IT was during the 2018 Manila International Auto Show (Mias) when the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe finally flaunted its design breakthrough in the country. We knew back then that this latest generation midsize sport-utility vehicle (SUV) was more than just a stunner. Because according to Hyundai, the Santa Fe is the embodiment of refined strength.
In order to better understand and experience the philosophy behind the latest generation Santa Fe, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari), the Philippines’s official distributor of Hyundai vehicles, recently hosted a regional drive event. Select members of the Philippine media and from the neighboring Asean countries, including Korea, Singapore and Cambodia gathered together and tested the all-new Santa Fe from Subic, Zambales, to several scenic destinations in Bataan. Teamed up with the BusinessMirror’s Motoring Editor Tet Andolong, we boarded one of the turbodiesel variants along with other petrol versions marketed for other countries.
Enhancement all over
During the event’s product presentation, we had an exclusive encounter with the seven-seater SUV. Everyone was lured to the vehicle’s undisputable well-polished ultramodern design cues. Prominent upfront is Hyundai’s new imposing design signature and individuality. It emphasizes the new three-dimensional honeycomb pattern and broad flowing grille with dark chrome finish along with the slenderer lamp fitted with daytime running lights. The revolutionary look also presents the separated LED projector-type headlights design equipped with dynamic bending.
Unquestionably, Hyundai did a great job in further evolving the premium look that the Sante Fe is known for. Every contour and character line from the bonnet and flanks exude with detail and precision. Along with these aerodynamic profiles are the black trims surrounding the bottom panels complementing the diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels for that athletic stance. Even the rear end now looks sharper with fresh set of taillights, dark chrome garnish along with added tailgate contours. Interestingly, the all-new Santa Fe is Hyundai’s first monocoque-body SUV to be introduced.
Meanwhile, the cabin also received significant enhancements leaving almost no traces from the precious generation. Let alone the new dashboard with dual-cockpit layout detailed with a myriad of plush finishes. Underlining the dashboard is the separated section draped with the same brown leather materials as with the super comfy seats, door arm rests and center console. Also, there are glossy wood finishes from the sidings all the way to the boarders of the top dashboard panel, as well as metal trims here and there.
Moreover, there’s the new 7-inch head-up display with numerous connectivity functions, including Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, both with voice recognitions. Rather than going full touch-operated, Hyundai opted to retain the physical buttons and dials for intuitive operation. Interestingly, with all the enhancements made in the cabin, all control switches are still clustered and easy to access. Overall, the interior offers nothing short of that first-class atmosphere with all the bells and whistles in an entirely modernistic layout.
Premium and power
The following day finally gave us the opportunity to roll out with the all-new Santa Fe. Being a passenger provided the chance to experience what the luxurious interior has to offer aside from the long list of convenience features. Once you jump in, it’s easy to settle and find that perfect seating position, thanks to the fully electronic adjustment for both front seats. If you think that the appealing and posh interior is enough, wait until you play your favorite music files and be absorbed from the crisp sound courtesy of the six-speaker system. We were also impressed by the head unit displaying a 360-degree view once you shifted to drive before taking off.
On the road, it didn’t take long to feel that first-rate ambiance coming from the quiet cabin, smooth ride and cool air-conditioning. In fact, it’s easy to be persuaded as if you’re riding a luxury midsize sedan. The tire rebounds from road imperfections, meantime, were tolerable but rolling on paved roads was an absolute bliss. More so, you got to love how comfortable the cozy, soft and slick pelt-draped seats are, as the bolsters and paddings made it more ergonomic.
Behind-the-wheel was yet another satisfying experience. Hyundai retained the punchy 2.2-liter turbodiesel mill with e-VGT from the previous generation generating 197 hp and 440 N-m of maximum torque. But the significant improvement in acceleration lies on the new eight-speed automatic transmission. The seamless gearing suits well with the motor’s optimum torque in the low-end range. As a result, the absence of the engine’s grunt added to the tranquil ride. But summon it and you’ll get forceful accelerations without any hesitation. In fact, there was no need to go on manual mode to squeeze more power.
Another plus factor was how the responsive steering made tackling winding roads with ease. Unlike other SUVs on a pickup platform, the handling is way better with considerably less body rolls. In every destination we reached, the driving feel was satisfying, relaxed and trouble-free. During the culmination night, none other than Hari President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo expressed her gratitude to all participants. “Today will also be a moment to remember because our past and the present have been intertwined as we conquered the roads from the busy shores of Subic to the heroic summit of Bataan. I hope that you enjoyed the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe driving experience.”
Ultimately, the all-new Santa Fe raised the bar. Period. To say that this latest generation midsize SUV has come a long way, is definitely an understatement. Priced at P2.338 million, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 R CRDi GLS 2WD variant is now available in Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino