Hyundai Santa Fe 2007 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of national recalls, with models from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Kia, Land Rover and Ram impacted.

New Honda Jazz sets new benchmark for rear view cameras: $14,990.

Once standard on all Santa Fes, it is not part of the standard equipment in base SX models introduced from last October and again in July this year.Meanwhile, the starting price has dropped $2000.Electronic Stability Control has been hailed as the biggest thing in car safety since the invention of the seat belt. That is because it is able to sense dangerous situations and automatically apply the brakes where necessary, helping the driver maintain control.Research has shown it can reduce the risk of single vehicle accidents by 40 per cent.NRMA Insurance head of research Robert McDonald described the move by the South Korean manufacturer as disappointing.“In the past we have publicly praised Hyundai for its inclusion of safety technology in its vehicle range,” Mr McDonald said.“But we are disappointed that ESC is not a standard feature on its SX Santa Fe SUV models.”NRMA Insurance factors Electronic Stability Control into the calculation of insurance premiums.Mr McDonald said NRMA Insurance wants people to know what they were missing out on, so they can place pressure on Hyundai and other non-compliant manufacturers to include it as standard on all new vehicles.Given that most SUVs have inferior dynamics and a higher centre of gravity, he said the decision not to include ESC was even more concerning.“Although both cars and SUVs benefit from ESC technology, research has proven that SUVs stand to gain the most. In fact, ESC reduces the likelihood of SUV crashes significantly and the risk of fatal single vehicle rollovers by 80 per cent,” he said.Motorists can check whether a vehicle has ESC fitted on NRMA's site.Hyundai's director of sales and marketing Kevin McCann said Hyundai spent $5 billion a year on research and development in which the environment and passenger safety were key areas of focus.“Hyundai pioneered the availability of Electronic Stability  Control and side and curtain airbags in both the light and small car classes,” he said.“We know Electronic Stability is the anti-skid brake system of 10 years ago, the airbags of five years ago and, not withstanding, remains a strong product intention for Hyundai Motor Company Australia.“Accordingly, we continue to work closely with the factory to ensure economy of scale within production of Hyundai lifestyle vehicles in an attempt to make vehicles available as standard on all models where technology permits,” he said.  

They are like ballet dancers, Toyota and Hyundai, so perfectly in step, dancing to the same tune. One puts a bigger V6 engine in its mid-range SUV, with optional seven-seat capacity, plus two-wheel-drive in place of all-wheel-drive to reduce the cost, weight and thirst. So does the other.That's the story of this month's changes to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger ranges. However, it is not really a case of one copying the other. Rather both are trying to find the magic formula that has made the Ford Territory such a success.They have noticed that most Territory buyers opt for the cheaper two-wheel-drive versions. And where Hyundai offers 2WD and AWD versions of the smaller Santa Fe wagon, four in five buyers take 2WD.No wonder both companies have introduced 2WD versions of their mid-sized wagons while increasing engine power. The Hyundai's largest petrol engine was 2.7 litres, so is joined by a 3.3 litre stablemate, while the Toyota's engine, previously 3.3 litres, goes up to 3.5 litres.So maybe it's leapfrog they're doing, not ballet.In the Kluger's case, an entirely new vehicle is being introduced, considerably bigger and roomier than its predecessor, so seven-seat versions become available. There is only one engine choice, but three trim levels, and 2WD or AWD. In both Kluger and Santa Fe, most drivers in most conditions are going to feel at ease with the new two-wheel-drive versions. They're stable and surefooted, refined and well-balanced.When it comes to all-wheel-drive, Hyundai and Toyota take different paths. The Santa Fe AWD continues to be available with a smaller petrol engine, or a diesel, while the Kluger AWD uses the same petrol engine as the 2WD model, but costs $4500 extra.The much more distinctive new Kluger has stability control, reversing camera, seven airbags and alloy wheels as standard.The all-wheel-drive version, with a host of super-smart aids, proves very competent off road, even when the going gets muddy and slippery and steep and rutted.First impression of the Kluger is that the steering is now excellent.At Hyundai, the Santa Fe's new engine (borrowed from the Sonata sedan) and 2WD system team well.  Key pointsToyota Kluger Details: V6 engine, 3.5litre capacity, power 201kW, torque 337Nm, five-speed automatic, economy 11litres/100km.Price: From $39,990.For: Well equipped, powerful, economical, roomier.Against: Ride can get bouncy.Summing Up: Another Toyota success.Rate: 4 starsHyundai Santa Fe 3.3 Details: V6 engine, 3.3litre capacity, power 180kW, torque 309Nm, five-speed automatic, economy 10.7litres/100km.Price: From $37,990.For: Convenient, capable, affordable.Against: Previous cut-price image.Summing up:  Impressive package.Rate: 4 stars 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

