New Hyundai Santa Fe review, test drive

Carried over from the previous Santa Fe is Hyundai’s 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine that the company says has been upgraded for better fuel efficiency and emissions. It uses a traditional cast-iron block, but comes with more advanced bits like third-generation common-rail diesel technology with Piezo injectors.

The power output of 194bhp is the same as before and torque is an impressive 44.45kgm. Two transmission options are available – a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic – and these are likely to be carried over to the Indian market as well. And there’s the ‘on-demand’ four-wheel-drive system which is standard on all Santa Fes. This doesn’t give the SUV hardcore off-roading capabilities, but it’s good enough to pull owners out of any sticky situations they are likely to encounter. For most of the part, the Santa Fe is a front-wheel-drive car, with power only going to the rear wheels when sensors anticipate a loss of traction at the front wheels. However, it’s possible to select all-wheel-drive manually by pushing the ‘lock’ button; but this holds four-wheel-drive permanently only up to 40kph. 

Performance is seriously good and you can feel the oomph from the moment you drive off. The mid-range is particularly strong and even with the slightly lethargic auto ’box, there’s enough grunt on tap for quick overtaking moves. There is a bit of turbo-lag below 1,500rpm. But if you keep the revs above that, the Santa Fe never disappoints, and a 10 second 0-100kph time is in order. The tall sixth allows for very relaxed cruising, which makes the Santa Fe a great highway car. But when called to suddenly downshift, the auto ’box does hesitate a bit. The refined nature of the engine gives the Santa Fe a premium feel; in fact, this 2.2 CRDI motor is quieter than many of its German rivals. Continued..