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By
EWAN KENNEDY
3 November 2008
Hyundai has introduced its 2009 Santa Fe range to the motoring
press at an event covering some genuine four-wheel driving as well
as an overnight camping trip. Just the sort of lifestyle dreamt
of, but all too seldom achieved, by those who buy 4WDs.
The
biggest news in the revamped model is under the surface and aimed
at the genuine 4WD market. Hyundai's Trek ‘n’ Tow suspension
package was first developed for the larger Terracan model and has
now made its way down to the Santa Fe. It increases ride height by
20 millimetres to give the vehicle the ability to clamber over
some pretty serious off-road obstacles. At the same time the
damper settings are firmed up to improve control and comfort in
harsh conditions.
The
Trek ‘n’ Tow suspension package also enhances the towing
ability of the Santa Fe and tow-ball load can be as much as 180
kilograms. Braked trailers of up to 2000 kg can be hauled, this
figure also applies to vehicles with the standard suspension
system.
Visually,
the 2009 Santa Fe can be distinguished by the new chrome-faced
radiator grille as well as Mercedes-style door mirrors that
incorporate the blinker repeaters.
Inside
the visual changes are also relatively minor, with a ‘piano’
black look to some of the details and alterations to the trim
materials. Again, there's a focus on real changes with a modern
audio system that now incorporates a USB connection and iPod
compatability.
Safety
is big in the 2009 Santa Fe, with primary safety looked after by
ESP traction control and ABS brakes on all variants. Secondary
safety items are many and focus around six SRS airbags.
The
Hyundai Santa Fe range is also offered in a seven-seat layout in
some models. The reasonably sized rear seats are generally
intended for children, though adults can be carried with a little
bit of squeezing.
Comfort
in all Santa Fe models is assured by the use of an air
conditioning system with a standard pollen filter, as well as
additional ducting to take the conditioned air directly to the
rear seat passengers.
As
well as the 4WD models which have received the most attention in
the 2009 update, Santa Fe continues to be imported with a 2WD V6
version. It’s aimed at the people mover market and hasn’t at
this stage received the upgrades. These, and possibly other
changes, will be announced later.
The
complete Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD range, with prices (excluding
on-road costs), is:
SX 2.7 V6 petrol five-seat 2.7-litre petrol: $33,990 (manual),
$35,990 (automatic)
SX 2.2 CRDi five-seat 2.2-litre turbo-diesel: $36,990 (manual),
$38,990 (automatic)
SLX 2.2 CRDi seven-seat 2.2-litre turbo-diesel: $41,990
(automatic)
Elite 2.2 CRDi seven-seat 2.2-litre turbo-diesel: $46,990
(automatic)
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Marque Publishing Company
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