Hyundai ix35 R2.0 4x4 Automatic Elite

You’d be forgiven for having missed the facelift of the Hyundai ix35, introduced in March 2014, mainly because the exterior enhancements were so subtle only a keen eye would have noticed.

Basically, apart from some shiny new alloy wheels, the updated Hyundai ix35 for sale received new headlight housings that sport LED daytime running and a set of stylish LED tail lamps, and that’s about it.

The other enhancements are skin deep, most notably in the quality of the materials used in the cabin. Though on a par at the time, the first ix35 was quite ‘plasticy’, and very ‘pleathery’. Being one of only a few new affordable entrants into the compact SUV space in 2010, car and MPV buyers flocked into showrooms to get themselves some “higher seating, go anywhere, but still rides well on tar” love.

I don’t think that dealers are struggling to move the ix35 off showroom floors, but its competition is good, so good that the four-year-old ix35 is starting to show its age.

What’s new?

After a week behind the wheel of the R485 000 range-topping ix35 R2.0 (diesel) 4x4 Automatic ‘Elite’, it was easy to see how far the car had come in four years. While fundamentally the 130 kW and 392 Nm diesel lump has not changed, the car feels altogether more refined. It was a benchmark engine in 2010, but now it’s the status quo.

The materials appear to be up to European standards and the Elite and Executive models include a 4.3” monitor for infotainment and parking camera duties. And there are multiple options for connecting your phone – USB, Aux, and Bluetooth audio streaming – that performed seamlessly using an iPhone. Sometimes the challenge is Android devices, but Bluetooth streaming should alleviate this hassle.    

The six-speed automatic and selectable all-wheel drive in our test unit provided for a smooth drive with surefooted handling, although all-wheel drive comes at a nearly R100 000 premium over the similarly specced two-wheel drive. The 392 Nm of torque available from 1800 rpm makes highway cruising and overtaking a brisk affair, just add gas and off you go. Quickly.

A cool feature to appear in the Elite and Executive models that I first experienced in the new Kia Koup is the FLEX STEER system. This gives the driver the option to select the preferred steering feel from Normal, Sport or Comfort modes. In practice it worked well, whether it becomes a novelty I guess remains to be seen.

Note from the blogger:

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Article source: http://www.techsmart.co.za/cars/car_reviews/Hyundai-ix35-R20-4x4-Automatic-Elite

New Santa Fe in SA: Next-gen SUV a 'polished performer'

Cape Town - Believe it or not the Hyundai Santa Fe has been with us close on 14 years now.

Model onslaught for SA

There was a time when people bought a Hyundai product strictly on price alone. The initial foray into South Africa – onslaught might be a better word by this Korean company - saw them build up a really decent customer/client relationship, and in double-quick time too.

It’s worth recording Hyundai seems to be well ahead of their game in the 4x4 stakes, because a gap spotted is a gap taken, as the old adage goes.

Back to the present and we find the 2016 model year Santa Fe R2.2 5-seater Elite uses a front-wheel drive system, while the R2.2 7-seater Elite is equipped with an all-wheel drive system that can be locked when needed.

'Beast of burden'

Buyers in this premium segment are given a choice between the front-wheel drive Santa Fe and the all-wheel drive derivative, both called Elite, incidentally.

When carrying more passengers becomes a priority, the Elite with their third row of seats that fold away into the cargo floor in the rear, offers another option to make it an even more versatile “beast of burden.”

Tweaked and upgraded, but available in only two derivatives going forward, the latest Santa Fe model only available in Elite spec adopts the most recent Hyundai design features, with the signature hexagonal front grille and sharper profile visually uniting the range.

There’s newly designed 19” alloy wheels that accentuate the model’s refined lines while reinforcing the car’s status at the top of Hyundai Motor’s SUV line-up, while road presence is enhanced by new front and rear bumpers with redesigned fog and LED daytime running lights, framed with new silver trim.

Refined interior

Inside, Santa Fe remains a refined and comfortable place to be with updates to the console cluster and the navigation system presenting the car’s sophisticated image. The relationship between design and functionality continues throughout the cockpit where new material and exterior colours build on the premium quality that has become the hallmark of Hyundai’s flagship model.

One thing that’s very noticeable – and much to the chagrin from the German trio of Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW apparently – is an almost non-existent options list from this Korean manufacturer because the Santa Fe really does come full house.

Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, told Wheels24 readers at launch: “There’s a whole raft of important upgrades that emphasise its visual stance and athletic character. Being the flagship car in Hyundai’s local range and its SUV line-up, the Santa Fe benefits from several new technologies in the Hyundai stable, all contributing to a more luxurious and safer motoring experience.”

