The Hyundai Santa Fe Thread

It's no 'poor man's Defender': New Hyundai Santa Fe lands in SA, with hybrid power

Flaunting a boxy new look that’s a far cry from its curvy predecessors, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has landed in South Africa.

While some speak of Land Rover inspiration in the design, it’s not quite a “poor man’s Defender”, with Hyundai announcing a price tag of R1,249,000 for the single derivative on offer, the Hybrid Elite AWD.

This makes the new, and somewhat lavishly appointed, SUV more expensive than the larger Palisade 2.2D, which costs R1,204,500. Yet it’s not the most costly Hyundai on offer as the range-topping Staria retails at R1,263,900.

The new Santa Fe is Hyundai’s first hybrid product to be offered locally, with the drivetrain combining a 132kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a 44kW electric motor for total system outputs of 175kW and 367Nm.

Although some might miss the diesel option, there is some consolation in the hybrid model’s claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km. Customers can also adjust the level of regenerative braking.

At 4,830mm, the new Santa Fe is 45mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by 50mm, increasing space for second and third-row occupants.

In keeping with its bolder stance, 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Interior features include a dual-screen infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, 360-View Monitor, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane-Follow Assist.

The seats are upholstered in a synthetic leather called H-Tex, with seat heating for the first two rows and ventilation for the front perches.

 
It's no 'poor man's Defender': New Hyundai Santa Fe lands in SA, with hybrid power

Flaunting a boxy new look that’s a far cry from its curvy predecessors, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has landed in South Africa.

While some speak of Land Rover inspiration in the design, it’s not quite a “poor man’s Defender”, with Hyundai announcing a price tag of R1,249,000 for the single derivative on offer, the Hybrid Elite AWD.

This makes the new, and somewhat lavishly appointed, SUV more expensive than the larger Palisade 2.2D, which costs R1,204,500. Yet it’s not the most costly Hyundai on offer as the range-topping Staria retails at R1,263,900.

The new Santa Fe is Hyundai’s first hybrid product to be offered locally, with the drivetrain combining a 132kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a 44kW electric motor for total system outputs of 175kW and 367Nm.

Although some might miss the diesel option, there is some consolation in the hybrid model’s claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km. Customers can also adjust the level of regenerative braking.

At 4,830mm, the new Santa Fe is 45mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by 50mm, increasing space for second and third-row occupants.

In keeping with its bolder stance, 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Interior features include a dual-screen infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, 360-View Monitor, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane-Follow Assist.

The seats are upholstered in a synthetic leather called H-Tex, with seat heating for the first two rows and ventilation for the front perches.

The previous model for around a millonish was a tough sell.
Don't see how this will do much better
 
Launch drive: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD is a bold step into the future of SUVs

The seating provides a commanding driver’s position, and with a lower ground clearance and wider stance, there’s little body roll and it feels well planted.

Upgraded suspension, including the bump stops fitted to the MacPherson front and multilink rear provide an effortless drive and it handled the many road imperfections out in the Cradle of Humankind roads with aplomb.

There’s very little in the way of road or wind noise at the national speed limit on the highways, thanks in part to the good insolation and specially designed side mirrors to deflect the air.

Safety

There are a raft of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including 360-View Monitor, Drive-Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear-Occupant Alert, Forward-Collision Avoidance Junction, adaptive cruise control as well as Lane-Follow Assist.

South Africans prefer their diesel engines when it comes to SUVs and MPVs and haven’t exactly embraced NEVs with great cheer, but the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD provides a glimpse into what the future is likely to be in that segment.

It comes with a seven-year/200,000km warranty that includes coverage for the engine, transmission and other key drivetrain components. The hybrid battery pack is covered by a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty.

Pricing (June 2025)

R1.249,900

 
Battle of the seven seaters: Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mazda CX-80

These days family buses come in all shapes and sizes. What if you’re after one that the kids won’t be embarrassed by?

At least the Mazda’s wisely priced. This one’s fitted with the £1,400 comfort pack that swaps out 18s for 20s, front seat ventilation and heated outer second row chairs, plus a £1,950 convenience pack including door blinds, wireless phone charging, 360° camera, adaptive LEDs and those handy AC sockets. Those add up to £3,350, and the doozy red paint is another £900. But forgo all that and you’re getting that PHEV ability for a nip under £50k.

That’s where the 4WD hybrid Santa Fe starts, the plug-in demanding another £2k on top. Standard kit includes the 12.3in touchscreen, all-row USBs, single phone wireless charging, blinds and rearview camera, while this mid spec one adds an HUD, Bose audio, vented front/heated rear seats, dual wireless charging, 360° parking view and sunroof. Makes a big difference inside, that last one. It’s steep at £53,455, but you can lop two grand off that if you can live with FWD. Which, let’s face it, most can.

So the winner, in the orange corner, is the contender named after the state capital of New Mexico. Fundamentally Mazda has scuppered itself by taking a narrow view of a car with such a broad remit, while the Hyundai is cleverly packaged, attractively styled and, most importantly of all, has a clear sense of its own purpose.


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