New Cars can have a tendency to age like a glass of milk. What seemed like revolutionary styling touches last year date faster than Liam Hemsworth on Tinder, and the incredible advancement of powertrain technology can make last year’s efficiency hero look like a steam train against the latest engines. But not the Hyundai Santa Fe.
When it rolled out in its fourth generation, Hyundai’s then biggest SUV was devilishly handsome and brought a package of driving dynamics and practicality that put competitors in the segment on notice. But that was a mere two years ago and, unlike many of its rivals, the Santa Fe has not aged a day. Which is why it’s so surprising that Hyundai has already treated the model to a mid-life refresh – and it’s not just a gesture either. It rolls on a new platform, has significantly restyled aesthetics and a heap of new technology, so we wouldn’t criticise them for choosing to label it as ‘new’.
As before, the range comprises four key variants, all of which can be ordered with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 and front-wheel drive, or (for a $3500 premium) the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel driving through the company’s H-trac all-wheel-drive system. Pricing has increased over the previous iteration, with the entry model kicking off from $44,700, up about $700. There’s a greater premium to pay at the pointy end of the range, with the flagship Highlander tested here now costing $61,700 – that’s up by about $3000 because it gets the most significant extra kit.
This story is from the February 2021 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2021 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ROUGH DIAMONDS
GO OUT AND SEE AUSTRALIA. BUY ONE OF THESE AND YOU'LL MAKE IT HOME TOO
WORK IN PROGRESS
WHEN YOUR LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON IT, DON'T TAKE ANY CHANCES
RABID RESPONSE
EVEN IF YOU'RE PULLING IN THE FINANCIAL HORNS, YOU WON'T NEED TO COMPROMISE ON FUN
PREMIUM BLEND
HERE'S HOW TO ENJOY CHAMPAGNE ON A VAGUELY BEERY BUDGET
GO LARGE, SAVE BIG
WE BRING YOU A SELECTION OF LARGE FAMILY SUVS THAT ARE UNLIKELY TO BREAK THE BANK
MIDDLE CLASS
THE AUSSIE FAMILY DREAM USED TO BE A QUARTER ACRE AND A PICKET FENCE. NOW IT'S A LITTLE MORE MODEST
SHORTY AWARDS
VALUE FOR MONEY CAN BE A RARE COMMODITY AMONG SMALL SUVS. HERE ARE THREE THAT ANSWER THE CALL
MID SIZE MAX VALUE
THE MEDIUM RANGE SECTOR IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF GETTING ALOT OF CAR FOR YOUR DOLLAR
HATCH MATCH
WANT A HATCH THAT'LL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR DIAL SECOND TIME ROUND? TRY THESE...
MODE ΤΟ ΤΟΥ
PORSCHE'S LATEST HOT 911 IS THE NEW FRONTIER FOR ON-THEFLY CHASSIS ADJUSTABILITY, OFFERING THE DRIVER A WORLD OF CONFIGURATION - BUT IS IT WORTH THE HASSLE?