Hyundai Santa Fe 2000 test drive - 2004 SUV

Eastern sweets

Popular parquet all-terrain vehicles fight for the title of the most.
  
And here it will not stick together!
Rahat-Lukum and Halva, Nuga and Juchhela, Kozinaki and Baklava rarely have no drooling at the mere mention of the most famous oriental sweets. However, those times have long passed when masters from the East were famous only for their confectionery talents. So, despite the desperate attempts of Europeans and Americans, the hearts of Russians, and especially Muscovites, have been given the sport of Urititi from the east. Nissan-X-Trail, Toyota-Rav4, Honda-Cr-V and Hyunde-Santa-Fe-a combined parquet hit parade looks like this.
 
A worthy menu, which will soon become even richer. After all, Nissan is about to start sales of a slightly modified, and most importantly, more powerful version of the X-trail. Well, in the absence of the supreme vizier, RAV4 (Recreat Active Vehicle 4, or Active Entertainment Car), CR-V (Comfortable Recreat Vehicle, a comfortable car for entertainment) and Santa Fe are stated in the struggle for the throne. Dinner is served!
  
All rejoice in a large piece
May the reader forgive me for frankness, but fashion is herd. What, if you think carefully, is not bad at all. Indeed, thanks to this, buying a parquet all -around, you can doubt in the circle of acquaintances, you will become famous for a person with taste.
 
City all -terrain vehicles are now popular than ever. True, a hundred of ordinary admirers will definitely find a knowledgeable specialist who will explain in accessible words and expressions that Toyota and Honda are really prestigious, and Hyunde is not that very much. What can you say? The specialist is right. As long as the Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar or, God forbid, Rolls-Royce did not engage in the development of this small segment of the parquet market, to argue with RAV4 and CR-V.
 
But in spite of all skeptics and Hyunde are not hopeless. Santa Fe takes his dimensions. After all, the Korean pie is already 25 cm longer than Toyota and as much as much as a large and serious rifled loaf as Ford Explorer. An unconditional plus. After all, there are those who, even the browned Napoleon, will prefer a waffle cake. Cheaper and more!

Ruddy barrel, sugar sprinkle
The assertion that the appearance is tenth is even less suitable for a car than a confectionery. Who will send a cake in the mouth with flowing glaze or with a burnt crust? In the bucket is the road to him. And who agrees for at least three years to drive a car whose appearance does not please the eye or, not even an hour, annoying?
 
But on the other hand, tastes and color ... Here, for example, Santa Fe, who became the first Hyunde independently developed by Hynda, you can’t refuse sophistication. Yes, someone’s bends of wings resemble steep hips, and an oral epithet can be applied to the description of the front. But for that, she is sophistication, not everyone likes to like. Santa Fe is original and recognizable in the same way as not everyone likes Citroen, but no one is indifferent. In addition, the creation of specialists from the California design studio Hyunde is very demanding on coloring. In the silver suit so popular with us, the Korean looks almost the least advantageous. But in a bold two-tone combination of bronze and dark brown Santa Fe, it is transformed.
 
   
 

As for Toyota and Honda, they did not have enough of the smallest score for the highest point. The first bit of seriousness, the second plaque of aggressiveness. Still, whatever one may say, Rav4 is often perceived by a machine for adult children, whose childhood still plays there somewhere. The point is probably in playful headlights resembling wide sunglasses of the beach beauty. If it weren’t for them, then the plush Toyota could be safely called compact BMW-X5. Look, there really are general features. Honda, in turn, is too serious a shadow of playfulness, nor a hint of flirting. And the problem, in our opinion, is also in the headlights the style of a la Sivik parquet honda is not too much.
 
Mosquito nasa will not undermine
It is not surprising that the microcircuits have broken. It is written on them: made in Japan! A funny phrase from a blockbuster back to the future reminds Europe and America those distant times when Japanese quality was by no means considered exemplary. As they say, the epic and now even natives at European factories of Japanese companies are gathering cars better than their neighbors in a pan -European house. CR-V is irrefutable evidence.
 
The front and rear bumers of the car are installed in English Swindon with the so -called zero tolerance, meaning the gap between the details of less than one millimeter! And those who believe that this very millimeter is not put in your pocket are mistaken. If attention is paid to such trifles, then there should be the general reliability of the structure, ergonomics, and the convenience of the salon. And there is. The upholstery panels behave quietly on any washing board. As for ergonomics, the only minus selector of the checkpoint of the machine, partially blocking access to the radio. All!
 
 
   
Until recently, the RAV4 interior was considered impeccable, but today and disadvantages are also noticeable: a modest trunk and a salon only for four
   
Flat floor, rich possibilities of transformation of the salon and impeccable quality strengths of CR-V
   
Santa Fe is light, spacious and convenient in the salon. The quality of the finishing materials, alas, leaves much to be desired
 

The main thing, the inner world of CR-V is very smart. The flat floor allows you to transfer back, without going outside, a folding table between the front seats, the longitudinal adjustment of the rear sofa, a cunning curtain, hiding the contents of the trunk from greedy eyes. The bores will criticize, perhaps, not the most sparkling interior design and gloomy black tones of finishing materials. But then they are bores.
 
 
      
By and large, the ergonomics of all three Parnivals can be presented only one serious claim for the steering wheel is regulated only by the angle of inclination
 

Toyota, made, by the way, in Japan, can also serve as a standard for the quality of assembly and durability used in the decoration of materials. Interior Design? Not a masterpiece, of course, but acceptable. Salon capacity? Could be better. Four is good here, five so -so. Salon transformation? Here it is felt that RAV4 has been produced for several years. The back of the rear seat is folded not in the most optimal ratio of 50/50, but there is no longitudinal adjustment. And the trunk is noticeably inferior to competitors. But in general: do not shoot at the pianist, he is already three years old!
 
