santa fe – Hyundai’s CRV Challenger..
You wonder why so many SUVs plying in our roads. Here’s the reason, we(indians) though ruled by British, India resembles americans in loving SUVs. The poor roads which demands high ground clearance pushes indians to prefer SUVs. Also rather than bringing and stripping a small car to suit Indian market, manufacturers also prefers SUVs for their debut. Volvo and Volkswagen are recent examples. Sales of sports utility vehicles are expected to grow 25-30% and reach 7,000 units in the fiscal from 4,800 units sold last year. The total utility vehicle market (including SUVs) grew 24% to 59,369 units in April-July.
Currently SUV segment is ruled by Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour, Maruti Suzuki vitara, Hyundai tucson and Mitsubishi Montero. Next generation vitaras, Endeavours, new Montero and refreshed CR-V was already here also Chevrolet plans to make a foray with a diesel punch in this segment soon and rumours are floating that Volkswagen may bring its Tiguan to India. Really, this segment is boiling like anything. Considering all these, Hyundai seems to be the only one to left behind. Last year it phased out its Terracan SUV on account of poor sales. Tucson’s fate is not far away from Terracan(though Hyundai repeatedly reinsists that it will sell both the santa fe and tucson), it is sticking to the showroom’s floor. To survive, Hyundai has to bring its new models to India. Santa fe means ‘holy faith’ Hyundai has complete faith in the 2nd generation santa fe to make its mark in SUV segment, santa fe will replace the ageing Tucson in India.
Engine and Powertrain:
Hyundai plans to bring in the contemporary second-generation Santa Fe in both petrol and diesel options. Power options include an all-new diesel, the D-2.2 that delivers 153ps @ 4000rpm and 35kgm of torque @ 2000rpm with the help of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger. Fuel is delivered by a second generation 1600-bar common rail diesel injection system governed by a new 32-bit microprocessor while a variable swirl control device and electric air control valve contribute to improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions. The cylinder head has a two-layer water jacket, which increases the strength of the head to permit higher combustion pressures. An electronically-controlled water-cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve helps minimise emissions to comply with the latest Euro IV standards. Santa fe diesel comes with a new five-speed transmission. An optional five-speed automatic gearbox may also on the Hyundai’s charts. The special feature in this 5speed automatic is, you can manually change gear in a Tiptronic fashion, knock the lever over to manual mode and simply push it forward or back to change gear.
The Santa Fe may also be available with a choice of v6 petrol engines. The 2.7L petrol engine develops a peak power output of 138KW(185PS) @ 6000rpm and 248Nm of maximum torque @ 4200rpm. Hyundai calls this V6 engine as ‘Mu’. The new ‘Mu’ variant of Hyundai’s V6 uses continually variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to offer better mileage/fuel efficiency. The 2.7 V6 petrol might come with a five-speed manual transmission. A 4 speed automatic transmission may also be offered.
Both the engines are good, but this beast weighs almost 1.8tonnes, hence don’t expect this to be your performance pet.
Design and styling:
Santa fe styling is not so innovative, look at any angle you will come up with a vehicle which you have seen takes cues See the BMW X3 in the rear pillar and taillamp design from the Volkswagen touareg. Some cues from the Audi Q7 too. BMW X3 and Volkswagen Touareg will be launched in india soon. Hence, whichever comes first will lures the charm from the others.
The Santa Fe is a very smooth looking machine, it’s a fairly brave design. The front end has a very appealing style, with smooth curves everywhere and a strong grille bordered by fine headlights with diffuse parking lights that make it upmarket slightly.The rear end is particularly shapely for a vehicle of this type, with well integrated tail lights and a deep rear window. Santa Fe’s taller roofline makes it look shorter in length though it has excess dimensions (wheelbase is 2700mm) to comfortable interiors and large stowage space. Color-coded wood and aluminum trim decorates the santa fe’s two-tone interior. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color.
Engineering and Comfort:
Rear seat passengers are also catered for with smart cupholders integrated into the rear armrest and their own B-pillar air vents.the Santa Fe’s spare was under body.Tailgate swings up.
This is due to a more efficient common-rail injection system that also reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).The Santa Fe is a crossover and built on the same assembly line as the Sonata sedan.
A flip and fold seat makes the access easier to the 3rd row.The roof rack crossbars can be adjusted with one finger. The hatch lid is balanced to stay open firmly and close easily. The front cupholders are lit, making it easy to plant your Pepsi. The A/C in the GLS and SE uses an innovative variation on the classic three-dial setup, and the Limited’s climate control can automatically switch between fresh and recirculated air based on outside air quality. 2nd-row passengers get their own face-level air vents and the optional 3rd-row seat includes its own vents and fan control. Everywhere you look, you see what a well-thought-out vehicle the Hyundai Santa Fe is.keyless entry system.
Santa fe shares all the common sin in SUVs of this size – poor headroom for third row passengers and lack of thigh support.
usp:
The flat folding 3rd row seats were also very well presented, and were easy to use; it took a total of 10 seconds to bring the 3rd row to life. Of the other SUVs we have driven with optional 3rd row seats, the Santa Fe is certainly a class leader. The best part is you don’t even know there is a 3rd row there when not in use, as they fold flush with the floor, remaining hidden until the ankle biters need a lift.
Safety and Special features:
In 2007, Hyundai’s midsize SUV Santa Fe earns 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award by IIHS. Also, received 5 star safety rating by NHTSA. Antlilock brakes, electronic stability contro and airbags are standard safety features. You can keep an eye on their back-seat easily through a special wide angle mirror(will be helpful if your kids are at the back). Santa Fe features a torque on demand four wheel drive system, similar to that of the Tucson. In normal conditions, only the front wheels are driven. Electronic sensors monitor road and driving conditions and automatically engage all-wheel drive when required, to gain the best possible traction and maintain vehicle stability, working in conjunction with the vehicle’s other active safety systems, including ESP (electronic stability programme), ABS with EBD and TCR (traction control). When conditions demand, four wheel drive can be engaged simply by pushing the 4WD button on the front console. This locks all four wheels into permanent drive for better performance when travelling off-road or on low-grip road surfaces.
Price and the Launch:
The next-generation Santa Fe has debuted in the US and Europe is likely to come as a completely-built unit (CBU) from Hyundai’s Korean plant like Tucson and its predecessor Terracan SUV. Hyundai will bring its second generation santa fe to replace its ageing tucson by mid 2008 after the launch of its small car ‘PA’ and getz diesel.
This segment is going to invite Chevrolet captiva, Mitsubishi outlander, scorpio automatic and many more models in 2008.
What this means to you: SUV market will tyrannize us with an overwhelming number of choices.