Hyundai Santa Fe

Overview:

Hyundai, one of world's popular automobile firm has produced several astonishing models for the auto enthusiasts. Hyundai Santa Fe is a stylish SUV model that is also known for its exceptional on-road performance. In Bangladesh, it is available in one variant one only and it is equipped with a 2.4-litre Theta II gasoline engine. It is mated to a six speed automatic transmission gearbox, which helps to deliver torque output to all four wheels. This luxury SUV is a blend of advanced technology and innovative comfort features, which makes it an ideal vehicle for auto enthusiasts. It has a breathtaking external appearance, thanks to its fluidic body structure that is complimented by extensive chrome accents. It gets several several trendy exterior features like a set of alloy wheels, HID headlamps, LED rear lights and dual tone fenders. Coming to the interiors, it has a subtle design that is done up a dual tone color scheme. It has a very stylish dashboard that is skilfully decorated with brushed metallic inserts. The seatbelt arrangement is well furnished that can provide comfortable accommodation to a total of seven passengers. The manufacturer has placed this vehicle against the likes of Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Fortuner and Honda CR-V in the Bangladesh car bazaar.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The automaker is offering this model series with a 2.4-litre petrol engine that is incorporated with multi-point fuel injection system. This engine has the ability to produce a maximum mileage in the range of 11 to 12.5 Kmpl.

Power:

Its Theta II petrol engine is based on DOHC valve configuration featuring 4-cylinders and 16-valves. This engine can pump out a maximum power of 176ps that results in a pounding torque of 23.1Kgm.

Acceleration And Pickup:

The automaker has mated this power plant to a six speed automatic transmission gearbox that distributes the torque output to all four wheels. This engine helps the motor to vehicle to achieve a top speed of approximately 190 kmph. At the same time it can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph speed mark in just 10.6 seconds.

Exteriors:

It has a dynamic external appearance owing to its fluidic lines all over the body. At the same time, it is fitted with modernistic cosmetics, which gives it a breathtaking look. Its front facade has a radiant headlight cluster featuring HID headlamps and turn indicators. Its radiator grille has a signature hexagonal shape featuring three horizontally positioned bars. It also has a lot of chrome inserts, which gives a majestic look to the frontage. This Hyundai Santa Fe has a massive front bumper that houses a perforated air intake section along with a pair of fog lamps. Furthermore, it is fitted with an aluminum lower cladding, which provides additional protection. This SUV has an astonishing side profile featuring elegantly sculptured window frames and door panels. It has dual toned wheel arches as they are fitted with black colored fenders. They are paired with a sturdy set of alloy wheels, which emphasizes its sporty appeal. Its door handles along with waistline molding gets a chrome treatment while the outside mirrors caps are done up in body color. Furthermore, it gets high gloss black ski-racks and B pillars, which gives it a distinct look. Its rear end is as impressive as its front and side facets, thanks to its stylish taillight cluster. It is powered by LED brake lights and turn indicators, which further adds to its magnificent stance. Like the front bumper, its rear one too has a dual tone look and is fitted with an aluminum lower cladding along with two exhaust pipes.

Exterior Measurements:

This luxury SUV has a length of 4690mm and a decent width of 1880mm (excluding the outside mirrors). Its total height is measured at 1690mm, whereas the wheelbase is 2700, which is quite long.

Interior:

In terms of interiors, this sports utility vehicle has a majestic internal cabin as it is done up with dual tone color scheme. Its dashboard has an unusual design and is skilfully decorated with a lot of metallic inserts. It also houses a large instrument cluster with two round shaped meters, which have chrome surround. In addition to these, it also has a multi-information screen that displays critical information like vehicle's speed, digital clock, outside temperature, rpm meter and a few other notification lamps. The steering wheel too has an attractive three spoke design and is mounted with illuminated multi-functional switches. The most important aspect of the cabin is its comfortable seats, which have collapsible head restraints and side bolsters. These seats are covered with good quality leather upholstery that enhances the elegance of interiors. On the other hand, its is packed with many essential utility features like drink holders, sun visors, storage units and accessory power sockets.

Interior Comfort:

At present, the automaker is selling this vehicle in one variant only. It has aspects like heated front seats, an integrated two stage memory system for seats and outside mirrors, a solar glass, glove box cooling, electronic parking brake, manual side curtains and 12-way power adjustable driver's seat. It also has a specifically designed panorama sunroof, which offers even more openness as compared to any other conventional sunroof. The automaker has also equipped a fully automatic air conditioning system including rear AC vents, which helps to regulate the air temperature inside. At the same time it is also blessed with rear parking camera and sensors, which makes it quite convenient to the driver to park the vehicle.

Interior Measurements:

This vehicle is quite spacious from inside with excellent seating room and decent luggage compartment. Its boot storage capacity can be increased up to a total of 1680-litres by folding the rear bench seat. It is also fitted with a large fuel tank that has a storage capacity of 64-litres.

Engine and Performance:

The automaker has equipped this Hyundai Santa Fe model series with a 2.4-litre Theta II gasoline engine that is based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves that receives fuel through multi-point fuel injection technology. This 2359cc gasoline engine has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 176kW at 6000rpm that yields a pounding torque of 23.1kg-m at 3750rpm. The automaker has mated this power plant to a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox, which delivers the torque output to all four wheels.

Stereo and Accessories:

This luxury SUV is blessed with a proficient audio system that has a radio tuner and a CD player with MP3 playback. It is also incorporated with an advanced Virtual Surround Sound system featuring 6-speakers that delivers life-like sound output. In addition to these, it also has an LCD monitor featuring touch controls, which makes it even more convenient. At the same time, buyers can incorporate a bigger touchscreen unit with navigation system, which will help to choose the right direction. On the other hand, there is an option to customize its internal cabin with variety of leather upholsteries and color schemes, which enhances the luxuriant appeal of interiors.

Wheels:

Its dual tone fenders have been fitted with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, which gives a splendid look to its side facet. These lightweight rims are covered with 235/55 R19 sized tubeless radial tyres, which provides superior grip on any road condition.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is blessed with a highly efficient braking mechanism featuring ventilated discs for its front wheels and solid discs to its rear wheels. These are are assisted by anti lock braking system that helps to prevent skidding on slippery roads. Its front axle is fitted with a McPherson Strut while the rear one gets multi-link suspension. Both the axles are further loaded with gas filled shock absorbers, which enhances its stability.

Safety and Security:

This SUV is blessed with a slew of advanced protective features, which certainly ensures an unmatched protection to the occupants. Its cabin is packed with a total of four airbags along with three point seatbelts, which are helpful to minimize the damage caused in case of an accident. It also has a list of features including side impact protection beams, HID headlamps, seatbelt reminder, collapsible head restraints, high mount LED stop lamp, engine immobilizer and an electronic stability control.

Pros:

1. Safety standards are at par with other contenders.
2. Engine performance and acceleration is quite good.
3. External and internal design is remarkable.

Cons:

1. There is still scope to improve fuel efficiency.
2. Mediocre infotainment system is a big drawback.
3. More comfort features can be given as standard.