HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID
Why have Hyundai South Africa launched a full hybrid model? The answer is, because they can. With 100 000 million vehicles produced, 57 years of success under the Hyundai brand belt and 123 000 employees globally – the Hyundai brand is here to stay. The next logical step was for the Hyundai Santa Fé Hybrid to be launched locally in their line-up.
The Hyundai Santa Fé Hybrid is a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. With dimensions featuring an overall 1 900 mm width, a 2 815 mm wheelbase and 4 830 mm overall length, this eco-friendly SUV comes with a high-powered 132 kW/265 Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44 kW/264 Nm electric motor.
To mark its territory as one of the high-performance SUVs in the world, the hybrid powertrain produces a total system output of 175 kW and 367 Nm all-wheel-drive system. As a hybrid system, you can also expect smooth acceleration and responsive performance across various terrains.
The combination of the engine and electric motor helps to reduce fuel consumption, resulting in 7.5 litres per 100 km, which for such a large vehicle is excellent. It blends electric and petrol power and delivers refined performance and exceptional efficiency.
The electric motor boosts power for acceleration when you need it. With the use of the steering wheel paddles, you can increase the regenerative braking and recover kinetic energy, which converts back to electrical energy – so no plug-in in needed. This form of braking also helps clean the brakes and will increase their lifespan to around 80 000km.
On the outside the Hyundai Santa Fé Hybrid has had a radical makeover. It has a raised bonnet as well as newly introduced H-shaped LED headlamps and rear brake lights in the same shape. The front grille now shows four red dots – the four dots in Morse code mean “H”. These features will help this model stand out in the crowd.
The honeycomb spaces that form part of the chrome front bumper aesthetic open up and allow air through to keep the battery and other electrical components included in the hybrid model cool. The front bumper is modular and easy to repair.
There is a double sunroof which makes the vehicle feel incredibly light and even larger on the inside than it already is. The ride and drive are smooth and effortless, while being ensconced in comfort. All the safety features abound as well as all the bells and whistles of 360° cameras, a large 12.3-inch screen and a Bose sound system to take it to the next level.
It is priced at R1 249 900 – and comes with Hyundai’s legendary seven-year/200 000 km warranty. This includes coverage for the engine, transmission and other key drivetrain components. Furthermore, the hybrid battery pack is covered by a separate eight-year/160 000 km warranty.
By Claire Macfie