However, all complaints except one about a Hyundai TV ad about two children in nappies driving a Santa Fe sports utility vehicle have been dismissed by the Advertising Standards Bureau.The ASB last week upheld the complaint that it was illegal for toddlers to drive and that they were wearing seatbelts instead of legal child restraints.Hyundai agreed to retract the ad which was filmed in New Zealand and featured a toddler in nappies who picks up hitchhiking Springwood toddler Siena Dutson.Hyundai Motor Company Australia PR general manager Richard Power said he had received calls of support from the public, but had no other campaign ready to replace the ad."There is no doubt that the controversy about this decision will attract attention but in a while it fades away and people forget and we will have to raise the awareness some other way," he said.Car ads represent about 15 per cent of complaints to the ASB, second only behind food (about 20 per cent).Over the past year, nine Ford ads attracted complaints, while Toyota and Nissan had five each and Honda and Holden four.Two of the Nissan ads featuring Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall attracted complaints about sexual content.Complaints about sexual content were also levelled at the Fiesta ad in which two scientists mould clay, and two Falcon ute ads in which women and dogs follow the car.Honda's Odyssey ads in which a married couple are "making out" in the car received complaints for "a simulated sex scene".A Holden Rodeo ad featuring a man fantasising about a Rodeo and a female passenger apparently promoted infidelity.Unsafe driving represented the most complaints, despite the ASB beefing up its crackdown in this section of its code of conduct in 2004.Ford and Toyota attracted the most complaints for promoting unsafe driving practices.Toyota copped its complaints for ads involving its Corolla Sportivo, Yaris, Prado and a Kluger which leaves behind a torn road surface.The Ford ads were the Turbo Territory eating sports cars, another Territory ad in which women drive past a school and the ad in which a young boy is disappointed because he can't get a Falcon slot car to fly off the track.A Holden Captiva jumping across the tops of buildings was also considered dangerous driving, but was dismissed as fantasy.Mazda attracted complaints for offensive language in a Mazda BT50 ute ad for use of the word "bloody".Ford's Ranger ad in which a one-eyed monster throws boulders at the ute was considered too scary for young children, but the complaint was dismissed.Ford also copped complaints of racism and incitement to violence for its Tonk-a-Pom cricket campaign.Cruelty to animals was the complaint in the Focus ad in which Jackie O pours a goldfish down a drain and in a Toyota LandCruiser ad in which the driver wears crocodile-skinned boots.Animals were also blamed for offensive behaviour when a dog in the back seat of a Dodge Caliber moons dogs in other cars.The drought prompted complaints that an ad in which a man hoses down his mud-caked Nissan Murano was inappropriate during water restrictions.Environmental issues also surfaced when complaints were received about a Jeep ad which allegedly featured "polluting diesal (sic) motor vehicles hiding behind the pristinity of a lovely natural environment".A Kia Carnival ad in which a sleeping woman is woken by a Kia salesman blowing a horn attracted complaints that it was "dangerous to blast an air-horn close to a person's ear".

