Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Premium Test Review

The Santa Fe recently received a product enhancement, we drove it at the launch and came away highly impressed.
A test car recently came our way and this was the Premium model that features Front-wheel drive instead of the 4wd drivetrain in the Elite model.
Both versions feature a newly changed version of the 2.2L 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine that now delivers 148kW and 440Nm through a new 8 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Unusually, the gearbox is operated by pushbuttons placed on the large and wide transmission console. The gearbox features various drive modes including ECO, Comfort and Smart. I left it in Smart for the test period which allows the gearbox to electronically decide on the best mode for conditions.
There is also a selector for various road conditions such as sand, snow or rock to enable the vehicle to best handle whatever roads you choose to encounter.
Another innovative feature is the console slot for cellphones that allow your phone to be out of sight plus it includes inductive charging whilst there. There is also an additional concealed storage area under the console with both USB and 12V sockets.
The Santa Fe provides excellent space for 3 in the middle row and also features a 1 touch button on the left side that moves the seat forward and tumbles to create access to the 2 rearmost seats. Personally, access to these seats required a bit of contortion for me but were quite comfortable once ensconced.
On the road, the Santa Fe is a superb cruiser and feels far smaller from behind the wheel. Our Sunday cruise was an absolute pleasure and the relaxed drive brought an added bonus when we covered 270km showing fuel consumption of only 6.0l/100km. Astounding for a vehicle of this size and power. Even with lots more urban driving, our overall consumption was 6.3l/100km.
One drawback of all vehicles in this category is that boot space is extremely limited with all 7 seats in use and the Santa Fe is no exception. With the rearmost seats dropped down into the floor, an easy reach into the boot area and at the press of a button the middle row can also fold forward to reaveal cavernous space.
The Santa Fe has always been overlooked among it's competitors in the 7 seater SUV market. With the latest updates and improvements it certainly deserves to become a contender in the sector.
The Premium is currently priced at R769 500 with the 4WD Elite model at R869 500. A 6 year/ 90 000km and 7 year / 200 000km warranty are included.
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[@tshepomakena6585]

Looks like a big boy Kona (new version) on the front. Wonderful review as usual. The sound quality is the only downer

[@motheolebelo]

awesome review Alan that is impressive fuel consumption for such a big car. please make a plan to get better microphone setup as the sort at the begging sounded distorted.

[@gregjordaan3533]

Hi Allan, love your shows, just please improve the sound quality 🙏

[@ericanashipala4769]

Camera man is failing you. Good review. 👍🏿

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

The bakkie based model should be named Hyundai Arizona .