HyundaiSantaFeEliteCRDi2.2R
* Punchy and willing diesel engine* Great economy
* Roomy and versatile cabin
* Sharp value
* Safety now competitive
* Bad
* Still not a great drive
* Fidgety ride
* Tiresome driving position
2 Minute road test (See full review)
Price and equipment
The V6 petrol and five-seat options have bitten the dust, simplifying the range. All models have seven seats and diesel power. Hyundai's five-year warranty is another potent lure.
Pricing starts at $37,990 plus on-road and dealer costs for the SLX manual, or $39,990 for the six-speed auto. We tested the $43,990 Elite, which adds keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat, auto headlights, a fish-eye mirror for monitoring children, a cooled centre console bin and mandatory auto to the SLX. The $48,490 Highlander adds leather, auto wipers, power sunroof, six-CD sound system, 18-inch alloys and other toys.
Under the bonnet
This update introduces the "R" series 2.2-litre diesel engine. It pumps out 145kW of power (up 31kW from the old 2.2) and, in the auto, 436Nm (up 93Nm) of torque.
There's no economy price to be paid, either. Manuals officially register an impressive 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, well down from the 7.3L/100km of yore, while autos clock a still-thrifty 7.5L/100km.
The on-road impression meets expectations, too. The Elite's new six-speed auto matches beautifully to the "R", providing an abundance of lag-free response and an effortless cruising demeanour. We averaged a commendable 7.9L/100km on test.
The new engine, though, can be a bit noisy when idling or under heavy load.
How it drives
Hyundai has refettled the Santa Fe's suspension for Australia and it seems a touch more responsive to the steering and flatter through the bends than before.
Its on-road talents, however, are still not a selling point. It goes where you point it without fuss in relaxed driving but push harder and the rubbery steering, less-than-disciplined body control and tendency to push the nose wide all catch up with it.
The ride, too, disappoints. It soaks up most urban uglies but lacks the finesse to deal with sharper, more sustained bumps. There's also plenty of crash and bash over dirt-road corrugations.
Comfort and practicality
The Santa Fe's cabin has picked up fresh trims and, on the Elite and Highlander, classy new instruments.
There's enough space for leggy types in the middle row, while the final row is great for children and just bearable for adults. You also get a plentiful supply of storage bins (one of them cooled) and details such as air vents and rear fan speed controls.
As with most part-time seven-seaters, boot space is tight with all seats occupied but split-folding the final row into the floor solves that. The middle row folds to liberate an even bigger, box-like space and you also get a full-sized spare.
Less endearing is a driver's seat that sits too high, isn't big on support and lacks steering reach adjustment.
Cabin ambience reflects a pedestrian design and plastics that lack distinction. Still, everything is assembled flawlessly.
Safety
All models now improve their safety to get six airbags, anti-lock brakes, a more sophisticated stability control system, rear parking sensors and an improved five-star NCAP rating. Highlander buyers also get a reversing camera.
Overall verdict
* Three Half Star
The current Santa Fe has made buyers sit up and take notice with its value and family-friendly versatility. This update maintains those virtues while adding a welcome dose of performance, economy and safety.
What the Hyundai lacks, however, is the polish that separates good from great.
Nuts & Bolts
Price
From $43,990 (auto only) plus on-road and dealer costs.
Engine Size/Type
2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel
Power
145kW/436Nm
Transmission/Driven Wheels
6-speed auto
Fuel Consumption
7.5L/100km and 197gkm CO2
Competitors
KIA SORENTO Si CRDi From $43,490 drive-away.
Same drivetrain as Santa Fe; well equipped; logical interior layout; suspension can get flustered on successive smaller bumps; cramped third-row seat; some oddities with driving position. 3 stars.
HOLDEN CAPTIVA CX DIESEL From $41,490 plus on-road and dealer costs.
Thrifty diesel drivetrain; capable road manners; practical and user-friendly cabin; competitive value; mediocre ride; average refinement; cabin feels a bit cheap. 3 stars.
TOYOTA KLUGER KX-R SEVEN-SEATER From $43,490 plus on-road and dealer costs.
User-friendly cabin; strong and refined V6; good economy for a big petrol soft-roader; strong safety; mediocre centre middle-row seat; FWD layout all too obvious on dirt; no diesel option. 3 stars.
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