Category Archives: Electric/hybrid

Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, Motoring

Santa Fe: Family SUV with premium quality

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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, Motoring, Renault, SUV

Redefining comfort and performance

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Renault Austral Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to car design, the competition for the fashion catwalk is as fierce as a runway show in Paris. But Renault designers have shown they can turn heads with the new Austral, but it faces stiff and cheaper competition in its segment.

The updated model has been completely redesigned to make it, says Renault, more consistent with the Rafale model.

 It showcases the brand’s latest design language, with an updated front and rear design, striking new lighting, improved onboard comfort and technology, and a premium interior. Standout features include a digital rear-view camera and clever adaptive cruise control, which allows for almost single-pedal driving.

It looks the part, and the power unit is just as impressive, a seemingly modest 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid setup that delivers performance and economy in spades.

Sleek and slippery profile

A sporty-looking SUV, it has a redesigned bonnet, bumper, and grille with the new Renault logo prominent within embossed diamond detailing. Most striking are the angular headlights featuring standard adaptive ‘LED Vision’ tech. 

The rear lights feature a tangram design, which is a simple set of seven geometric shapes made up of five triangles, creating a “floating ice cube” effect when off. 

Rounding off the look are 19 or 20-inch wheels, with this Esprit Alpine version adding black roof bars, dark window trim, and unique alloy designs.

Refined, hi-tech interior

Inside, it’s a comfortable space that exudes a premium feel, with high-quality fixtures and fittings. A standout feature is the central touchscreen, which manages navigation, infotainment, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the OpenR Link offers navigation with Google Maps, voice control, and access to 50 apps via Google Play. The large central console includes a phone charging mat and provides ample storage space.

With a price tag approaching £37k, its not cheap, but is packed with kit, including sliding centre console, esprit Alpine leather steering wheel, esprit Alpine carbon fabric and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching, a sliding rear bench, rear tinted windows, and a false floor in the boot. This model also featured a head-up display.

Efficient hybrid and dynamic performance

The full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp drivetrain combines a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine with a 50kW electric motor and a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, mated with auto transmission to deliver impressive performance both around town and on the motorway, where the economy was exceptional over a prolonged drive. 

It was showing around 55 mpg against the official figure, but this was often high-speed motorway driving. It is also quick off the mark, hitting 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, but is even better at motorway speeds, accelerating from 50–74 mph in 5.6 seconds.

On the road

A choice of driving modes is available: including Eco, Sport, and Comfort, which adapt throttle response, steering, and cabin ambience to your preference. 

The car moves off in electric mode with almost silent running, and even when the three-pot engine kicks in, sound is deadened thanks to better soundproofing via new door seals, an optimised mirror design, and laminated front windows.

On the road, it handles well, but can be a bit uncomfortable on rougher surfaces. The suspension setup tends to prioritise handling over comfort, leading to a firmer ride that can feel jarring over bumps. However, it does offer a smooth experience when operating under electric power, especially in urban settings.

Practicality

The Austral is hugely practical, with clever ways to maximise stowage space. The modular rear bench can slide 16 cm and reclines in three positions, maximising space with a cargo capacity ranging from 527 to 1,736 litres. It was tested to the full and packed to capacity, including literally a kitchen sink at one stage, with no effect on performance.

Advanced safety

Renaults have always had a reputation for safety, and Renault says the SUV has up to 30 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and geolocation for semi-autonomous driving. 

In addition, the My Safety Switch allows customisation of ADAS preferences, including blind-spot alerts and. emergency braking, at the touch of a single button. Parking aids include 360° sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a digital rear-view camera.

Factfile

  • Renault Austral hybrid techno esprit Alpine
  • Price: £36,695
  • Mechanical: 1199cc, 200bhp three cylinder hybrid petrol engine driving front via auto transmission
  • Max speed: 108mph
  • 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 60.1mpg
  • Insurance group: 22E
  • CO2 emissions: 105g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles