Road Tested by Hugh Maguire.
It is no mean feat to take on premium luxury brands but the new Hyundai Santa Fe aims to do just that in the big luxury SUV segment. The new Santa Fe is big, bold and maybe somewhat brash but it is hugely practical, beautifully built and superbly equipped.
This week I am road testing the new Santa Fe Calligraphy. Prices for the new Santa Fe start at €66,995.
How does it look?
Some might say its big and brash and I suppose it is really but that said it does look good from most angles. I am not so keen on the design of the rear though with those low mounted taillights. Nice touches are the H shapes in the lighting when illuminated front and rear. The Calligraphy sits on big black 20 inch alloys. It has real presence as a result and during my tenure it certainly turned heads hopefully for all the right reasons.
What is it like inside?
Slip inside and the futuristic theme continues with two large 12.3 inch screens, one for the driver and one centrally mounted but they blend into one sweeping across half the width of the huge cabin. There are very nicely designed touch sensitive buttons for the climate control situated below the main screen. Lots of USBC charge ports front and rear, a lovely Bose stereo system and tonnes of storage space including a large centre console box whose lid cleverly opens from the front or rear allowing rear seat passengers to use it also.
The new Santa Fe is a full seven seat SUV. The cabin is truly massive inside. Up front there is a perfect driving position and ample space. The second row of seats are very nicely contoured and head and leg room is truly cavernous, while the third row though obviously smaller could accommodate teenagers or smaller children with ease.
Quality feels and looks good too. I like the mood lighting and the black Nappa leather upholstery looks and feels superb. I have to say it all feels and looks very impressive. There is a host of standard kit, a list that is way too long to detail here, but highlights include a rear view digital mirror , a storage unit with UV light to sterilise items put there and a head up display for the driver, however you will want for nothing in the new Sant Fe. As with many others there is a host of standard safety features but one I could do without is the constant and annoying bings and bongs every time you creep 1km over the speed limit or turn your head to look at the touchscreen. The nanny state of motoring has arrived due European legislation.
What is under the bonnet?
The Santa Fe PHEV is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine and a 72kW electric motor powered by a battery driving all four wheels. Real world electric driving range is not quite as good as some rivals who now offer close to 100km with their PHEV. Hyundai claim 54 km but in reality expect closer to 45km at best.
The 1.6 litre power plant is fine but does sound a bit harsh when you need a bit of get up and go. Its quite a small engine to lug around a 2.2 tonne vehicle. Overall though the combination does work well and if you plug in at every opportunity it proves frugal. Road tax is just €140.00
How does it drive?
Very well actually. You do feel its mass but body roll is well controlled and the ride is very good with the exception of sudden dips in the road which can make the suspension thump as it copes with all that weight.
Very well actually. You do feel its mass but body roll is well controlled and the ride is very good with the exception of sudden dips in the road which can make the suspension thump as it copes with all that weight.
Driven in a more relaxed manner it really is a competent SUV proving beautifully quiet and refined.
Verdict.
Hyundai have truly nailed it with the new Santa Fe PHEV. It really feels premium and of the highest quality. It’s an imposing vehicle and indeed its sheer size may put off some, but if you need the space, want the tech and value a premium feel then the new Santa Fe is for you. The Calligraphy version tested costs €69,995