New styling looks sharp, suits aussie families
delay in Android and apple technology
Hyundai Australia has taken the covers off the updated 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Series II this month. The updated Series II Santa Fe receives updated exterior, interior and improved connectivity across the range.
The large family 7 seater SUV also receives a host of new safety features which include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) .
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Overview
The new look 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Series II now resembles its smaller sibling the recently launched Hyundai Tucson. Looking closly at the exterior you will notice that it sports new bumpers, headlights, and grille treatment.
Hyundai have added Siri Eyes-Free (iOS) and Google Now (Android) voice activation but are still waiting from approval from Google and Apple before the new media units can be deployed with the software. Once the approval is granted families across the country will welcome the latest tech.
Pricing of the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Series II
|
Drive |
Engine |
Transmission |
Active |
Elite |
Highlander |
|
AWD |
2.4 GDi Petrol |
6 Speed Manual |
$38,490 |
- |
- |
|
6 Speed Automatic |
$40,990 |
- |
- |
||
|
AWD |
2.2 CRDi Diesel |
6 Speed Manual |
$41,490 |
- |
- |
|
6 Speed Automatic |
$43,990 |
$49,990 |
$55,990 |
For full pricing and key features by 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe variant – click here
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Engine
Hyundai has adjusted the output for the Santa Fe Series II by reducing the power output at the top end to deliver better performance off the line and improved fuel economy.
Powered by either a petrol or diesel engine, entry in to the Hyundai Santa Fe range is via Active variant that is powered 138kW/241Nm 2.4 litre petrol. The petrol engine has had its power output reduced by 3kW and 1Nm at the top end. Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity to drive the updated petrol engine. The petrol engine on the Active variant is matched to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for both transmissions is 9.4L/100km.
Most buyers opt for the excellent 4-cyclinder-147kW/440Nm diesel engine, once again buyers can opt for either the standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel Economy 6.3L/100km with manual transmission and 7.7L/100km with six-speed automatic, representing a 0.3L/100km improvement over the outgoing manual model, and a 0.4L/100km improvement for the six-speed automatic.
On our drive route we had the chance to sample both Highlander and SR variants both of which came with the diesel engine and automatic transmission.
Having spent a lot of time in the series 1 Santa Fe the Series II feels as if there is lower engine noise being transferred in to the cabin.
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Interior
The interior of the Santa Fe Series has received minor updates with the most noticeable being a new look instruments cluster updated audio head units and new interior trim treatments like the Woodgrain effect on the active model and Elite and Highlander models receiving a Matte carbon effect.
The new touchscreen multimedia systems displays (7.0-inch in Active variants, 8.0-inch satellite-navigation system in Elite and Highlander), come with the usual options, including USB, AUX, digital iPod, and Bluetooth.
Down the track Hyundai will be able to rollout a software update the will allow the units to utilize Android Auto and Google Car Play.
With the seven seats in place the luggage capacity is 516-litres fold down the second and third row seats and this increases to an impressive 1615-litres
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Exterior and Styling
The new front end on the Santa Fe now resembles its smaller sibling the Hyundai Tucson with the Series II Santa Fe receiving similar designed bumpers, headlights and grille treatment.
Those with a keen eye will notice that the entry-level Active has chrome-on-silver Hyundai ‘Family’ grille whilst the top-spec’d Highlander feature a satin-chrome grille surround and inserts.
Hyundai has also re-designed the front and rear bumpers with silver-effect skid plate. At the rear you will notice the sporty dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips.
Hyundai has also added new alloy wheels across the range with the Active grade sporting 17-inch alloy wheels, Elite ships with 18” and Highlander variants 19-inch alloy wheels.
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II On The Road
Driving dynamics from the Hyundai Santa Fe Series II is without doubt one of the best in its class.
The local tuning the team undertake is credit to the company and one of the main reason we believe that Hyundai are charging up the sales charts to be the second behind only Toyota in 2015.
Hyundai are building cars that not only handle Australian conditions but also meets the needs of the average family with out breaking stride.
The latest incarnation of the Hyundai Santa Fe also feels more quieter inside the cabin with less of the diesel engine noise creeping inside at start and low speed driving.
The introduction of safety features available across the range to include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is a massive step in the right direction.
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Issues
Hyundai have put all of their eggs in to the Android Auto and Apple Car play technology which means those looking for Digital Radio are still currently left out in the cold.
Its also a little disappointing that Android Auto and Apple Car play technology is still not had official sign-off, which means buyers will need to upgrade their head unit software at a service interval to receive the tech.
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Verdict
The Hyundai Santa Fe Series II is another excellent SUV from South Korean car maker. In an era where families are buying SUVs at record numbers the Hyundai Santa Fe Series II offers a level of comfort, refinement and space at very affordable prices.
The local tuning program the Hyundai invest in really does pay dividends. The latest models released have been adapted to suit Australian conditions perfectly and the Santa Fe Series II is no exception.
Hyundai Santa Fe Series II Competition
The Kia Sorento is match the Santa Fe across every level and is well worth a drive.
From Ford we have the Ford Territory which has a similar matched car at every price point. The Ford Everest is also worth a look but you will need to find extra coin if you are starting at the Santa Fe Active grade.
The Mazda CX-9 is a little long in the tooth now and its replacement is due to be unveiled at the Los Angels motorshow.
A little out of left field but you could also consider the Land Rover Discovery Sport which starts from $53,990.
