While all eyes are on the new model,
Myk Belmonte checks out the merits of the model it replaced.
2006-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
History
Despite having this story repeated several times, Korean car manufacturers had been the subject of automotive jokes during the 80s and 90s. They can be similarly compared with microwavable snacks to go in convenience stores, they're cheap but disposable. In fact, some Korean vehicles end up abandoned or being ripped for parts in automotive recycling facilities. Hyundai was one manufacturer who never gave up in making efforts on building reliable vehicles and the manufacturer reaped the rewards for their efforts during the latter part of the 21st century.
Bet you didn't know that the Santa Fe was Hyundai's first SUV that badge engineering was not involved in the process. It was introduced to the market in 2001 which was touted as the compact crossover SUV craze, with numerous vehicles of this genre being released side by side. The second generation placed Hyundai in the spotlight of award giving bodies in vehicle quality and journalists took a liking of it.
2006 saw the launch of the Santa Fe in the Philippines and it was a fresh sight among the mid-size rivalry from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, and Isuzu. This vehicle was wrapped in a unibody construction, unlike others that utilized a ladder frame body. While other SUVs gave backaches when driven hard, this one does not thanks to a sedan-like driving dynamics. With the fuel prices a worry, the Santa Fe, in diesel form, became a top choice among fuel conscious motorists who prefer their rides smooth. Seeing this generation of Santa Fe inside Hyundai dealers lasted until 2012, with a new generation model being launched in September 2012.
Value and Costs
All you need is to remove your oppositions against vehicles from the Gangnam Style country, this outstanding performer (save in some aspects which we will explain later) can be had for P680,000-P1,280,000. The ones in the million bucks territory are the recent models but any unit with a diesel engine under the hood is the one to get.
Having this SUV in your garage wont bring you potential headaches, that's if you maintain it properly. Have this baby fueled up in clean gasoline stations, especially for the 2010 and later diesel models. If possible, find for a 2009 and up unit to utilize the 5 year warranty.
Exterior and Interior
This one looks more conventional and waved goodbye to awkward angles of yesteryear's. If you said that it has some sides resemble European makes, this is because the Germans laid their hands on designing this vehicle. Have a peek at the back and see those twin pipes? They dictate to the great performance this SUV has.
Don't let the small exterior proportions fool you, the cabin is roomy than you think. While the two rows are general patronage, the third row is R-8 (kids eight years old and younger are allowed) and below. Interior quality is a mixed bag, while they look of high quality, durability (no thanks to the climate, which are the apparent weakness of Korean vehicles) and scratch-resistance are something to be improved upon.
Engines
Two sets of engines are made available throughout the Fe's selling life. From 2006 to February 2010, an MU 2,656cc V6 gasoline with 188hp at 6,000rpm and 248Nm at 4,000rpm and a D 2,199cc diesel that carries 150hp at 4,000rpm and 335Nm at 1,800-2,000rpm are options among buyers. An update in March 2010 had the V6 engine ditched in favor of the Theta II 2,359cc inline-four that has 174 hp at 6,000rpm and 225Nm at 2,750rpm while the 2.2 diesel got an upgrade to 197hp at 3,800rpm and a frightening 436Nm at 1,800-2,500rpm. The diesels are no slouch performers but the one that can bring a fast pull is the R engine that can bring out the sports car in you. The 2.4 gasoline performs decently while the 2.7 V6 is the one to avoid. at least in the local sense.
Driving Impressions
The monstrous engine characteristic (especially with the diesels) that can give you a frightening acceleration, and the comfort biased suspension that does not fit to its character is standard contrasts to one another. The Santa Fe prefers to be driven in straight roads but don't give this a diet that has curves and zig-zags, since it will drive like a boat and making it a weak point of this SUV. Smooth roads are heaven, bad ones are hell, and thus, be wary of the suspension.
Verdict
Enjoying family trips without sacrificing driving fun is a hard task. But the Santa Fe's car based suspension and the great zing of the R diesel (the D oil burner is also a great performer) makes it a fun combo. With prices below the million peso range, you can have an SUV that you and your clan can enjoy with.
The Good:
- Sleek looks
- Great diesel engines
- You'll love the ride, it won't break your back
The Bad:
- Good luck sitting in the third row
- Not that a pleasurable drive
- Underwhelming performance of the V6 (in local conditions at least)
The Pick: Diesel versions
THE SPECS
Engines: 2,359cc Theta II I4 and 2,656 MU V6 gasoline, 2,199cc D (2006-2009) and R (2010-2012) I4 diesel
Power: 150hp @ 4,000rpm (2.2, 2006-2009), 188hp @ 6,000rpm (2.7 V6), 197hp @ 3,800rpm (2.2, 2010-2012), 174hp @ 6,000rpm (2.4 I4)
Torque: 335Nm @ 1,800-2,000 (2.2, 2006-2009), 248Nm @ 4,000rpm (2.7 V6), 436Nm @ 1,800-2,500rpm (2.2, 2010-2012), 225Nm @ 2,750rpm (2.4 I4)
Fuel Consumption: 6-10km/L (city), 9-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies, ranges all engine variants)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (2.7 V6, 2006-2009), 5-speed automatic (2006-2009 diesels), 6-speed automatic (2010-2012 models)
Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link
MORE INFO
Price (New): P1,330,000-P1,800,000 (range from 2006-2012)
Price (Now): P650,000-P1,280,000
Rivals: Kia Sorento, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Everest, Isuzu Alterra
On Sale: 2006-2012
Resources:
Contacts:
