Hyundai Santa Fe Trail road test
by Ken Walker
19th August, 2012
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Hyundai have continued their constant
vehicle updates during 2012 and this time we have driven the special edition
Santa Fe Trail.
Model
background
The Santa Fe is the larger of the Korean
manufacturer’s two SUV offerings on sale in Australia. Having debuted back
in 2000, the Santa Fe’s is now in its second evolution and is nearing the
end of this model cycle. The upcoming replacement model is set to arrive in
Australia by the end of 2012 having been revealed at the New York
International Auto Show earlier this year.
The Santa Fe Trail was released into
showrooms around Australia in April this year offering extra value for
buyers as the current shape near its end.
Variants &
Prices
The addition of the Santa Fe Trail
increases the range to four variants: the SLX, the Elite, the Highlander and
the Trail.
Pricing for the entry level SLX starts
at $36,990* for the 2WD V6 automatic.
The Trail is priced from $39,590* for the manual and $41,590* for the
automatic. At the time of publishing this road test, Hyundai Australia was
advertising special deals on manual versions. The offer included
significantly discounted drive away pricing and a $1,000 department store
gift voucher – check with your dealer for details as this, as is often the
case, was on offer advertised for a limited time only.
The range topping Highlander model is
priced from $45,490* when fitted with 2WD and the V6 petrol engine and
increases to $48,490* when fitted with all wheel drive and the diesel
engine. The Highlander includes luxuries such as electrically adjusted front
seats, folding outside mirrors, sunroof, dual zone climate control air
conditioning – over and above the features of the Trail.
Specifications
The Santa Fe
Trail is fitted with a 2.2 Litre Common Rail Diesel injection power plant
producing 145 kW at 3800 RPM and 436Nm in a rev range of 1800 – 2500 RPM.
This package also featured the optional 6 speed automatic transmission.
The standard transmission is a 6 speed manual box. All wheel drive is
standard on this package and includes a dash mounted switch to lock in power
at 50/50 to the front and rear wheels.
The Trail is
not available with a petrol engine.
Driving the
Santa Fe Trail
Riding high on
stylish 18” alloy wheels, comfort and visibility (in all directions) is very
good from the driver’s seat.
Parking is
made simple and somewhat safer thanks to the rear parking sensors and rear
view camera displayed on the rear vision mirror. These are activated
automatically when reverse gear is selected.
Power to weight ratio of this package
seems to be more than adequate as acceleration is very brisk with a good
space of gearbox ratios.
This vehicle is certainly not backward when it comes to performance. Not
race car stuff mind you but good on the freeways and highways and around
suburbia. Four wheel disc brakes bring it to a smooth stop.
Living with
the Santa Fe Trail
The interior
of the Santa Fe Trail is dominated by the (mostly) leather seats – there are
leatherette coverings on parts. All the doors on Santa Fe open widely to
allow easy entry/egress to the very comfortable leather seats. The steering
wheel and gear knob in the Trail are leather bound for extra comfort.
The steering
wheel includes audio controls and cruise control buttons and the steering
column is reach and tilt adjustable.
It’s a full 7
seater, although the rear 2 positions are really only suitable for preteens
on long trips. The centre row seats are 40/60 split with a centre arm rest
containing 2 cupholders. For access to the rear seating positions the left
hand seat slides forward. All
positions have a lap/sash retracting belt.
The Trail
receives a roof mounted DVD system in the rear equipped including wireless
headphones and remote control to keep passengers entertained. It’s
compatible with gaming systems like Playstation also - if that’s what your
kids like.
Connectivity
wise – there is USB audio input and iPod connectivity. Unfortunately
Bluetooth connectivity isn’t standard but is available as an accessory at
extra cost.
Privacy glass
is fitted to all windows rear of the B pillar, improving the look of the
vehicle and comfort of passengers.
Safety
A 5 Star ANCAP
rating has been achieved by Hyundai Santa Fe, the maximum available for
vehicles sold in Australia.
Front driver
and passenger airbags, dual side front (thorax) airbags together with side
air bags extending to the 3rd row protect all the occupants in
the event of an accident.
Also standard
are front active headrests that minimize whiplash type injury. Three point
retractable seat belts are fitted to all seating positions including the 3rd
row passengers.
For added
protection a rollover sensor monitors the angle of the vehicle to allow the
timely intervention of restraint systems, such as seatbelt pretensioners and
side airbags should the vehicle be at risk of overturning.
Anti lock
brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution systems are both standard
inclusions to improve control under heavy braking.
Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are standard
equipment on this model range.
The spare tyre
is full size – on the same 18” alloy wheel as the other tyres. Front and
rear fog lights are also standard.
Fuel and
emissions
Hyundai claim
fuel usage in the 2.2 CRDi auto variants to be 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres
on the combined cycle, with 9.4 on the urban cycle with 6.3 on the open road
cycle. These figures are quoted
in accordance with ADR 81/02.
CO2 emissions
for this package are 197 grams per kilometre whilst the petrol version emits
17% more at 230 grams per kilometre.
Santa Fe
automatics have a fuel usage display allowing you to adjust your driving
style to achieve the most fuel efficient driving method.
The fuel tank
has a 70 litre capacity.
Equipment
All Santa Fe
models are equipped with cruise control, electric windows (front & rear),
electric mirrors, trip computer and six speaker audio system including radio
& CD player. The top spec Highlander is fitted with an in dash 6 CD stacker.
The Trail features chrome tailgate
garnish and chrome dual exhaust outlets combine with the 18 inch alloys to
add a touch of class to the exterior.
Dimensions
Length: 4,660 mm
Width: 1,890 mm
(including side mirrors)
Height: 1,760 mm (including roof rails)
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
Weight: 2,620 kg (for diesel auto)
Minimum ground
clearance: 200 mm
Tow capacity: unbraked 750 Kg, braked
2000 Kg
After Sales
The warranty package operates, with
conditions, for the first five years of registration with no limit on
kilometres travelled. Roadside assistance is available for the first year of
registration.
Service intervals are 15,000 km or 1
year.
Conclusion
Overall, the
Trail is very well equipped and is priced well to offer great value. The
safety package is excellent and with more than reasonable fuel efficiency
this is a very honest, capable package.
The Santa Fe
Trail is worthy of consideration for any discerning motorist whether a
family group or adventurous single.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP)
excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly
known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and
charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and other statutory charges may be effected when
options are added to the car. You should check with your preferred dealer
for current pricing, availability and exact specification.
More Hyundai News .....
here.
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