2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Active, Elite And Highlander Launch Review
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE REVIEW
Vehicle style: Large SUV wagon
Specifications Reviewed | ||
Engine | Power/Torque | Fuel Use (l/100km) |
2.2 litre CRDi diesel | 145kW/436Nm | 6.6 (man), 7.3 (auto) |
2.4 litre GDi petrol | 141kW/242Nm | 9.0 (manual, auto) |
Overview
Smooth, comfortable, spacious and - in diesel trim - effortless on-road. And priced just right for family buyers from middle Australia. That's Hyundai's new Santa Fe.
And, certain to do it no harm in the showroom, this new model, the third generation from the powerhouse Korean manufacturer, is sharply and appealingly styled.
For those who may have found Hyundai's recent styling themes a tad overdone, there's a more subdued and classier edge to the new Santa Fe's lines.
So: drives good, priced good, looks good. If that's not a recipe for success then we need to start looking for a new recipe book.
We gave all three spec-levels a shakedown in the backblocks behind the Hunter Valley - Active, Elite and Highlander, and all autos. The route took in a good mix of rough and rutted gravel, broken secondary roads, and highway.
If there are any gaping shortcomings to the new Santa Fe's capabilities, we didn't find them.
There's a caveat though. The 2.4 litre petrol is a bit underwhelming; it's not expressly poor, but the marginally more expensive 2.2 diesel is far the better car. If you're in the market for an AWD family wagon, this is one you should seriously consider.
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