హ్యుందాయ్ Santa Fe 4WD AT

Hyundai Motors India Limited, the fully owned subsidiary of the South Korean auto giant has launched the 3rd generation version of its luxury SUV model Hyundai Santa Fe in the country. The company has introduced this facelifted version in three trim levels with improved exteriors, interiors and features. The Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD AT is the top end variant in its series and it is equipped with the same 2.2-litre CRDi diesel power plant and it is coupled with a 6-speed H-Matic automatic transmission gearbox. The technicalities of the engine are also updated as a result of which, it has managed to improve the performance, while reducing the consumption of fuel. In term of exteriors, it comes with a brand new headlight cluster, a refurbished radiator grille and a rugged new bumper. The company has also refurbished the rear profile of this SUV in order to bring a complete new look to the vehicle. Inside the cabin, it comes with three rows with seating arrangement for seven passengers. The company is offering the driver seat with 12-way power adjustable function, which will offer a more pleasurable driving experience. On the whole, the 2014 version of Santa Fe has stormed into the Indian auto bazaar with brand new aspects, which will help it to give fierce competition to other contenders.

Exteriors:

The manufacturer has redesigned the exteriors, which now looks more refined. The headlight cluster gets a sleek yet bolder design and it comes incorporated with xenon headlamps with LED positioning lights and turn indicator . In the center, the structure of the radiator gets a pronounced look, thanks to the three horizontally positioned slats along with a chrome plated company logo. In addition to these, the manufacturer has also tweaked the design of the bumper with a wider air dam and incorporated with new fog lamps with cornering function. The rear profile of this SUV is blessed with a striking new taillight cluster with LED taillights and turn indicator that adds to its elegance. The side profile gets a minor update in the form of aerodynamic external mirrors that comes incorporated with LED side blinkers. The wheel arches have been fitted with a brand new diamond cut design 18-inch alloy wheels, which are further covered with a robust tubeless radial tyres. The company is offering this refreshed SUV in quite a few exterior color options for the buyers to choose from. The dimensions of this SUV are also quite roomy along with a decent ground clearance and wheelbase.

Interiors:

The newly introduced 2014 version of Santa Fe gets an improved interior design with a seating option for seven passengers. The company has blessed the cabin of this SUV with three row seating, wherein, the cockpit is equipped with captain seats. The driver seat comes with a 12-way electrically adjustable function . The interiors of this SUV comes with two tone, beige and black color scheme and it is complimented by a lot of chrome and metallic inserts. Its door panels have been accentuated with a lot of metallic inserts, while the inside door handles are in chrome. Its cockpit comes with a well structured dashboard and central console where the company has equipped many equipments such as AC unit, music system, touchscreen display and number of others. The automaker has equipped the cabin with several important utility features such as multi functional steering wheel, a cooled glove box unit, rear center armrest with cup holders, storage compartment, accessory power socket, sun glass holders are just to name a few.

Engine and Performance:

The refurbished Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD AT is equipped with powerful 4-cylinder, 2.2-litre common rail diesel power plant that comes with 2199cc displacement capacity. The manufacturer has designed this engine on the basis of a DOHC valve configuration by integrating 12 valves in the engine. This will allow the motor to produce a peak power output of about 436.4Bhp of peak power at 3800rpm, which will result in producing a peak torque output of about 436.4Nm in between 1800 to 2500rpm. This commanding torque output is distributed to all the four wheels equally via a 6-speed, H-Matic auto transmission gearbox in 4WD pattern. The manufacturer claims that the vehicle can return a maximum mileage of 11.72 Kmpl of mileage, which is quite decent considering its power and performance.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels of this refurbished version have been fitted with a pair of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones have been equipped with a pair of solid disc brakes. This disc braking mechanism is reinforced by anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution system . Apart from these, the company has also equipped this trim with brake assist function, which further enhances the mechanism. On the other hand, the front axle of this SUV comes fitted with McPherson strut type of suspension, while the rear axle is equipped with multi link type of a mechanism. Furthermore, the company has also equipped this trim with a speed related power assisted steering system as well.

Comfort Features:

The Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD AT is the top end variant in its series and it is being offered with unique set of features including a supervision cluster, smart key with push button start system and number of others. The list of features include 12-way power adjustable driver seat, fully adjustable AC unit with dual zone control, AC vents for both the rear rows , electrically adjustable outside mirrors with auto folding option and heated system with integrated turn indicators, rain sensing wipers, cruise control system and other advanced features. This SUV also blessed with a touchscreen audio system with USB, AUX-In and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety Features:

This top end variant comes equipped with improved safety and protective function such as dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags. The list of other features includes the ABS with EBD, electronic stability control program, hill start assist and down hill brake control, rollover sensor, IGN key interlock system, impact sensing door lock , shift lock system, an engine immobilizer system and other sophisticated features.

Pros: Luxurious interiors, striking new look.

Cons: Fuel efficiency is poor, no technical updates.