01 Mar 06
Hyundai took the opportunity to show off the new-generation Santa Fe SUV in Geneva.
This has been thoroughly Europeanised by the team at Russelsheim, with its acquired-taste curves, creases and crevices smoothed out into something more conventional. A third row of seats, taking capacity up to seven, is now optional, and it's gone some way upmarket so it's distinguished from the smaller, cheaper Tucson.
A little larger all round than before, its cabin has been upgraded with smarter mesh-type fabrics, optional piped leather, high-gloss wood and more comfortable multi-adjustable seats, with a higher-spec climate control system on offer. Controls have been redesigned for easier access and identification, and the centre console reworked for greater convenience. Luggage space has been increased by 84 litres, there is 25mm more legroom for the driver and access has been made easier thanks to wider doors, a higher roofline, more space between the front and rear seats and redesigned pillars.
Importantly, both the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.7-litre petrol engine have been modified for more power and improved fuel consumption; new manual and automatic gearboxes have also been fitted for improved responses and better refinement. The self-levelling suspension has been overhauled to improve handling and ride quality, and a multi-link system is now optional on the rear, with more rigid shock absorbers and reduced road noise. A new torque-on-demand four-wheel-drive system means the Santa Fe runs in front-wheel-drive mode most of the time, with power sent to the rear wheels if slippage is detected. Four-wheel-drive can also be manually selected and 'locked.
Measures to improve sound insulation and intrusive vibrations include a new dashboard structure, a redesigned roof rack to reduce wind noise and new door components, better bonnet insulation and new fan blades. Crash protection has been upgraded with repositioned three-point seatbelts, active head restraints to protect driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries, 'massively upgraded' brakes and the addition of stability control; the passenger side airbag can also now be switched off to enable safe fitment of a child seat.