Power

Under the bonnet is a lusty 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel that's capable of 145kW/436Nm of torque… featuring an advanced third-generation common-rail fuel injection system and a high efficiency electronic turbocharger… coupled to a six-speed auto gearbox that offers the option of manual gearshift.

This engine delivers CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of 198 g/km and 8 litres/100 km respectively in the 2WD five-seater Elite variant, and 206 g/km and 8.3 litres/100 km in the All-Wheel Drive 7-seater Elite derivative.

Three driving modes can be selected: Sport, Normal and Eco. The normal driving mode is selected by default, and the Sport or Eco mode can be chosen by pressing a switch on the instrument panel right of the steering wheel. In Eco mode the gears shift slightly earlier to effect more frugal fuel consumption in a car that can boast with a figure of as low as 7.3 litres/100km on the open road.

How does it drive?

Seriously though, what’s it like to drive in real world conditions, I hear you ask.

Glad to report the Mark III Santa Fe boasts superb road manners and proved surprisingly agile, safe and virtually devoid of any rattles, bangs or shudders while making rapid progress on deeply rutted sand tracks. The new-found, much reduced levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) have to be experienced to be believed, thanks due in the main to the brilliant suspension this particular Hyundai is blessed with.

Building on Santa Fe’s high safety specification, the new version introduces several new active safety and comfort features. In line with changing customer perceptions of the Hyundai, enhancements boost the premium feel and sophisticated appearance of the new model.

Overall

To sum up we’d like to think the Santa Fe is now built to a standard commensurate with the asking price, and we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. By virtue of its unique positioning in the marketplace, it deserves the attention of anyone looking for an affordable five - seven-seat family vehicle with loads more attitude than an MPV.

Article source: http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/New-Santa-Fe-in-SA-Next-gen-SUV-a-polished-performer-20151012

2016 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AND SANTA FE SPORT

Hyundai makes a bid for the entire crossover market with the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport, as they are riding high on the success of the 2015 model that won such coveted awards as Cars.com’s Family Car of the Year. Last year the suspension and handling were overhauled to great success, making the Santa Fe one of the best handling affordable crossovers money can buy.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe crossover SUV is quite unique in that it is offered in a 5-passenger model (the Santa Fe Sport) and a 6-7 passenger model (the Santa Fe). Apart from differing in their wheelbase, the two cars come with different engine options, but in terms of styling, interior and features they are virtually identical.

With base models coming with a healthy stack of standard features and a few optional packages that you can choose to really drive around in luxury, either the Santa Fe or the Santa Fe Sport should have you covered. So which is right for your family?

MODELS

2016 Santa Fe Sport

2016 Santa Fe Sport

The 5-passenger crossover Santa Fe Sport base trim comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed SHIFTTRONIC automatic transmission. Power steering, Macpherson struts, electronic stability control, traction control, braking assists and driver-selectable steering modes mean the Sport lives up to its name on the road. 17” alloys come as standard, as do a blind spot mirror, chrome accent exterior features and daytime running lights. Inside, the 40/20/20 back seats are cloth, the steering wheel tilt-and-telescopic and a 6-speaker satellite radio system comes as standard.

Three equipment packages are available for the Santa Fe Sport. The Popular Equipment Package is a value-adding option that includes a roof rack, auto headlights, 4-way lumbar support power driver’s seat, rearview camera, support for Blue Link telematics (see below) and a 4.3” color LCD touchscreen.

If you’ve got the Popular Equipment Package you can upgrade further with the Premium Package, which adds blind spot, rear traffic and lane assist safety aids, leather seats and steering wheel, 60/40 sliding back seats, dual climate zones, proximity key entry, a new gauge cluster and side mirror turn signal indicators.

Finally you can add a further level with the Tech Package, which includes a rear parking assistant, 8-inch touchscreen navigation, Dimension sound system, panoramic sunroof, heated seats throughout, heated steering wheel and a driver’s mirror and seat memory system.

2016 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T

The Sport 2.0T has a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of 265 horsepower. It further differentiates itself from the base Sport by coming with 18” alloys, a roof rack, side mirror turn signal indicators and a hands-free smart liftgate as standard. It also offers the majority of the Sport’s optional safety driver assistance features as standard and comes with a proximity key. The interior sees a big upgrade, with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, both of which are heated. Blue Link and a 4.3” touchscreen come as standard, and there’s support for HomeLink automatic garage door opening.

