Hyundai is one of those car brands who provides a long line-up of models in Indian car market and needless to say that it’s almost every model is running so well and being applauded by its customers. The Grand i10, Eon, i10, i20, Verna, Elantra and the Santa Fe etc, all have made their own unique place in its users hearts and has arise a tough fight to their same segment rivals. Still, seems like company doesn’t want to stop, reason is it just bring the all new facelift model of its trendy SUV Santa Fe at recently held Auto Expo. Let’s see what our experts have to say on this.
Well, its price range could be the only and major drawback regarding its sales terms coz the new Santa Fe is much expensive than other same segment models. It carries a high price tags of 25.0 lakhs to 27.8 lakhs which is so much costlier if compare to other same segment models like Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and even its cost is more than the Toyota’s Fortuner and Innova. Must say, company should have take a look in this side.
Engine & Performance:
This overly expensive but muscular SUV is powered by 2199cc, 3rd gen R-Series 2.2 liter CRDi diesel engine which is good to develop max power of 197bhp and peak torque of 420Nm with manual transmission while impressive torque of 436Nm with automatic transmission. Thus, new Santa Fe is available with both transmission gearboxes, manual and automatic as well. Company also offers 2WD and 4WD wheel-drive-system in its AT variant while only 2WD in MT, hence it would be better to chose AT variants.
Also, this new R-series offer better NVH levels and doesn’t make much noise like its predecessor and other diesel fuels. It also offers a pleasant ride on highways and in city as well. It offers ARAI certified mileage figures of 14.74km/l in manual and 13.01 km/l in automatic which are quite more than satisfactory in this size of vehicle.
As per its road handling is concerned, it offers a decent ride on road, the available brake system does a great job by offering a balanced handling and comfort, even suspension assist this SUV on driving under definitive condition of roads. But if anyone likes to chose sport mode while driving then its light steering wheel automatically becomes heavy.
Space & Dimension:
This 3rd gen Santa Fe is now longer by 30mm but has decreased in width and height by 10mm and 35mm, respectively. Hence the all-new dimension of New Santa Fe is 4690mm x 1880mm x 1690mm along with the wheelbase of 2700mm, clear height of 185mm and wonderful boot space of 585 liters but by folding down the rear seats. It offers seating capacity for seven passengers; two at front, three in middle and two at rear row which makes its better than EcoSport, Duster, Terrano etc that offers seating capacity just for five.
Interior and Exterior:
This New Santa Fe has been renovated by a big leap and now looking much refreshed, bold and cooler than its predecessor. It is designed with all-new trapezoidal front grille along with horizontal chrome slats, aggressive headlamps with trendy projector lamps, muscular body with attractive chrome surrounded windows, LED tail lamps, trendy rear bumpers with reflectors, 18” 10 spoke diamond cut alloy wheels, classy roof rails and refined rear spoiler which all in a combined form making this muscular SUV sportier and bold than ever.
At inside the cabin, it offers an entire range of requisite and comfort features made by using premium quality materials which can be found generally in Hyundai’s almost every model. It has a spacious cabin with enough legroom and headroom as well. It also gets comfort features like AC vents, centre console, dual charging points, music system with 6-speakers, LCD touchscreen with CD, USB, Aux-In, Bluetooth portability, power steering wheel having audio controls on it, modified instrument cluster, cruise control, cooled glove box, rear parking sensors, smart key, start/stop button, rear view camera, auto folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers, Solar Glass windshield to prevent the inside cabin from UV and infra red rays and definitely many more features are making its warm presence in this trendy SUV.
Verdict:
Pros:
– Powerful engine and impressive performance
– Newly designed and looking far better than its predecessor
Cons:
– The only major con is its much high price tags.
