Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 Review
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Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 Review: A Comfortable and Affordable Family SUV
Introduction
My perception of Korean cars over the years has been skewed. My biggest fear being that if they are a bargain, then overall quality is probably not that great. Fast forward to this year and I made my maiden voyage in the Hyundai Santa Fe 2018, and boy oh boy did my perception change in a heartbeat.
Key Features
- Engine: 3.3-liter / V6
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 265 hp / 320 Nm of torque
- Top Speed: 190 km/h
- Price: AED 141,900
Exterior
The Hyundai Santa Fe is most definitely elegant looking with a wide stance that reflects its stability on the road. It’s the perfect balance between chic and sporty, featuring a cascading grille that gives it that sporty edge. I was equally intrigued by its Daytime Running Lights that sit perfectly on top of the LED headlights, unique tail-lights, and a striking bumper design.
Interior
The interior of the Hyundai Santa Fe is quite spacious and is characterized by ergonomic interior architecture. It’s the perfect balance between style and functionality. The seat adjustment function is all electrical allowing you to adjust your seating in 10 different ways to ensure maximum comfort for the driver and passenger. If you enjoy long drives, this car is a bargain because there is adequate legroom at the back, and it’s extendable too. With all this, there is still enough luggage capacity at the back of about 625 liters.
For entertainment, it has a great audio system that can be synced via USB, Bluetooth, and AUX. The most outstanding feature of the interior is its panoramic sunroof—perfect for capturing those spectacular selfie moments!
Safety Features
Safety is the most vital characteristic when I evaluate options for buying a car, especially regarding child safety, and this is where the Hyundai Santa Fe excels.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe features a new rear occupant alert, part of its smart sense package, which includes an array of other safety features. A sensor placed in the rear seats monitors the movement of kids or pets and sends the driver a notification on the instrument cluster display. If the sensor detects movement in the rear seat once the engine is off and the vehicle is locked, it will sound the horn.
- The technology also activates if a child accidentally locks themselves in the car. Quite impressive!
- Another significant feature is the blind spot assist. The blind spot detection monitors the rear corners, and if another vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the side mirrors. Should the driver use the indicator to change lanes, an audible alert will be emitted.
Drive Experience
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers drivers in the UAE two engine options: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a larger 3.3-liter V6 unit. The drive is very smooth, and the car has good noise reduction, while the suspension and steering responsiveness minimize vibrations on rough roads.
The larger of the two engines delivers 265 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission, reaching a top speed of 190 km/h. When driven sedately, the Santa Fe is fuel-efficient, consuming just 9.8 liters for every 100 kilometers.
Verdict
For those on the lookout for a comfortable and affordable family SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe should definitely be considered. It looks good, drives well, and is equipped with plenty of tech to keep drivers and passengers entertained.
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