known, but but not as noisily as many small turbodiesels - a good shove of torque and no dislike for engine revs makes it almost spirited.The infotainment set-up has touchscreen SUNA satnav that is on the ball for traffic snarls, as well as a sound system that is well above par for volume and quality. Only the Bluetooth phone link decided sporadically that a couple of conversations weren't worth having - two efforts at re-pairing seemed to placate the phone system.The Santa Fe doesn't pretend to be an off-roader - 185mm of ground clearance is better than a VW Alltrack (that's not saying much) but there's no low range and bugger all (by comparison to a serious off-road weapon). But day-to-day mundanities are completed in comfort; neat touches like the rear blinds (great for keeping sun from skin and game screens) make an impression on the occupants.The Santa Fe works well as a family wagon and feels more worthy of a little higher pricetag than its mid-$40,000s ask. As seven-seaters go, if you can do without serious 4WD ability it's a worthy contender.

Fact: Children grow. Fiction: Parents can "make do'' with a small hatchback.SUVs rule Australian roads for a good reason. Parents -- and singles needing space for leisure pursuits -- have picked up and run hard with prairie-size family-hauler wagons.The SUV umbrella covers different types, from front-wheel drive to seven-seat all-wheel-drives, diesel engines to hybrids, built anywhere between Australia and Slovakia. Sizes range from the compact (3.7m) four-seater Suzuki Jimny to the seven-seater (5.1m) Audi Q7. Prices go from the Chery J11's $17,990 drive-away to the Audi Q7 6.0TDI at $257,200.SUVs have a lot of metal and are in demand, so you'll find that new examples aren't cheap. A quality used model may be the best answer. The three models here are all-wheel drive automatics with seven seats. You will save some money by opting for five-seat versions but as buyer demand leans to seven-seat models this will, ultimately, buoy your resale value.You probably don't need AWD, so look at the cheaper to run front or rear-drive versions. The Toyota has a higher mileage and is older. Toyota's reputation is based on reliability and, therefore, better resale.The Hyundai is one of the better diesels for performance and economy. The Territory is good value and the Ghia example is the top-liner -- it's perhaps more suited to heavier loads. As always, these are examples of what's available and variations will occur. After this, we'll talk about how many children you want.(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSDiesels are our preference in big SUVs. If you don't go bush, don't worry about 4WD. Check that the third-row seats are in working order2010 Ford Territory Ghia AWDEngine: 4.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 12.2L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSAussie designed and built wagon is a sensible -- and popular -- family wagon that'll pull a decent load while having space for the family. Even the third-row seats will accommodate two adults. Fuel consumption isn't up to most rivals but the Territory has comparatively cheaper service, repair and insurance costs. The Ghia has all the fruit -- leather, electronic stability control, six airbags, premium audio and DVD, rear camera and 18-inch alloys -- at a price that is about $20,000 less than new. 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander AWD Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 7.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThis is almost a new car though it precedes the latest Santa Fe. It's possible to get the new 2012 shape for roughly the same price but the equipment level may be compromised. This 2011 example appears to be barely used and has the lauded 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that has plenty of urge yet miserly fuel consumption. It's also the top-line model Highlander that in addition to the seven seats -- also able to seat seven adults -- gets dual-zone climate control airconditioning, six airbags and stability control, Bluetooth with iPod connect, sunroof and leather upholstery.2010 Toyota Kluger KX-S AWDEngine:3.5-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 5-speed autoThirst: 11.0L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSSilly name but the package works. Kluger's pricing may be more than some rivals but resale is generally higher, as is demand. The KX-S is the mid-spec model and gets a good blend of features including rear airconditioning, 19-inch alloys, reverse camera, leather upholstery and six airbags with electronic stability control. Klugers have a very versatile seat arrangement that includes a removable centre in the second-row seats for a six-occupant cabin that also gives a walk-through function. Fuel economy is average though performance is brisk.

