2018 Hyundai Santa Fe : Our thoughts

For every manufacturer, designing and engineering its flagship product is indeed a brainstorming task. The reason is quite simple – it is with the flagship product that the future launches, philosophy and current status of modernity of a manufacturer is being judged. After a slew of launches in the compact vehicle segments, Hyundai has finally revamped its flagship product, the midsize Santa Fe SUV. A lot has been said about this new generation Hyundai Santa Fe, and in this particular feature story, we are going to give our thoughts as well.

Exterior design 

Only a decade ago, Hyundai made some really common looking cars with uninspiring designs. Cut the first decade of 21st century, and Hyundai made a drastic change to the way it design its cars. God bless the fluid design philosophy of Hyundai, which made its cars from drab looking to drop dead gorgeous ones. The new Santa Fe is just one of the very first examples of the new generation of this very design theme. It does look absolutely futuristic with many all-new design elements. The most noticeable one happens to be separated and inverted layouts for daytime running LEDs and main headlamp setup, with the latter being positioned on the front bumper. Another big addition which is going to be a major change in the upcoming Hyundais is the new cascading theme for the front grille. The overall design of the Santa Fe is more fluidic rather than the conventional thought of SUVs of being butch.

Interior design 

Step inside the cabin, and you will be equally surprised from the way it looks from the inside as well. Making some really drastic changes to the front dashboard, the new Santa Fe marks the departure of the erstwhile cascading theme for an all new geometrical approach. This whole new cabin design looks very upmarket and makes the cabin appear more European than Asian, which is a good thing to start with for a premium midsize SUV. The biggest example of this is the pop-up style touchscreen infotainment system on the upper portion of the dashboard – a first for a Hyundai. Like in the models from the recent past, Hyundai has upped the game in terms of equipment too, with the new Santa Fe being equipped with some first-for-segment features.

Cabin space and quality

The biggest challenge for a seven-seater SUV is to find a perfect balance for space in all the three rows as well as some space for luggage in the boot as well. The new Santa Fe, with its grown dimensions, manages to strike this perfect balance, and comes with enhanced space for all the three rows. In terms of quality, Hyundai has had made a terrific approach in the lower entry-level category of cars by making them the benchmarks in terms of quality. However, things get pretty more serious when it comes to midsize cars, and the Santa Fe just manages to feel premium and justify its premium positioning. It does lack the ultimate finesse of the European offerings, but still offers tough and built-to-last feels.

Engine options and performance

Contrary to other global markets, in the Philippines, the Santa Fe comes with only one diesel engine to choose from. The new generation model, however, comes with two diesel engines and one petrol engine to choose from. However, it is the 2.2 liter diesel from the current car on which the majority of the focus will be on. Talking about the performance and refinement of this oil burner, the engine had almost nothing to complain about. The Santa Fe already was a benchmark in this segment when it came to refinement and low NVH levels, and the new version continues to fit that bill. What’s completely new in this arena is the presence and performance of the all new eight speed automatic gearbox, which offers more precise and sportier gear shifts.

Ride quality and handling

The major problem with all the Hyundais is the fact that they are too ‘okay’ when it comes to spirited experience, with no special feel in the way they drive. The new Santa Fe, unfortunately, falls in the same line. This doesn’t mean that it is bad when it comes to ride quality and handling, it’s just that it misses out on the enthusiastic feels which one gets from, say, the German SUVs. However, the new Santa Fe follows a safer approach and manages to find a decent balance between supple ride quality and decent handling. The new drive modes, Comfort and Sport, do add some pinch of flavor, but not by a considerable margin to call them exciting.

Would you buy one?

Now that’s the question. With its new intimidating road presence and sophisticated exteriors and interior cabin, the new Santa Fe looks every bit a premium vehicle. For half the price of a similarly sized German SUV, the new Santa Fe screams terrific value for money proposition. Yes, it does miss out on that sense of finesse of an equally sized and equipped European SUV. But then, Asians do have majority of focus on practical side of things, and this biggest and most expensive Hyundai, the Santa Fe, is no different, and makes for a complete desirable family car.