Called in Europe "Santa Fe Sport" (and in Russia, "just Santa Fe"), the five-seater crossover is the next generation of one of the most popular cars in its class. The Koreans have managed to combine a high level of safety, comfort and cutting-edge workmanship with modern stuffing, allowing this crossover to easily compete with more expensive "Europeans".
In general, Koreans are only improving every time, so it happened in 2012 - with the advent of the third generation of the mid-size crossover.
The exterior of the "third" Hyundai Santa Fe is quite modern and attractive. The exterior is executed in a bold style that can attract the attention of a wide audience of potential buyers. We would like to emphasize the elongated silhouette of the body, crowned with "strict" headlights, intently peering into the roadway. You can also note the abundance of prominent stamps that adorn not only the hood, but also the sidewalls of the car. By 2015 (shortly before the "large-scale restyling") for "Santa Fe" slightly changed the shade of chrome grille.
The dimensions of the third generation car have not changed much: the length is 4690 mm, the height is 1675 mm, the width is 1880 mm, the wheelbase is 2700 mm, and the ground clearance is 185 mm. The trunk volume is 585 liters, and with the rear seat folded down, it increases to 1680 liters. By the way, at the beginning of 2015, Santa Fe added a smart electric boot drive to the list of equipment (a car owner just needs to have a car key with him - stand behind the car, wait 3 seconds - the boot lid will open automatically).
The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover in the 3rd generation has stepped forward noticeably and is now persistently stepping on the heels of European giants. Korean engineers took into account all the mistakes of the past and created a truly cozy car with a high level of comfort. The front seats are equipped with lateral support, while the rear seats fold down comfortably, increasing the luggage compartment.
The quality of finishing materials and its execution are at their best: no “crooked” seams, obviously creaking panels and other “joys” are found in the cabin. The front panel has a bold, bold layout with an original design that immediately attracts increased attention. The only thing you can find fault with is the steering wheel, made too thin. In addition, the on-board computer display control buttons located at the bottom of it are not entirely convenient due to their location.
If we talk about technical characteristics, then in Russia the five-seat Hyundai Santa Fe crossover of the 3rd generation is offered with two power plant options.
- As the main developers chose the improved Theta II gasoline engine with a working volume of 2.4 liters (2359 cm³), capable of developing 175 hp. (129 kW) at 6000 rpm. The engine is equipped with a new multipoint fuel injection system with variable injector geometry and meets the environmental standards of Euro-4. The maximum torque of this motor is 227 Nm at 3750 rpm. The available engine power is quite enough to reach the upper speed ceiling of 190 km / h, while the novelty will spend about 11.4 seconds on the speedometer to accelerate to the first hundred on the speedometer and 11.6 seconds with a 6-speed "Automatic". Average fuel consumption in mixed mode of operation is about 8.9 liters of gasoline, in city traffic 11.7 / 12.3 liters (manual transmission / automatic transmission), and on the highway - 7.3 and 6.9 liters, respectively.
- The second engine is the R 2.2 VGT diesel unit. This unit has a working volume of 2.2 liters (2199 cm³) and develops 197 hp. (145 kW) power at 3800 rpm. The engine is equipped with a third generation common rail injection system, an electronic turbocharger, an EGR cooler and piezo injectors with an operating pressure of up to 1800 bar. The peak torque of the diesel unit falls at around 436 Nm at 1800-2500 rpm, which allows the crossover to accelerate to the same maximum 190 km / h, spending only 9.8 seconds to lift the needle from 0 to 100 km / h. The diesel unit is equipped with an automatic transmission only, and its average fuel consumption is about 6.6 liters in mixed driving mode, 5.3 liters on the highway and 8.8 liters in city traffic.
The suspension of the third generation "Santa Fe" has changed significantly in the settings, which was dictated by the change in ground clearance and the center of gravity of the car. As a result, on a flat road, the novelty became easier to manage, confidently keep its course, easily take turns at speed and ensure the peace and comfort of passengers. But with the appearance of sensitive irregularities, pits or ground cover, noticeable shaking, increased noise in the cabin, and a decrease in the stability of the car begin to be felt. But, however, this is typical of almost all crossovers in this class. In general, the suspension of the "third Santa Fe" is still independent, MacPherson struts are used in front, and a multi-link system is used in the rear. The disc brake system, ventilated at the front, is equipped with wear sensors and separate drums on the rear wheels for an electronically controlled parking brake. The steering is supplemented by an electric booster with three switchable operating modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
The security settings are also worth mentioning. In tests according to Euro NCAP standards, the third generation of this crossover was awarded five stars. In particular, we note that the level of ensuring the safety of an adult passenger is at around 96%, and the level of protection for pedestrians in case of collisions is 71%. Moreover, in January of this year, the same Euro NCAP association awarded the new Hyundai Santa Fe crossover the title of "safest car" in its class.
Options and prices. In Russia, the 2014-2015 car is presented in a wide range of modifications:
- In the initial "Comfort" configuration, this car is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine with a 6-speed "mechanics" and four-wheel drive, and from the "assistance systems" there are ABS and EBD and a stabilization system VSM, assistance systems at the start of the descent / ascent (DBC / HAC), emergency braking assistance, immobilizer, heated front seats, adjustable steering column, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control, trip computer, cruise control, rain sensor, heated wiper rest zone, CD / MP3 audio system with six speakers and USB support, fog lights, LED position lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, full-size spare wheel and rear seats with adjustable backrests. The cost of the "Comfort" configuration of the 3rd generation Hyundai Santa Fe is 1,674,000 rubles, and the same "Comfort" but with an automatic transmission will cost 1,734,000 rubles.
- The "Dynamic" package additionally offers modern xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, an audio system with an LCD display, leather trim and other extras. The price of this "Santa Fe" is 1,870,000 rubles.
- The cost of the "top" gasoline configuration "Sport" (electric adjustment and ventilation of the front seats, "keyless", 18 ″ wheels) in 2015 - 1,994,000 rubles.
- There are fewer modifications with a diesel engine under the hood. The starting equipment for the diesel Hyundai Santa Fe "Comfort" will cost the buyer 1,874,000 rubles. In the "Dynamic" configuration, its cost rises to the level of 2,010,000 rubles. Well, the most prestigious High-tech equipment, featuring an adaptive lighting system, tire pressure sensors, electric adjustment of the passenger seat, driver's seat with memory settings, panoramic roof with sunroof, automatic parking system, Navitel navigation and 19-inch molding, will cost to a Russian buyer at a price of 2,065,000 rubles.