I recommended the diesel to two friends and they love it, although one has since downsized because they don't have to cart the kids around anymore. They got a good price for it too when they sold it privately which is always a good indicator that it's a desirable vehicle.This is the third generation of the California-designed soft roader and remains true to the formula  a biggish, practical but well equipped all-wheel drive wagon with seven seats that doesn't cost the earth. Our test vehicle, the mid-range Elite, is priced from $45,990 which includes an auto.What a good looking bus. The previous one always looked a bit round and pudgy. This one on the other hand presents a sleeker, more sophisticated look. The two rear seats are among the biggest and best in the business. They can be used together or individually and can even accommodate adults at a pinch.Anyone who has ridden in the back of a 4WD or people mover knows it can become claustrophobic back there and that makes air conditioning so important. The car comes with front and rear air with third row air-conditioning vents standard across the range.The 2.2-litre turbo diesel is a gem. Producing 145kW of power and 436Nm of torque when paired with the auto (421Nm with the manual), it's nice and smooth, and delivers a generous mix of power and economy.The diesel is paired with Hyundai's in-house six-speed auto, with the facility to change gears manually if desired. Everything is really new apart from the engine and transmission.  It has been totally redesigned and sits on a new platform, with new suspension that has been tuned for Australian conditions.Dual flow dampers are fitted designed to deliver a smoother more comfortable ride in normal conditions, but provide a firmer, more dynamic response when required. The new electric steering system is speed sensitive, more accurate and quicker to respond, and the driver dial in the level of assistance required with three settings from which to choose.Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 litres/100km and it has a 64-litre tank giving it a theoretical range of 867km. We haven't needed to fill it yet, so we'll wait and see how close the figure is to the manufacturer's claims.Gets a full five stars for safety, with seven airbags as standard including a driver's knee bag to prevent the lower legs in an accident. It's equipped with electronic stability and traction control, along with Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC), a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.It's full of surprises. Leather and climate control air conditioning, push button start, electric brake  it's got it all. Like the way lights tucked under the exterior mirrors turn on automatically when you walk up to the car.Love the fact navigation is part of the deal too.  It's a big, bright easy to use touchscreen that tells you what the speed limit is and warns of any speed cameras in the area that you're travelling through  it even takes into account the traffic conditions when calculating the route.If Kia can do it why do other car makers find it so difficult to provide this simple service  every car should have this. The only thing missing that we would really like to see is a digital speedometer, or at least the option to display the car's speed digitally.It's so important with so many speed camera these days. For some reason the Koreans haven't cottoned on to this yet? Having said that the speedo is easy to read  so don't stress.The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of our long time favourites.

The Santa Fe is the larger of the two models in Hyundai’s SUV range. Until recently it suffered in comparison – both in terms of sales and looks – with its stunning looking smaller sibling, the ix35. With the release of the latest model, Santa Fe no longer needs to hide behind its cute little brother.There are several specifications available: the Active 2.4-litre petrol seven-seat five-door wagon from $36,990 (manual), $38,990 (automatic), the Active 2.2-litre diesel seven-seat five-door wagon from $39,990 (manual), $41,990 (automatic), the Elite 2.2-litre diesel seven-seat five-door wagon from $45,990 (automatic) and the Highlander 2.2-litre diesel seven-seat five-door wagon from $49,990 (automatic).Hyundai’s climb up the automotive ladder started with value-for-money then stepped up with a steady improvement in quality. As we expect from Hyundai there’s plenty of other standard equipment with one-touch centre row folding, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, auxiliary and USB sockets and mp3 audio and steering wheel mounted controls. Elite and Highlander get leather seats, satellite navigation with 7-inch screen, premium audio, push button ignition start and powered front seats (driver only in Elite).Now style is paramount in the latest batch of models that have arrived in the past few years. The latest Santa Fe is just another example and shows with its fluid design that the days of the bland and boxy 4WDs and SUVs are well and truly over.New Santa Fe has that solid, quality feel to its body that we expect from prestige European vehicles. The combination of attractive looks, functional design and flexible interior space seem sure to appeal to the typical suburban family buyer.As well as the new styling the third generation Santa Fe is longer and wider than its predecessor and now comes with seven seats as standard across the range. Although larger in other dimensions, third generation Santa Fe, sits lower to the ground than before, not only making it more convenient for its occupants but also improving its aerodynamics and so fuel efficiency.The Santa Fe’s designer’s handiwork didn’t stop on the outside of the new model. Inside the styling is just as exciting with a complex curved binnacle. Controls are conveniently large and well-placed with a large central screen on the higher grade models and inputs available through all the normal means and a good satellite navigation system with Suna traffic information.Interior space has is sensibly arranged, there is plenty of head and legroom in the front and centre seats. The third row seats are best kept for youngsters. Importantly, the third row of seats fold flat to provide plenty of storage space when in five-seat mode. Previous Santa Fe models only offered the extra pair of seats as an option.Indeed even with all seven seats in place there’s still at least 506 litres available. With both rows of rear seats folded (the centre row not quite flat) Santa Fe can be used as a quasi van with capacity up to 1615 litres.Although both petrol and diesel engines continue to be offered, Hyundai is pushing strongly in the latter direction by replacing the previous 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit with a four-cylinder 2.4-litre.As a consequence petrol power and torque drop significantly (204 to 141 kW and 335 to 242 Nm respectively).Numbers for the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel are unchanged at 145 kW and 421 Nm (manual) or 436 Nm (automatic) between 1800 and 2500 rpm. New Santa Fe comes in three model variants, Active, Elite and Highlander. The petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission are only available with the entry-level Active.The higher-specced Elite and Highlander are locked into the diesel/automatic combination. If you’re planning to use all seven seats with luggage make sure to find some hills when you take a petrol Santa Fe for your test drive and then balance off the $3000 surcharge for the diesel against your needs.The diesel engine will of course consume less fuel than the petrol, officially 6.6 litres per 100 km with the manual gearbox compared with 9.0 L/100 km. Towing capacity ranges from a useful 2000 kg with the automatic transmission to 2500 kg with manual.Standard safety features include seven airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control (packaged as Vehicle Stability Management), hillstart assist, downhill brake control, automatic headlights, reversing camera and rear park assist. Santa Fe Elite adds cornering lights and an automatic hold option with the parking brake. Highlander also gets HID headlamps and LED rear combination lamps.Although not quite to European SUV standard, handling is still acceptable and unless you push the Santa Fe too hard it will remain neutral and balanced. Quite a bit of suspension and steering design work was done in Australia and it shows when we used the Santa Fe on some demanding stretches of road.Despite the big drop in capacity the petrol engine is capable enough in normal suburban running although it does get found out on hilly terrain. The lesser ground clearance means the latest Santa Fe won’t be as good in off-road conditions, but very few buyers of SUVs are actually looking for an SUV these days.Off-road Santa Fe's better than average for its class and can cope with harsher conditions than those likely to be demanded by the typical owner. It really is a 4WD, not simply an SUV. But don’t mistake if for a full house off-roader or you may get yourself into stuck in awkward areas.The Santa Fe will prove a real plus for those intending to work their Santa Fe hard and keep it for a long time.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

The model rejuvenation frenzy at Hyundai continues apace with a new Santa Fe large SUV out this week. It's gen' three of a vehicle that's progressively won greater favour with mum and dad family buyers seeking a practical, value solution to the family transport issue.Pricing starts at a tempting $36,990 for the six-speed manual Active 2.4 petrol. Six-speed auto adds two grand and the diesel is a further 3K. Prices rise to a snip under fifty grand for the auto only Highlander diesel. The petrol engine is only available in the entry Active version and both Elite and Highlander are diesel auto only. Hyundai may introduce a front wheel drive of the new model down the track.All are seven seaters and come with auto headlights, rear view camera, park assist, electric lumbar support adjust, front and rear aircon, locally fettled suspension and steering, Bluetooth phone and audio and dial select 4WD lock.The direct injection 2.4 petrol is good for 141kW/242Nm output while the 2.2 diesel, featuring variable geometry turbo charging grunts out 145kW/421Nm. It's the performance engine in the range by a long shot. Hyundai has adopted all wheel drive across the board in the three model lineup with the availability of a new 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder from the i45 sedan (suitably modified) to go with the carry over 2.2-litre turbodiesel.Hyundai took pains to reduce noise inside the cabin adopting specially thickened windscreen glass and additional sound deadening material but at the same time reduced weight by 70kg. More high strength steel goes into the chassis/body this time around and the suspension features dual flow dampers for consistent response under heavy use.There's a full size alloy spare in all three models Active, Elite and Highlander. The two rear rows of seats have a one touch fold flat mechanism for easy operation. But the real stand out thing about this vehicle is the lengths to which Hyundai has gone to deliver a premium look and feel.The interior is as good as some vehicles costing nearly twice as much and looks better than most with modern styling and functional switchgear. Most surfaces are soft touch and we counted four different textures to the various fascia and pad facings.All Santa Fe models get torque vectoring safety systems and five star crash ratings.We drove all three variants back to back and liked all of them. The 2.4 acquits itself better than you'd think but the diesel is strong and silent offering impressive performance, minimal noise and as low as 6.6-litres/100km. Local tune suspension delivers the right mix of comfort and sporty feel while retaining the ability to sort out our crappy roads unobtrusively. We tried the three mode Flex-steer and it was good but unnecessary.Of all three and if it was our money, we'd pick the mid-spec Elite because it gets nearly as much kit as the Highlander at a lot less money. Leather is included as is SUNA satnav and the large touch screen as well as everything else mentioned. Wheel sizes are 17, 18 and 19-inch in ascending order. And we did drive it off road without any problems.Hyundai can do no wrong at present. It’s a vehicle that ticks all the boxes and makes them feel at ease with their choice. New Santa Fe is a fine example.