Only one upgrade package is available – The Ultimate Package. This essentially includes everything from 19” alloys, HID Xenon headlights and new badging, to a panoramic sunroof and 12-speaker Infinity Logic surround sound system. The extra weight does take a slight toll on economy however, dropping a single mpg on the highway.

2016 Santa Fe SE

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SE

Previously known as the GLS, the Santa Fe SE is the first of the larger wheelbase Santa Fes and offers seating for 7 passengers. It’s 18” wheels, traction control, remote keyless entry and safety aid features puts it on a par feature-wise with the Sport 2.0T.

Upgrade with the Premium Package for a feature set resembling the Limited (see below), while retaining the 7-seater arrangement. Double-down with the Ultimate Package for a feature list comparable to the Sport 2.0T with Ultimate Package.

2016 Santa Fe Limited

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

Somewhat paradoxically, choosing the Santa Fe Limited reduces the maximum passenger count from seven to six, as the second row of seats are replaced with captain’s chairs. It’s a much more comfortable ride for those six passengers though, with leather trim throughout, power passenger seat, power liftgate, 19” alloys, color LCD display and a full complement of safety features.

A single upgrade option is the Limited Ultimate Package, which will give you heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, HID Xenon headlights and powerful 12-speaker 550w Infinity Logic 7 sound system.

SANTA FE AND SANTA FE SPORT AT A GLANCE

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport at a Glance

Despite the multiple engine choices, wheelbases and interior setups, finding the right Santa Fe for your needs is relatively easy:

EXTERIOR

Hyundai’s “Storm Age” design has been evident in the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport since its introduction in 2013, proving so popular that now it’s been replicated throughout Hyundai’s offerings. Of particular note is perhaps the Santa Fe Sport – while being significantly larger than Honda’s CR-V or Toyota’s RAV4 it comes in at roughly the same price point, making it a very tempting choice.

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Exterior

INTERIOR AND PRACTICALITY

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Interior

The Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport have perhaps the nicest interiors in the affordable crossover bracket. Quality of materials, even in the base trims, is well above that of the competitors at the same price point.

A spacious cabin is the hallmark of the whole range. Headroom, legroom, shoulder room and hip room remain the same for both the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.  Even the shorter Santa Fe Sport offers an excellent 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, and this increases to 71.5 cubic feet with the rear seat down.  The Santa Fe version gives you a little more in total – 13.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.9 with the third row down

and 80.0 with the second and third rows down.

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Limited Folding Seats

TECHNOLOGY FEATURES

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Technology Features

With the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport you don’t have to sacrifice modern features even at the excellent price point. Never struggle for your keys with overflowing arms ever again with the Smart Liftgate which opens your rear hatch when you’re within three feet with the Proximity Key. Let your entire car ride in comfort with backseat climate control. The extra touches with the consumer in mind also include a 115-volt AC power outlet for on-the-go charging, and Bluetooth connectivity across the board.

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport AC Power

The future today exists with Hyundai Blue Link, which collects performance data every month and allows for an automatic emergency notification sent out to quicken emergency response times in the case of a crash. Blue Link remote technology also means you can lock, unlock, and start your car all from a remote app available on both iOS and Android platforms. You can even find your car if it’s stolen as an added security measure.

An optional navigation system keeps you on course and can be updated via an SD card, show you speed limits on-screen to keep you at a safe pace, and allows you to uses voice commands to keep your eyes and hands where they matter most.

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Navigation

SAFETY FEATURES

Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Airbags

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe has a set of safety features that are second-to-none in its class. The safety features of the Santa Fe can help you save money on car insurance, as it is listed as one of the least expensive cars to insure.

Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Traction control will make sure your brakes are automatically applied on each wheel based on road conditions and cargo weight. Electronic Stability Control ensures that your Santa Fe stays facing the direction you want it to. Rear parking sensors are outstanding in parking lots, so you can catch that stray shopping cart heading your way. Lane Change Assistance will make sure you know if someone is coming up behind you when changing lanes, and Blind Spot Detection will keep your blind spot covered. Hillstart and Downhill Assist will keep your Santa Fe from rolling backwards when performing a hillstart, and giving you tight control down steeper declines.

All of these features, on top of the market-leading seven airbags and sturdy chassis of the Santa Fe make it one of the safest cars in its class.

SUMMARY

Whether you’re looking for the economy and value of the Santa Fe Sport, the torque and power of the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T or the enviable ability to transport up to 7 passengers with the Santa Fe, the 2016 Santa Fe range should be top of the list of test drives in 2016 for those looking for an affordable, well-equipped crossover SUV.

Articl3 source: http://blog.stevinsonhyundai.com/2016-hyundai-santa-fe-and-santa-fe-sport/