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Santa Fe Gallery
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| SAFETY AND SECURITY RATING: |
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We'd recommend going for the CDX/CDX+ models, as they're equipped with ESP (stability control) as standard; this has proved to be a life-saving device in top-heavy, high-riding SUVs. Standard specification includes ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, six airbags and three-point seatbelts for all seats. The roof-mounted head-protecting airbags stretch right to the rear in seven-seat versions, and the front passenger airbag can be deactivated if a child seat is fitted. CDX and CDX+ models add active head restraints to protect against whiplash injuries. Security-wise, there is an alarm and an immobiliser, and further touches include a reassuring full-sized spare wheel.
This is a pretty good haul for a car of this price, but a couple of notes of caution. Although the optional rearmost seats, which fold up out of the boot floor, are well-designed, they are right at the back end of the boot with very little space between them and the rear tailgate glass. There's not much of a buffer zone there in the event of a rear-end impact.
Also, the Santa Fe has not gone through the Euro NCAP crash tests as yet, and Hyundai's own internal tests indicate only a four-star score - mediocre, these days.
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