The Hyundai Santa Fe was first introduced in 2001 and started the entry of Hyundai into the SUV segment. Ever since, in Germany alone it sold about 46,000 vehicles. Now, the modified model of the second generation (which debuted in spring 2006), makes its European premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The front has been redesigned and the interior is made from better materials. With a newly developed 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine of the Hyundai Santa Fe is completely tuned for efficiency.
Design: Sporty and distinctive feel-good ambience in the interior
The design changes at the Hyundai Santa Fe covered discreetly, but effectively out: At first glance, one recognizes the 4.66-meter-long edition on the grille, which is now a chrome panel and shifted to the top Hyundai emblem. The strikingly designed front spoiler with mounts for the fog lamps takes the sporty style of the new Hyundai ix35 on. These include, as well as the lower portions of the bumper, color-contrasting with the typical elements of Sportroaders. Mirrors with integrated turn signals, taillights and newly modeled exhaust tailpipes and a revised roof rack also pointed to the facelift model.
The interior controls are new again, such as a steering wheel remote control for your CD-radio, but also fresh upholstery and upholstery fabrics and a USB-/AUX-Anschluss. The winner is the Hyundai Santa Fe and in the appearance of: material selection and processing exude feel-good atmosphere on board.
Was preserved thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.70 meters, the spacious interior offering. There you will find on demand up to seven occupants of the place. Sting of the additional seats: When not in use they disappear completely and precisely in the soil, so a large luggage room is available. He holds 528 liters and can be expanded by folding down the second row of seats up to 1582 liters.
Full consideration will be also other strengths of the Hyundai Santa Fe: The high ground clearance of 20 inches allows for off-road, always able to reach his goal. The high seating position and good safety features including traction control, ESP electronic stability system with Überrollsensor, active head restraints and six airbags are part of the comprehensive protection system.
Drive: New, efficient engines and an intelligent all-wheel system
The main innovations in Hyundai Santa Fe are the engines. Because the main focus of development was the reduction in fuel consumption while improving performance. Turns out to be very economical as the Hyundai Santa Fe with the new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel that meets the Euro 5 emissions standard. The internally as "R-engine" described in the diesel engine was developed competence of the mark in Rüsselsheim, and has a common-rail system of the third generation with piezo injectors. Powerful 145 kW (197 hp) to drive the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi 2WD variant than in 9.5 seconds from zero to 100 km / h and up to top speed of 190 km / h. The peak torque of 422 Nm is available from 1800 to 2500 rpm. Compared to the previously used diesel engine with 114 kW (155 hp) which is an improvement in the standard acceleration at 1.8 seconds and an increase in torque by 79 Nm. The plus of driving is facing a reduction in consumption and carbon dioxide emissions: With only 6.6 liters of diesel fuel in advance (7.0 liters) in the total consumption of content to the Hyundai Santa Fe and the CO2-emission is 174 g / km (before: 185 g / km).
The new entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 128 kW (174 hp), of the previously established 2.7-liter V6 gasoline engine replaced. The engine of the theta-series has a continuous variable valve timing CVVT. The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 speeds within 10.7 seconds from standstill to 100 Km / h and reaches a top speed of 190 km / h. With a total consumption of 8.5 liters of Super per 100 kilometers, he undercuts the consumption value of the precursor to 1.6 liters. The CO2 emissions fell: Instead of 241 g / km as before the six-cylinder engine there are now only 203 g / km.
Also new for both engine versions, the standard six-speed manual gearbox and the optional six-speed automatic with a second, manual switching plane and a special eco-mode. It is compared to the previously used five-speed automatic at 12 kg lighter, builds 4.1 inches shorter and consists of fewer parts.
When you drive Hyundai relies on tried and tested: As before, the Hyundai Santa Fe with front-wheel drive and a 4WD model on offer. When all-wheel drive called the Interactive Torque Management is a slip-controlled system with electro-magnetically actuated multi-plate clutch. Thus, a variable torque distribution is possible, which draws in normal driving, the whole driving force to the front wheels. Only in the emerging slip - e.g. in adverse conditions or off road - the rear wheels are supplied with up to 50 percent of the driving force.