The new generation of Santa Fe presents itself with a modern, attractive design. Well-cornering, comfortable and quiet - the SUV is significantly better than its predecessor. Safety equipment: Electronic Stability Program (ESC), side curtain airbags for all rows of seats, tire pressure gauge, ABS - all standard equipment. The safety of Santa Fe is rated 5 stars by the NHTSA. In the interior, the instrument panel is illuminated in blue (unlike the green color used in previous Hyundai models), and the materials used are of higher quality. The SUV is not a true off-road specialist, but is a good choice for driving in bad weather thanks to the AWD system. The car has a third row of seats, although space is really limited here. Overall, the car has become a very successful creation for Hyundai and is highly valued by its owners for its comfortable ride, abundant equipment and excellent value for money.
Low maintenance, engine works quietly, spacious, quite comfortable
Lack of dynamics
Year: 2006
Engine capacity, l: 2,2
Fuel Type: Diesel
Gearbox: Automatic
Body type: SUV
Car description
It was bought 9 months ago and was well-maintained in Bristol. Mileage indicated on odometer was 90.000 miles. After buying my previous cars (for one or another reason) it took 2-3 months to change my mind and start looking for a newer car. But this case with Hyundai Santa Fe was completely different. Ok, I have to admit it isn’t perfect (it has poor audio system), but generally speaking I haven’t noticed any major defects. It has specious interior, easily manageable (like SUVs), if to compare with my previously owned Volvo XC70 I should say that seats are rather hard, but in long distance trips that doesn’t bother me. I’d give a big plus for the hidden trunk compartment which makes my life a lot easier since I can easily contain all my power tools there and still I’ll have plenty of space in the trunk – that’s just great! To my mind, sound isolation is not bad; however, rear wheel arches could be isolated better cause every time I go on a wet road water noise coming from under the wheel arches slightly irritates me. Leaving aside all elements causing small discomfort, I’d say this car still satisfies me totally. I even bough new summer tires :) which I never used to do for any of my previous cars simply because none of them was used more than for one season.
Performance
I have 2.2 CRDi engine, with 150 HP and automatic transmission. The engine works quietly. If you are not a speed lover than your fuel consumption in winter would be 25 mpg, in summer – 33 mpg, resp. 70 % of vehicle usage in the city and 30 % - on the highway. So an average according to my calculation would be 28 mpg. The dynamics is pretty weak. Newer 2008 engine with 197 HP would be even better. Automatic transmission and a 2.2-litre engine might not be the perfect option, but it doesn’t bother me. So far I had no problems with the engine and I hope I will never have.
Reliability, running costs
After 12.000 miles I did all necessary repairs: the main belt, bearing and water pump were replaced. Oil together with other filters (oil, fuel, cabin air filters) was changed too. As I remember, the price for the replacement of the rear brake pads, link stabilizer and steering box was reasonable enough.