And we've contrived a formula for our picks of sub-$40,000 cars that considers these factors:* Economy — the claimed fuel consumption in combined conditions and likely running costs, based in part on the NRMA's annually compiled data.* Practicality — size, number of seats and doors, and boot space.* Value — purchase price, standard gear and quality.* Image — a bit subjective, but even a practical purchase isn't without an emotional quotient.* Driving — derived from CARSguide's on-road experiences.Each criterion is marked out of five points for a combined score out of 25. Honda Jazz GLi$15,3905.7-litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 3Score > 19/25 WITH a claimed fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km in the manual exceeded by only 0.1 in the CVT auto, there is for once almost no (economic) argument in favour of shifting for yourself.The manual, though, will make the most of the uber-frugal 1.3-litre petrol engine. Hondas are not the cheapest cars to repair, but they offer highly competitive passenger safety levels married to reliability and quality that tops international surveys.The Jazz is a great device that can carry two adults, three kids and luggage. Mazda 6MZR-CD hatch$38,090 MZR-CD5.9 litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 4Score > 20/25 THE mid-size Mazda embarrasses more expensive and supposedly more prestigious European cars.The addition of two (manual only) diesel models adds another dimension to the range.At $35,205, the wagon is the less expensive, but with leather trim and fixtures comparable to the Luxury level Mazda 6 petrol model, the hatch is a stylish and unique departure.The only hatch of this size on the market, it's the preferred 6 shape.And its lusher interior would come to the fore when exploiting the Mazda's posited maximum range of 1250km.Already the best drive in its class, the diesel 6s exert an allure appreciated by Those Who Know while running on a sip from an oily bowser.The obvious sedan alternative is Volkwagen's Jetta. Suzuki Swift Sport$23,9907.5 litres per 100kmEconomy > 3Practicality > 3Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 4Score > 17/25 A GTI model is en route, but for now the 1.6-litre petrol Sport is the one for frugal fun.Standard gear, even in the $15,990 S model, is superb, running to dual front airbags, ABS and steering wheel button activated six-stacker CD and trip computer.If the steering leaves something to be desired, it's hard not to enjoy this two-plus-two hatch, one that punches way above its 1100kg kerb weight. Volkswagen PoloMatch TDI$22,9905.0-litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 4Value > 3Image > 4Driving > 3Score > 19/25DESPITE the "handicap" of coming as a manual only, the cheapest diesel available in Australia accounts for some 30 per cent of Polos sold here - something not unrelated to a potential range in the vicinity of 1000km on one tank.A Tardis that can seat four adults, or two adults and three young children, the five-door hatch is a more than respectable performer due to a punchy 1.9-litre turbo diesel that leaves all Polos bar the smart GTI model in its wake.The German badge lends a bit of cachet in a field of Japanese and Korean entrants. Hyundai Santa FeCRDi SLX$43,4907.6 litres per 100kmEconomy > 4.5Practicality > 5Value > 5Image > 1Driving > 2.5Score > 18/25 WE'VE busted the $40K mark here, but what other relatively affordable SUV could fare so well in Overlander magazine's vehicle of the year and carry seven punters in urban comfort?You can get into a petrol V6 five-seater Santa Fe for as little as $35,990, but the doughty diesel seven-seater is the best buy.You won't get a better third row of seats without paying mad money. A tight turning circle enhances every day driving and big towing torque makes for recreational enabled weekends. If the Santa Fe scores low for image, that's because some people still can't get past the badge. That's their loss. Honda CR-Vfrom $31,99010.0 litres per 100kmEconomy > 3.5Practicality > 5Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 3Score > 18.5/25 YES, that is a double digit claimed petrol consumption. Nor is it the cheapest urban shopping trolley.But though heavier and slightly thirstier than its predecessor, the new generation CR-V is just about perfect for its purpose.As with those other Hondas named here, it's suffused with the refinement and quality and the unchallenging nature that make Hondas such a no-brainer buy. Honda Civic Hybrid$32,9905.2 litres per 100kmEconomy > 5Practicality > 3Value > 4Image > 3Driving > 2.5Score > 17.5/25 WHILE not quite as miserly as that other compact petrol-electric car, Toyota's Prius, the hybrid Honda is vastly less expensive and at least looks like a car.The savings with a hybrid are accrued not only when it is running and the electric motor assists, but mainly when the vehicle is stationary and the petrol engine switches off, leaving it all to electricity.If it's an unremarkable drive, it does what it says on the label with the assurance of Honda quality into the bargain.