All current Hyundai models are about style and the all-new Santa Fe is certainly no exception. Gone are the days when SUVs were expected to have a rough and rugged look, the South Korean car maker has given its large crossover SUV flowing lines that look almost futuristic.Even better from our point of view, the lead designer is an Australian. Thirty-seven year old Casey Hyun is of Korean ancestry but was born in Australia and speaks with an educated Aussie accent.Highly regarded globally, he hopefully points the way to the future for the Australian automotive business. A future where high costs may make it all-but impossible to manufacture cars here, but where we can still be heavily involved in the design and engineering processes.Value for money is exceptional, with the large Santa Fe station wagon beginning the price list at just $36,990 for Active with a petrol engine and manual gearbox. It ranges up to a still reasonable $49,990 for a Santa Fe Highlander diesel with the six-speed automatic transmission.There’s a big emphasis on in-car entertainment with a large central screen on the higher grade models and inputs available through all the normal means and a good satellite navigation system with Suna traffic information.Hyundai Santa Fe, now in its third generation, is longer and wider than previously but, in a sign of the times, is lower. Only a small minority of buyers are looking for off-road SUVs these days. They want a big practical station wagon to cart kids, possibly from blended families with all that means in the need for extra seats from time to time.Santa Fe can carry two adults and five children and have a decent amount of luggage space, 537 litres even when all the seats are in use. Four adults and three juniors will still find room to move. The second row of seats has a sensible 40/20/40 split and can also be adjusted forward and backwards to further improve versatility.Interestingly, there are four heated seats in the new Santa Fe, not only the two front units, but also the outer seats in the second row. Now there’s something new for the kids to squabble over. Interior styling is as futuristic as the outer body, with a dashboard that flows in three directions rather than just the usual two. We find it slightly contrived in looks, but may get used to it in time. In any case beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and many of the beholders may well become buyers.The body not only provides added style, but also aids aerodynamics, with a cd figure of just 0.34. It’s not so many years ago that sedans weren’t as efficient as that. Better airflow benefits fuel economy as well as making for a quieter interior.Power comes from either a four-cylinder 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, with 145 kW of power and a big 436 Nm of torque with an automatic transmission (421 Nm with six-speed manual); or a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol (141 kW, 242 Nm).If you push hard in a new Santa Fe, the South Korean engineers have developed a wide array of sophisticated electronic stability and traction systems that are up there with the best in the world. These will keep you out of trouble unless you do something really stupid. Other safety features include a reversing camera and parking sensors on every model in the range. Naturally there is a full suite of airbags, including a knee bag for the driver. A bit of suspension and steering design work was done in Australia and our road test route as part of the Santa Fe launch used some of the demanding stretches of road to the north of Sydney that the wagon was developed on. We road tested both engines and found the petrol powerplant to have decent performance on the level and good grunt for overtaking, but struggles a bit at times on hills where it had to be revved hard to make it work. May we suggest you take the tribe along on your test drive to check you’re happy with the performance of the petrol engine with a load on board.The body has a good rigid feel that’s almost as good as that in many European vehicles and will prove a real plus for those intending to work their Santa Fe hard and keep it for a long time. Handling isn’t quite to European SUV standard, but isn’t all that bad and unless you push the Santa Fe too hard it will remain neutral and balanced.The diesel was our preferred choice with that 400 plus Newton metres making light work of just about any terrain.

