WE’RE not talking about just beauty and power. The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, which was launched recently in Subic, Zambales, is loaded with safety features and maximum entertainment.
If you’ve been praying for a premium quality sport-utility vehicle (SUV) that has refined strength infused with everyday versatility then, the Santa Fe could be your answered prayer.
Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari), the Philippines’s official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, in cooperation with the Hyundai Motor Co. Regional Headquarters (HMC RHQ), initiated the Regional Test Drive, entitled “Sea to Summit Conquest.”
Local and international motoring journalists who flew in from neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Cambodia and Singapore, participated in the event that gave us the opportunity to test the Santa Fe on the terrains of Subic and Bataan for a total of 146 kilometers from September 3 to 5.
The Santa Fe’s three-dimensional honeycomb patterned and much widened cascading grille was based on Hyundai’s new family identity—separated headlight design (composed of LED projector lamps with dynamic bending and daytime running lights) and diamond-cut 19-inch alloy wheels, to a more muscular and taut shape.
With a seating capacity of seven, the Santa Fe’s cabin is crafted from the finest natural materials combined with instinctive technology, including the head-up display that gives you the privilege to stay protected and in control regardless of the environment; audio system that possesses Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition for Android Auto and Apple Carplay; deluxe leather seats that make any road trip feel effortlessly first class; cruise control; and anti-lock braking system.
In his welcome remarks, “As you know, the first generation of Santa Fe was launched in 2000. It is the cornerstone of Hyundai’s longstanding SUV heritage and the fourth-generation Santa Fe will continue to impress customers with its premium design, spacious interior and advanced technology,” said Yong Suk Lee, director of HMC RHQ.
Twenty units of the Santa Fe, which were allotted to the local and foreign delegates, rolled off in the morning of September 4. The flag-off also served as the start of the Power of Distance Fitbit Challenge, wherein the delegate who recorded the most number of steps during the entire test drive took home a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Note 9, while the runner-up took home a brand-new Fossil smartwatch. My codriver Randy Peregrino of the BusinessMirror won the challenge with a record of 52,100 steps, while Ronald de los Reyes of the BusinessMirror with 50,934 steps came in second place. Now you know who to beat not just in test drives but in fitbit, as well.
Our first stop was at Mount Samat, the historic mountain that’s nestled in the rural town of Pilar. Found on top of Mount Samat is a national shrine (Dambana ng Kagitingan) commemorating the valor of the fallen Filipino and American soldiers of the World War II. Reaching the summit of Mount Samat was difficult, because we had to navigate the steep, winding roads, sharp curves, rough roads and the ongoing road constructions, but with the vehicle’s powerful 2.2L CRDi engine, everything was smooth and calm with the Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a maximum power of 200ps/3800rpm and maximum torque of 45kg-m/1740-2750rpm. It has a monocoque structure that can give you quicker, crisper shifts with far, better controlled body roll for a more efficient and comfortable driving experience on a day-to-day basis.
After Mount Samat, we drove to the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a 14-hectare land that is famous for being an open-air museum that possesses a collection of fully restored vintage houses. We savored a hearty, Filipino feast for lunch before participating in the Faith in History Photography Challenge—a game where we had to collaborate with our team the best photos of the Santa Fe inside Las Casas. The winning duo went to the team of Anjo Perez of Wheels Magazine and Dino Directo of Manila Times, who both received a brand-new Fujifilm X-T100 camera each.
Our last stopover before we headed back to Sagara Villas in Subic where we were billeted was the Napot Point, home of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Constructed in 1976, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is the Philippines’s only attempt at building a nuclear power plant. “Today will serve as the testament of the dedication, camaraderie and refined strength exhibited not just by the People of Hyundai coming from the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, but by each and every one who took the time to be here,” said Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, president and CEO of Hari.
No matter how short or long your journey, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is a pleasure to ride and drive. It is truly a head-turning vehicle priced at P2.338 million, which can give you the strength to enter the gateway of luxury driving.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, HARI