Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Launch
Hyundai recently launched the Santa Fe Hybrid in South Africa, marking continued steps for the brand into the premium large SUV segment with a price tag north of R1 million.
Exterior
The new Santa Fe immediately stands out with Hyundai’s signature retro-futuristic design language. Its distinctive boxy aesthetic harks back to Hyundai’s of the 1980s, yet it’s seamlessly blended with modern elements. H-pattern daytime running lights connected by a light bar ensure the Santa Fe is both unique and classically appealing.
Interior
Inside, the Santa Fe continues the theme of geometric lines and purposeful button placement. A wide, iDrive-esque touch infotainment screen with an integrated instrument cluster dominates the dashboard, offering seamless connectivity with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The build quality is stellar, giving an premium feel despite Hyundai not hiding its use of synthetic leathers for the seats and touch points
Space is abundant, with generous legroom and headroom. Thanks to its long wheelbase, the 7-seater configuration still provides ample boot space, even with the third row of seats in use.
Features
Hyundai has made sure the Santa Fe is exceptionally well-equipped, with nearly every conceivable feature coming standard. This includes dual sunroofs, heated seats, a Bose speaker system, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
Powertrain
Perhaps the most discussed aspect of the new Santa Fe is its hybrid powertrain. Replacing the popular 2.2l diesel to align with stricter emissions standards, this model features a 1.6l turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 44kW integrated electric motor. This combination delivers a healthy 175kW and 367Nm of combined output, channeled through a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.
On the Road
On the road, the hybrid powertrain provides a smooth and refined power delivery, with the instant low-end torque reminiscent of the previous diesel. While the 1.6l petrol might lack some of the substantial feeling of the older 2.2l diesel, its performance is impressive. The ride itself is comfortable and compliant over most road imperfections, though it can feel a bit choppy over sharper bumps.
Overall, the Santa Fe firmly cements Hyundai’s ambitions in the premium segments with its sophisticated design, solid build quality, and extensive standard features. The real test will be whether its R1.25 million price tag can continue to sway buyers away from more established European luxury SUVs.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD
- R1,250,000
- Engine: 1.6l turbocharged 4-cylinder + 44kW e-motor
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic with AWD
- Power: 175kW | 367Nm combined
- Fuel consumption: 7.5l/100km claimed
- 7-year/200,000km warranty
- 6-year/90,000km service plan
- 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
