The New Santa Fe: Spec-tacular

Yochanaan Coetzee South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai Motor Group is mostly known for its impressive range of passenger and light commercial vehicles we have all come to love.What few people know, however, it that it is actually an incredibly diversified group of companies, which has been involved in every industry, from shipbuilding, petrochemicals and retail stores to real estate development, consumer electronics and, at one point, even military armaments.Yes, that’s right, your posh and practical SUV is the distant cousin of the K2 Black Panther battle tank, which was designed by the South Korean Agency for Defence Development as the country’s main battle tank, but built by the Hyundai Rotem unit of the group.The reason I bring this up is that during a recent test drive of the striking 2021 Santa Fe, it became very clear that this fourth-generation SUV, though absolutely non-violent by nature or appearance, came with clear intent to fight for market share in this hotly contested segment.Polished and poisedOur test mule is the R2.2 Executive with upgraded turbodiesel engine and an amazing new eight-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The top-spec R2.2 Elite, also with the 2.2-litre turbodiesel and eight-speed DCT, gains an all-wheel drive system and several more luxury features. Both derivatives are seven-seaters, with two seats in the third row that fold away into the floor of the large cargo compartment.The Santa Fe has been redesigned to convey a look of strength, magnificence and highly redefined luxury. It stands out thanks to its bold exterior and the front section, with its striking new grille bringing out a fresh and more modern look compared to its predecessors.The eye-catching cascading grille has been improved, with its signature geometric patterned inlay integrated with the headlights. The T-shaped daytime running lights, along with the sculpted front bumper, offer a highly distinctive presence and complete the edgy and powerful appearance.At the back, the rear bumper displays a low and wide look that conveys stability. Its bold stance is reflected by the sweeping horizontal line connecting the combination lights and tailgate garnish. The wrap-around combination lamps enhance the look even further thanks to a highly distinctive high-tech design while the premium alloy wheel designs also match the Santa Fe’s classy and robust style.New 18-inch alloy wheels enhance the side view of the Santa Fe Executive, while the Elite derivative comes with 19- or 20-inch wheels with a different design that significantly ups the swag on this head-turner.Innovative luxuryThe spacious interior is well-appointed with sculpted full leather seats, a new floating centre console and stylishly modern instrument cluster and infotainment system which provide a heightened ambience of luxury and convenience.Apart from the buttons for the transmission, the centre console also contains buttons for the automatic climate control and the selector knob for the drive modes and, in the Elite derivative, terrain modes for the all-wheel drive system. Next to the cup holder in the console is a neat, almost hidden wireless charging slot for a cell phone.The eight-inch infotainment system display, with touchscreen functions, provides hands-free convenience with Bluetooth connection to a cell phone, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.Emphasising its approach as an up-market family carrier, the Santa Fe comes with rear window curtains, while heating and ventilation for the front seats are also on the list of convenience features, as well as remote start, which allows one to start the vehicle remotely with the smart key and automatically switch on the air conditioner and setting the temperature at 22°C.The Elite also comes with a 12.3-inch LCD super vision instrument cluster for the driver, which underscores its upmarket feel. Both derivates have paddle gear shift levers on the steering wheel for manual shifting, because the transmission controls on the centre console are push buttons.Slicker than your averageThe new Santa Fe is the first Hyundai model to be fitted with the next-generation powertrain Smartstream R2.2 turbodiesel engine which has a maximum output of 148 kW and maximum torque of 440 Nm.It’s responsiveness quickly impresses, with urban and highway driving being enjoyable, while its surprising efficiency helps you to keep your eyes on the road and not the fuel gauge as you go about your route.It is also the first Hyundai SUV to be equipped with the newly developed and very adeptly-named Smartstream Wet 8DCT, a dual clutch transmission delivering quick eight-speed shifting and acceleration performance. It employs two clutches, one coupled to a shaft for odd-number and the other to the shaft for even-number gears, making it true to its name, thanks to its slick-shifting nature.In the Elite derivative, the new Santa Fe features Hyundai’s signature HTRAC four-wheel drive technology, which gives it agile handling and better torque application depending on wheel grip and vehicle speed.State-of-the-art safety featuresThe new Santa Fe boasts a range of advanced safety feature such as the reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, which detects obstacles when reversing, providing a warning and applying the brakes, if necessary, to avoid a collision. This works in conjunction with its rear cross-traffic warning system to monitor cross traffic approaching from left and right sides behind the vehicle.Safe exit assist issues a warning and keeps the door locked to ensure child safety when a rear occupant attempts to open the rear door while the Santa Fe is standing still and a vehicle is approaching from the rear.It further boasts an anti-lock braking system; electronic brake force distribution; electronic stability programme; vehicle stability management; downhill brake control and hill start assist control.The Santa Fe is an absolute winner and makes a great case for itself with stylish, intelligent and comprehensive offering.Contact AMH Hyundai on 061 431 5000 to book a test drive today!

The New Santa Fe: Spec-tacular

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Republikein 2026-02-23

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The New Santa Fe: Spec-tacular

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Republikein 2026-02-23

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