Hyundai Santa Fe 2018: what's under the bright cover?

The new generation of Santa Fe is already the fourth in a row. The first one appeared in 2000, since then over 4.5 million cars have been sold worldwide. What will attract new customers?

Design! A huge “shed” of the radiator grille, a predatory “squint” of the upper optics, relief sidewalls, and wide wheel arches, in which huge 19-inch wheels are hidden. New Santa Fe looks aggressive and not boring!

At the same time, it is clear that designers tried to unload the massive rear part of the body with all available methods. Coupe-shaped appearance would take away the living space of the third-row passengers and reduce the cargo capacity of the car. But still Santa Fe will remain a spacious family car!

By the way, in comparison with the predecessor, the Santa Fe 2018 added 7 cm in length, became wider, and the wheelbase increased by 6.5 cm. All this had a positive effect on the interior dimensions of the cabin. This gives more space for rear passengers.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 is able to level the body and loves asphalt

It is better to choose the roads with asphalt for the trip. The suspension is almost not punched in the pits, but on the turns the Santa Fe 2018 dances a little bit on bad surface. On flat asphalt, there are no problems. And it is absolutely silent in the cabin up to 180 km/h.

Interior

Returning to the interior, it is necessary to mention that the Santa Fe 2018 was created with the aim of minimally distracting the driver from control and monitoring the road. At the same time, all the necessary information for the driver continues to be updated, being displayed on the “floating” display of the head multimedia navigation complex, seamlessly integrated into the center console. Between the display and climate control there are narrow duct vents that logically “split” the center console into areas of interaction with the driver.

Characteristics and technologies

The crossover buyers are offered a choice of three engines: diesel “R” families R2.0 e-VGT (186 hp) and R2.2 e-VGT (202 hp), as well as the petrol Theta II 2.0 Turbo GDi ( 235 hp). The engines work in tandem with an 8-speed automatic transmission with an improved “pickup” at low revs and reduced fuel consumption at high revs. The power of the Hyundai Santa Fe is in a new electric body on the steering rack with variable tooth pitch (R-MDPS system), which improves the steering responsiveness and feedback.

For the first time, the HTRAC intelligent all-wheel drive from cars under the luxury brand Genesis is used here on the "ordinary" Hyundai model. The AWD crossover system has four preset modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart, which affect the braking force applied to the wheels and the torque transmitted to them. For the driver, a real-time distribution map of the wheels is displayed on the display in order to visually determine whether the AWD system is currently working properly.

Safety

The new Korean flagship used all the latest developments of the Hyundai Motor Group in the field of security. Thus, the car body became stronger by tensile by 14.3%, the number of parts manufactured by hot stamping was increased 2.5 times. The torsional rigidity of the body became higher by 15.4%. All these improvements will help increase the chances of passengers to avoid injuries in an accident. On the electronics side, an active frontal collision warning system, lane control and a child or pet reminder system are responsible for the safety of the passengers. Plus, the system of circular view with artificial intelligence, signs and hints to the driver will help to park safely.