MOTORING REVIEW: New Santa Fe PHEV 7-seater is big on comfort

FAMILIES seeking a large and very comfortable seven seater SUV with oodles of space for all occupants, should take a look at the new Hyundai Santa Fe recently arrived in Ireland. The model has been produced by the South Korean carmaker since 2001 when it was their first SUV. 

This fifth-generation of their flagship model has undergone a complete make over so is radically different from the vehicle it replaces as it now comes with quite a boxy shape reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender of 2019 in its styling. This is a very big vehicle with huge road presence, taller and longer than before and with a tad longer wheelbase now at 2,815mm. 

My review car stood out in a car park in its white exterior colour with black contrasts which wouldn’t be my choice of colour as it makes the car appear even longer than it is. 

The new styling includes distinctive new H-shaped headlamps that received favourable comments from friends; half-hexagonal wheel arches and black multi spoke 20-inch wheels that add to the car’s powerful look and are part of the Black Exterior Package available on the Calligraphy trim that also includes black roof rails and privacy glass. A special black glossy badge on the side shows this is a Santa Fe, while hidden handles on C-Pillars assist passengers access the middle row and two rear seats. The model’s name is written in big black letters across the rear which also gets the new H-shaped lights below the tailgate. 

The elongated boxy shape provides huge interior space for all occupants. Interior fit and finish is almost top premium with black Nappa leather, dark wood pattern door trims, suede roof head cloth and the H-shaped hidden ambient mood lighting. 

The 12.3-inch TFT & Navigation panoramic curved display merges with an equally large driver’s instrumentation panel that you can customise. The screen includes two big circles that double as screens for cameras and show any vehicles approaching from behind when you have indicated your intention to make a turn. The very good Head Up Display shows red warning lights on the relevant side of your current speed to alert that a vehicle is approaching from behind. 

Below the central screen is a 6.6-inch touch type climate control feature with physical controls for temperature and a knob for volume control. There are also buttons for parking controls, Downhill Control, EV/HEV use, the Drive Terrain as the car is 4WD, and one for Auto Hold. 

The shift lever has been relocated to the right of the steering column which frees up space for two wireless phone charging pads and a pair of big cupholders. There’s lots of storage space throughout the cabin. You get four USB-C connections.  

READ MORE: 

Little-known NCT rule that Irish drivers are breaking amid update from testers

Most motorists dread attending for an NCT and recent figures revealed why as half of all cars tested in 2023 failed the minimum standard test for roadworthiness

Front seats can be heated, have power adjustments and can fully recline for a ’power nap’. The driver’s seat has two memory settings. These seats have seat back charging ports for use by those in the second row. Second and third-row seats can fold down and have their own ventilation. The outer two middle row seats can be heated and there are 4 ISOFIX points. 

All models have a wide high-opening power tailgate which provides easy access to the large square shaped boot. With all seven seats up, there’s still a reasonable amount of space, enough for most people’s grocery shopping. 

Parking is aided by a myriad of excellent parking aids including a surround view monitor and remote smart parking assist, front view and 3D view from various angles. Front/side/and reverse parking sensors also help. Also standard are 10 airbags, Premium Bose surround sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated steering wheel, front LED fog lights, Navigation based smart cruise control, gearbox paddle shift, and a trailer package. 

One powertrain is offered, a 4WD Plug-in hybrid with a 1.6 direct injection turbo petrol engine and electric motor which have a combined output of 265hp. The powertrain is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission; the electric range is a claimed 58kms. This PHEV is capable of a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds which is powerful enough for the car. I averaged a fuel return of 8.4 L/100kms driving over all types of roads. Annual road tax is €140.

On the road, you don’t realise the size of the car as it is so easy to drive. Visibility is excellent. 4WD is very useful when driving on very wet or slippery road conditions as the engine’s driving power is distributed to all four wheels automatically. The Drive Terrain button allows you change from normal driving mode to multi-terrain ones that include mud and snow. 

Safety & Security features include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, junction turning/crossing, blind spot collision avoidance assist, parking collision assist rear and 10 airbags.

The Premium Calligraphy is priced from €69,995 (excluding delivery and related charges).