Surely by this point we can agree that there's no logical reason not to look at a new Hyundai. Even at a time when new wheels have never been more affordable, the Koreans provide standard kit above the Japanese, and certainly European, norm and at a more approachable sticker price.That in itself isn't new per se -- anyone can stuff fruit into a crate and the Koreans have been doing just that for decades. It's just that now -- and this new seven seat SUV is a case in point -- the extent and sophistication of their packages are overhauling the competition on more than mere affordability.There are aspects of the Santa Fe that surpass not only the best of Japan -- which in any case we've come to quite expect -- but approach the perceivably more prestigious auto houses of Europe. By all means smirk, but Hyundai is coming ever closer to being what marketing types apparently call "aspirational".As ever, as we say, to the fore. Still, even without having yet driven this particular variant, we'd eschew the entry Santa Fe Active with the petrol engine. In any case the requirement to manually shift gears means the $36,990 version might as well come without wheels for all the custom it'll attract. In reality the range starts at $38,990 for the auto.Even so turbo diesel torque and economy are what's required here and that means $41,990 for the Active, $45,990 for the mid-spec Elite which we drove this week, and $10 under $50K for the opulent Highlander. Full kit lists would take up this page and much of the next. Suffice that all models get as standard an illuminated rear view camera (which you don't in, say, an $85K Merc E-Class). There's an endlessly flexible seven seat configuration including a flat folding third row. All variants have a multi media screen, the Elite copping a 7" touch screen with sat-nav, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror with compass, 10-speaker sound and 18-inch alloys. It's the one to get the Highlander adds only frippery like a full length sunroof and bum warming seats. The market-leading warranty add capped price servicing and up to seven years complimentary roadside assist. Thus far, so logical.On so clear a portal, the touchscreen sat nat and various multi media functions is the most legible and intuitive I've used. While BMW presents a bank of anonymous and indistinguishable buttons to bolster its wretched iDrive system and its fellow Germans remain addicted to knob twiddling distraction such functions of the Hyundai that are not activated via finger tip are accessed via steering wheel buttons.If that's sophisticatedly simple, the Flex Steer function is sophistry. Billed as allowing the driver to customise steering weight, the three modes are virtually indistinguishable but all are united by artificial if functional feel. More impressive is the four-wheel-drive system that can be locked in for off road crawling but in most cases likely use is purely and sensibly front driven, transferring some 50 per cent drive to the rear axle immediately on demand and vectoring side to decide on demand.Having been badly shown up by cousin Kia's local development program, the Santa Fe has as with most recent Hyundais spent "thousands of km on Australian b-roads" so that a bespoke suspension set up could be decided.Driven in this aspect by the Hyundai's California design studio, to these eyes there's not a lot about the exterior aspect to distinguish the Santa Fe from any number of mid-to large-size SUVs. It's a smart enough looker, though, somehow achieving the neat feat of looking smaller than it is. Seven sealers are all about interior functionality and this respect the Santa Fe is to the fore of its segment.With all three rows in place, you can transport four adults and three kids without violating anyone's human rights. With two rows in play, you lose the two kids in the rear but gain a hatchback's load space. With the front seats only, you can move house. There's dozens of combinations between these, all easily achieved by the flip of switches. When seven's up, and the cargo cover folded neatly underfloor, all aboard have air vents and access to power sockets.Yes, some of the cabin materials remind you that this is a Hyundai and thus built to a nice price, but few are within eye level. Mostly the fingers fall on soft touch materials, discernibly better than the previous generation Santa Fe, and if no danger of keeping Audi's interior designers awake at night, then taking another step in that direction with each generation.Crash test results en route. Acronyms and airbags in place. Of course...The aspect of greatest interest, one that eludes our licensing and safety authorities alike, is the Santa Fe's ability to avoid carnage. It's not auto-racial generalising to say that "Korean" and "SUV" were once not to be lightly included in the same sentence. We're talking well within the late decade here. But the Santa Fe is not just a relative success. It steers, brakes (though the pedal is a bit too touchy) and generally shifts it's bulk with something approaching aplomb.As forward thinkers such as Volvo make much of moving toward a four cylinder only policy, Hyundai are on the same page. This doughty diesel unit evinces next to no turbo lag and all the pull you'll want, cruising easily at the legal limit in top gear with barely 1800 revs dialled up.It's difficult to imagine how it could better serve likely use, responding warmly to Hyundai's own six-speed auto. It drives and rides with enough conviction to encourage pushing on before the rapid but predictable onset of under steer serves to remind that this is a great big family bus. The Santa Fe is overwhelmingly adequate for the task. The major caveat is made of rubber. On coarser surfaces, the Hankooks' roar oernmetes the cabin.If logic enters your new car decision making, you should look here first.

Larger than average for its class, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular SUV that can be used as a family car provided the offshoots haven’t reached their hulking-teen stage.There's good legroom in the rear, but some of that legroom has been gained by stealing space from the front seat occupants. A third-row seat option arrived in the all-new model in 2006. As good luggage space, including side bins and hidden storage space under the floor panel. A retractable blind and luggage net combine to improve safety and security. The rear glass can be opened separately if you don’t want to lift the whole tailgate, a real convenience in cramped carparks.Off-road Santa Fe's better than average for its class and can cope with harsher conditions than those likely to be demanded by the typical owner. It really is a 4WD, not simply an SUV. But don’t mistake if for a full house off-roader or you may get yourself into stuck in awkward areas. The Santa Fe first reached Australia in 2000 and sales were moderately good from the start, though it its somewhat over-the-top styling didn’t appeal to everyone.An all-new, larger, model was launched in May 2006 with a more mainstream look that saw it pick up a lot of buyer interest. The 2006 model was offered with a third row of seats for the first time. As in any vehicle of this size, the extra row of seats steals a lot of the boot area. Ride comfort is generally good and handling is nicely sorted for Australian conditions.The Koreans really seem to have a feel for what Australian drivers like in their vehicles. In the bush the Santa Fe copes well with corrugations, in the suburbs speed-bumps seldom cause any real grief. Santa Fe originally arrived only with the power of Hyundai's 2.7-litre V6 engine, but the range was expanded in 2001 when a four-cylinder 2.4-litre unit arrived. The four-cylinder engine wasn’t all that popular and was taken off the Australian market towards the end of 2003. That’s no reflection on the four-cylinder engine itself and it should make a good used-car buy.Four-cylinder engines in a car of this size can be a bit of a compromise in performance and Hyundai was smart in only importing it with a five-speed manual version as an automatic could have taken away enough grunt to make it unacceptable for some drivers. All V6-powered Santa Fe models have a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 auto has a sequential function to give the driver a fair degree of manual control and is useful for getting the best from the engine.From late 2006, Hyundai offered its Santa Fe with a turbo-diesel engine for the first time in Australia. The potential fuel savings make it worth hunting down. The Hyundai dealer network is large and generally widespread in Australia. Because most Santa Fe 4WDs are used in the metropolitan areas dealers aren't that common in the bush, so check in our local area to make sure spares and service are on offer close handy. Spare parts prices are about average for this class.Santa Fe is fairly traditional in its mechanical makeup and the good home mechanic will find themselves able to do much of the work. It always pays to have a good workshop manual at hand, and don’t attempt any safety related repairs unless you really know what you are doing.Insurance charges are moderate, though there does seem to be a bigger than average spread of premiums between companies. So it’s worth taking the time to shop around for the best deal for your circumstances.Hyundai Santa Fe works extremely well considering it’s the company’s first attempt at a vehicle in this class. It has since been joined by the slightly softer Tucson SUV and the tough Terracan off-roader, thus making Hyundai very much an integral part of the booming Australian 4WD/SUV scene.WHAT TO LOOK FORLook over the interior for signs of it having had a hard time at the hands of uncaring children. Build quality is generally good, but there can be the occasional rough one.Check for signs of underbody damage caused by harsh off-road use. The body corners and doors sills are often the first to suffer. Also look at the protection plates under the engine for damage.While you are under the vehicle look for white stains that may be the residue of salt water picked up during a trip to the beach. Salt water can create corrosion much faster than fresh.Look for fine scratches in the paint where the body has been squeezed past branches. Deeper scratches are likely to have been caused by trees or rocks.Check that the engine starts easily, that it pulls well and doesn’t hesitate when accelerated suddenly.Make sure the transmission operates smoothly and easily and that there are no funny noises from the driveshafts and universal joints.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the SUV that has been taken to off-road areas by people that don’t know a lot about driving on unsealed surfaces. It may have suffered body, underbody and even suspension damage.