Category Archives: Hyundai

Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, Motoring

Santa Fe: Family SUV with premium quality

Leave a comment

Hyundai Santa Fe

By Bill McCarthy

Initially seen as more of a budget choice in the SUV market, Hyundai’s flagship model has transitioned into a full premium offering. As the brand continues to grow strongly, the firm clearly has eyes on the upper end of the market.
Starting at more than £48k, rising to almost £55k, expectations are high for this latest fifth-generation model, which boasts premium features and quality. It also looks radically different, something which split opinion with many who saw it.
Primarily a seven-seater, it comes in three specifications: Premium (as driven here in four wheel drive mode), Ultimate, and the range-topping Calligraphy.
A premium six-seat configuration is also available, as seen on this model.

The Santa Fe’s design has evolved into a more boxy shape, yet Hyundai claims it is more aerodynamic.
The exterior was optimised to reduce the drag coefficient to just 0.29 (down from 0.33 in the previous generation), though it’s hard to believe at first glance.
The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, retaining the same width, while the wheelbase has been extended by a couple of inches.

Yes, it’s a big vehicle—with a head-turning presence, whether parked or in traffic.
It features distinctive H-shaped headlamps and tail lights, complemented by a full-width light bar integrated into the grille.
The SUV sits on imposing 20-inch alloy wheels, framed by equally large wheel arches.
Additional exterior touches include electric-folding door mirrors, privacy glass, a powered tailgate, and integrated roof rails for a rugged aesthetic.

Upmarket interior

The interior is quite an experience – stylish and minimalist, with a curved twin display spanning the dashboard. It exudes a premium feel.
One screen handles infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, while the other displays real-time driver information.
The touchscreen controls both navigation and infotainment, paired with a high-end 10-speaker audio system and DAB radio.
Smartphone connectivity is via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, alongside Bluetooth with voice recognition.
The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates for various systems.

Executive features include heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and 360degree camera for safety.
Convenient USB-C charging points are fitted across all three rows, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, with lumbar support for the driver.

Efficiency and performance

Paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel economy, with around 40mpg exceptional for such a large vehicle.

On the road, it starts silently under electric power, with the petrol engine engaging as you accelerate – though it can sound slightly raucous initially.
It excels on motorways, offering a comfortable ride and ample torque for confident overtaking.

Driving dynamics

For its size, the Santa Fe handles surprisingly sharply, though some body roll is inevitable on tighter bends.
For challenging conditions or off-road, you can easily engage four-wheel-drive mode on this model.

Practicality

Highly versatile, with flexible seating including foldable, twistable, and 60/40 split-folding second-row seats.
With all six seats up, boot space is limited, but it expands to a generous 1,945 litres when needed.
The rearmost seats are spacious and accessible for children, though older adults – particularly seniors – may find entry trickier.

Safety

The Santa Fe comes packed with safety tech, including a full suite of airbags, all wheel drive control, autonomous emergency braking, hill-start and descent control, and lane-keep assist with departure warning.

Verdict

The fifth-generation’ Santa Fe successfully transitions into the luxury SUV segment with bold styling, a premium interior, and impressive tech. Its hybrid’s hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency, while the spacious, versatile cabin offers a roomy environment for families. Ride comfort and refinement are good, though some may find the design polarising.

Factfile

  • Hyundai Santa Fe Premium 1.6T Hybrid 6AT 4WD
  • Price: £48,830
  • Mechanical: 215PS, 1598cc 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor driving all wheels via 7-speed, auto gearbox
  • Max speed: 112mph
  • 0-60mph: 9.8 seconds
  • Combine mpg: 38-41
  • Insurance group: 35
  • CO2 emissions: 165g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles
Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, SUV

A jewel in the crown

Leave a comment

Hyundai Tucson

By Bill McCarthy

It only seems like five minutes ago that the stylish Tucson was launched, but it is 18 years, and in that time it has become  Hyundai’s best-selling SUV.

Like bigger sibling the Santa Fe, the original somewhat bland design has evolved into sharp, sculpted styling with one observer saying it looked American in design.

It now features a range of electrified, petrol and diesel as well as 48-volt mild hybrid options.

It certainly stands out from the crowd, featuring ‘parametric jewels’, which if you cut through the marketing speak is a form of lighting technology based on jewel patterns.

It has a sleek and chiselled profile also featuring the  jewel design on the side of the vehicle.

In addition, it features LED headlamps, privacy glass, smart roof rails, and eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels.

To the rear, the wide light clusters feature cat’s claw-like shapes, while the new bumper also integrates parametric pattern details.

The plug-in hybrid combination of a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine combined with an electric motor provides pace and economy and an electric only range of around 35 miles, not to mention low carbon emissions of 37g/km which make it an attractive company car.

It is mated with a seven-speed gearbox and the intelligent four-wheel drive delivers better handling, particularly in ice and snow, but as a ‘soft roader,  is  more than capable in anything but the worst conditions.

It looks good and the interior features high level trim, soft-touch finish, logical controls and switchgear, ventilated seats and three-zone climate control to offer an executive feel.

The touchscreen controls key features like navigation connectivity and a high-end KRELL eight speaker system and DAB radio. 

It also offers connectivity for smartphones, Bluetooth with voice recognition and Bluelink Connected Car Services. There is also a wireless phone charging pad.

This range-topping Ultimate adds surround view monitor parking system with parking collision avoidance assist, remote smart parking assist and head-up display.

It also adds electric leather, heated fronts seats and electric sunroof. It is quick off the mark, sitting 60mph in around neight seconds, while the claimed economy in the near perfect world of running almost exclusively on electric is a whopping, but theoretical 201mpg.

In the real world, it all depends on how you drive it. If you drive locally and charge up regularly you will get that huge fuel economy, but with longer distances and motorway driving and the petrol engine then kicking in economy tumbles. Real world is nearer 60mpg.

The largest Tucson to date is more spacious, with more rear legroom, while boot space and depending on the model, is now at 620 litres, rising to a huge 1,799 with rear seats folded. The 40:20:40 split seats can be lowered at the touch of a button.

On the road, the handling feels sharp and stable thanks to the Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) and adaptive damping technology.

This automatically controls  suspension to maximise driving comfort and performance by monitoring driving conditions such as speed, road surfaces, cornering, stopping requirements and acceleration.

 By controlling the damping force on each individual wheel, ECS reduces roll, pitch and vertical motion to enhance ride and handling. In ‘Sport’ mode, everything sharpens up for a more engaging drive.

It is also packed with safety kit, both active and passive, including the likes of stability control, lane departure, cross traffic, blind spot and leading vehicle departure alerts.

It’s quite a package and includes a five-year, unlimited miles warranty.

Factfile

Hyundai Tucson Ultimate 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid

Price: £42,380

Mechanical: 265PS, 1598cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motor driving four wheels via seven-speed auto box

Max Speed: 125mph

0-62mph: 8.2 seconds

Combined MPG: 66-202

Insurance Group: 21E

C02 emissions: 31g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles