By: Minesh Bhagaloo
Seven-seaters, be they SUVs or MPVs, are the automotive equivalent of jungle gyms to kids.
Little ones love the three rows and all that space – but really enjoy playing Tetris with the seats themselves, configuring them in the most unusual layouts possible for their little hide-and-seek games.
Thankfully every single seat in the Hyundai Santa Fe anchors sprogs in with seatbelts, with some manufacturers throwing in third-row cupholders and second-row aviation trays – which only heightens the excitement.
The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, on test here, is such an example of the mobile jungle gym (the entry-level in the range is a more-conventional five-seater, but the all-wheel drive models offer seven seats), and coupled with what has to be one of the biggest glass roofs I’ve seen yet (which opens too) had the kids in commuting heaven.
There’s a fair amount for dad and mom to like too, and I have to admit that the Koreans have gone the extra mile in both drivability and attention to detail.
CLEVER FEATURES
Besides all the sliding and folding, there’s a host of clever little features to make your life easier. The underfloor compartment in the boot, for example, has an area to store the luggage tonneau cover when the third row of seats are in use (the spare lives underneath the SUV); the third row gets its own fan-speed dial; vanity mirrors have individual switches for activation; the glovebox is cooled; and there’s a host of pleasant jingles (they can be deactivated) which welcome you into the car or say goodbye.
The top-of-the-range Santa Fe we tested had a neat screen within the rear-view mirror for the reverse camera; there’s a convenient second shelf inside the centre console for your wallet; a host of handy 12V sockets abound in the cabin; and I liked (especially at night) that the door handle lamps lit up when sensing the key as I walked up to the car.
The interior layout is basic, which is nice in the sense that there are simple buttons for what you’re trying to do, but necessities like satnav and bluetooth connectivity are not offered. The little blue screens for the radio and climate control look a little cheap too. But the cabin finishes are top notch with leather seats, soft finishes, subtle silver badging, and piano black surfaces all creating a premium feel. I must just say that as much as the third row is easy to access, it’s still mainly for children, and when in use kills boot space. An electronic tailgate would be nice too.
Safety nets include ESP, Hill-Start Assist, Rear Park Assist, Traction and Stability Control and six airbags.
HEY, GOOD LOOKING
The latest Santa Fe looks the part, with Hyundai using what it calls “Storm Edge” styling, based on the images created by nature during the formation of a storm. It’s an angry look with a bold hexagonal front grille, Xenons with a striking eyelash, gloss black finishes across the body, rear diffuser, and very cool 19” wheels in range-topping Elite spec.
Powering the entire Santa Fe range is a 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel, and it works. There’s virtually no turbo lag – the six-speed auto ‘box is wide awake and even in Eco mode keeps the cogs on high alert. At no time did the SUV feel sluggish, with the engine/gearbox marriage working well both in traffic and on the highway. We managed an 8.2l/100km consumption figure (Hyundai claims 8.3l/100km) – which I thought was very reasonable for the bulk being moved.
It’s not all that great on the handling front though, and the independent suspension tended to feel a little wallowy and top heavy through faster corners.
Like in other Hyundais the electric steering offers Normal, Comfort and Sport settings, but steering feedback feels a bit distant – even in the sharper Sport setting.
If the odd bit of softroading is your thing, the all-wheel drive system will engage the rear wheels when needed (usually just the fronts are driven). There’s also a 4WD Lock mode which splits torque to the front and rear axles evenly, and hill descent control for those slippery declines, but no low-range gear.
VERDICT
With a starting price of R434 900 for the front-wheel drive, and half a million for the range-topping all-wheel drive I reckon the Santa Fe is a winner. It’s pleasant to drive, offers good build quality and refined finishes, and is ideal for larger families. Hyundai’s five-year/150 000km warranty is the cherry on top. -Star Motoring