Western News: September 14, 2023

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Thursday September 14 2023
Hyundai Sante Fe hybrid strong and sporty
HYUNDAI’S Sante Fe has joined
the electrification party and
celebrates its arrival by offering
standard and plug-in hybrid
models, with the leap to full
electrification expected in 2024
with the arrival of an all-new
replacement for the current
model.
The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s
longest-running SUV now with
23 years on the clock. In this
time, it’s built a strong following
here, hitting the sweet spot for
many with its 7-seater capability,
spaciousness, and a raft of safety
kit that has helped power it to the
maximum 5-star ANCAP crash
rating.
The Santa Fe is available with
Hyundai’s stalwart 1.6-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder
petrol engine combined with
either a 169kW standard Hybrid
version or a 195kW Plug-in
Hybrid option. The Santa Fe
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
Hybrid uses a 44.2kW electric
motor and 1.49kWh lithium-ion
polymer battery, with claimed
fuel consumption figures of
6.3L/100km. The Plug-in Santa
Fe can travel up to 56km on
battery power, perfect for the
daily commutes. This figure is
eclipsed by the 89km you get
with the slightly smaller but more
affordable Mitsubishi Outlander
PHEV.
Prices for the three-model
hybrid range start at $88,990 for
the entry version and a steepish
$99,990 ask on the elite being
evaluated here. For another $10k
you can have this model as a
plug-in hybrid. This is a hefty
premium to pay for plug-in
capability, when there is not
an enormous difference in real
world performance separating it
and the standard hybrid.
An energetic 169kw hybrid
power train in the test vehicle
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
proved surprisingly zesty
compared to the less than
animated performance of some
hybrids, with the test vehicle
especially energetic between
1,500-4,500rpm. This is the rev
sweet spot for ensuring a driving
experience like a good coffee;
smooth, strong, and leaves you
feeling invigorated. Acceleration
is strong for a standard hybrid
and is almost verging on sporty.
A rich vein of torque and the
extra kick of a battery pack
ensures punchy take-offs from
standing starts, and purposeful
mid-range pulling power.
These qualities make light
work of undulating roads and
long energy sapping hill climbs.
Managing this impressive hybrid
petrol electric is an equally
accomplished uprated 6-speed
automatic.
Passenger and load space
is outstanding with every
centimetre of capacity utilized. It
gives its rivals a lesson in smart
interior packaging and space
maximization. Adding a touch of
class to the elite is a full leather
interior and power front seat
adjustment to lock in the perfect
seating position.
I liked the intuitive 8”
touchscreen multimedia system,
incorporating Apple CarPlay &
Android Auto for fully integrated
smartphone functionality. Also
included is wireless smartphone
charging.
A head-up display projects
relevant driving and safety
information directly onto the
windshield. This makes for a
much more relaxing driving
experience, enabling the driver
to keep their eyes on the road,
because now this information is
right under their noses!
The Santa Fe put its best
safety foot forward with driving
assistance technologies including
blind-spot collision warning,
forward collision-avoidance
assist with pedestrian detection,
and lane keeping assist.
There has been a re-work of
the suspension to ensure this
Santa Fe has more control and
less body lean on twisty roads,
or when called on to make
unexpected changes in direction.
A 15mm reduction in ground
clearance over the old model
brings a more composed feel
to the suspension. Through the
bends, it sits noticeably flatter
and is less distracted by uneven
road surfaces, with minimal
lateral vehicle movement from
the rear suspension.
The Santa Fe’s serious off-road
adventuring aspirations are
firmly held in check. It does
a decent enough job and feels
assured traversing reasonably
well-formed tracks.
Rating out of 10: Performance 7, Handling 7, Build Quality
7, Comfort 8, Passenger and Load Space 8, Avg fuel
consumption on road test 6.9L/100km, Value for money 6,
Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating. No clean car fee.
Overall points out of 10: 7.5
Vaughan pirie
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