The most ambiguous was the filling of Korean sweets. On the one hand, the Santa Fe salon is the most spacious, which, given the external dimensions, is not surprising. Three will also be placed on the sofa behind, because you do not notice the lack of longitudinal adjustment. The trunk is truly gigantic at least 850 liters, a maximum of more than two cubic meters! There is also a good visibility, and so beloved by many a high command landing.
 
 
      
The Toyota dashboard is the most sports tachometer in the center, Honda pleases with a restraint-elegant design, Hyunde has everything without delights. However, there are no complaints about reading
 
 
Nevertheless, in terms of interior, the first parquet pancake of Hyunde was not too much successful. We will be fair, because the guys worked from the sheet and something was great for them. For example, ergonomic reading lamps. Anyway, the interior style fully reflects the shocking exterior. Bold corners, catchy lines. That's just the dough would be abruptly here. Plastic does not even try to seem more expensive than it, the muddy backlight of the dashboard does not excite, the clarity of the work of many switches leaves much to be desired. However, everything is twisted, very well. And the quality of the assembly itself is a great good.
 

 

Hooks in the backs of seats for empties weighing up to four kilograms

Spacious niche for tools under the floor of the trunk
   
Toyota's rear seats are regulated in the longitudinal plane and the corner of the back of the back, it is a pity that they are laid out only in a ratio of 50/50
  
 

The trunk of Santa Fe is definitely the most roomy

Netstanders for rear passengers
  
Large and comfortable electric lover buttons

In the dark, the blocking button of the central castle has to be sought by the touch

The ignition lock is highlighted day and night
  
This key above the rear mount of the license plate allows you to open the glass of the fifth door

A small dining table is easily folded if necessary

The automatic transmission selector partially covers access to the radio, but using it is quite convenient

 

The space for the label of the trunk can be used as a hidden box

The intense fifth door of CR-V opens, like Toyota, from the side of the roadway. Hyunde door leaning up is perhaps more convenient
 
  
The possibilities of transforming the Honda salon are very wide

The operating guide is barely placed in the glove.

A pleasant trifle of heating mirrors is turned on with a separate button
 
 
Such a curtain hides the contents of the trunk at any position of the rear seats

Despite the lack of a fashionable digital display, using Honda climate control is simple and convenient
 

If you really want to
So many times they repeated to the world, they say, parquet all -terrain vehicles are not all -terrain vehicles, which many finally believed in it. And if so, then the demand for cars with increased road clearance is appropriate, including in dynamics. Neither Toyota, nor Honda, nor Hyunde can be called low -rose. True, each of them achieved decent acceptance in his own way. For example, a Korean due to the working volume of the engine. 2.4-liter 16-valve four with a capacity of 150 hp He does not experience problems with the service of almost 1800-kilogram equipped mass of Santa Fe. The motor is moderately burdened in the lower range, and in the region of 4000 rpm, even pleasantly picks up what is more well? By the way, the dynamics of this engine with 5-speed mechanics is preferable to a 2.7-liter V6, accessible only with a gun. The eternal question of whether it is worth paying more, in this case loses relevance.
 
But the Japanese are still faster. 150 forces that are kept in the harness of Toyota and Honda, in our opinion, are sufficient for all occasions. However, in nature, these motors differ. RAV4 loves high speeds, just like a sports compartment. And to twist this motor is a pleasure. Toyota shoots the gears under the perky growl, like nuts from nuts. Below, despite the phase variables, the Toyota VVTI is less shaken.
 
But the Honda engine is absolutely the same, at what revolutions to work in the entire range of CR-V SDRs is obedient. It is not surprising that almost all cars are sold with us with automatic transmissions in this case, the machine, indeed, will not spoil the taste of porridge.
 
Separately about the brakes. The first new generation CR-V was supplied to Russia with rear drums. Now the incident is eliminated behind the discs, and Honda, at least, is not inferior to competitors in brake dynamics.

Obviously incredible!
It is in these words that the behavior of Toyota on the asphalt can be described. If RAV4 cannot be fully called the first hot SUV in the world, then only because of the lack of a bit of a more powerful motor. Because in the remaining points of the aircraft with a sports character, Toyota put the pluses. For seeding, this is the figure. 0.78 G, with such a lateral acceleration, RAV4 begins to leave the trajectory. The result is enviable for many sedans, what can we say about all -terrain vehicles! But also according to the subjective sensations of RAV4 what is necessary. A sharp steering wheel, dense suspension, successfully suppressing both side rolls, and vertical buildup on irregularities. For the SUV, Toyota's behavior is just a revelation of a hard five!
 
Against this background, Honda and Hyunde, of course, are lost. No, they do not scare the driver with squatting on the rear wheel in a sharp turn and do not bother with threatening rolls. But on the other hand, pronounced insufficient rotation can be considered the second name of both all -terrain vehicles. This is not a minus. Just a buzz from the control of the Toyota above only everything.
  
You wanted it!
However, the fee is higher for this. Since the RAV4 is also the toughest of the three SUVs on the go. The seals from the teeth on the bumps do not fly out, and even after a long trip, the back does not ask for mercy, but CR-V and Santa Fe are much smoother. And by the way, noticeably quieter. The combat cry of the Toyota motor will delight the enthusiast of high speeds, but can catch up with longing for citizens without gasoline in the blood.
 
This is where Toyota’s specialists are not shameful to learn from Honda. The CR-V engine is so quiet and completely deprived of vibration thanks to the balancer shafts! That the moment of starting is determined only by the revitalized arrow of the tachometer. With the growth of the speed of Honda, the driver and passengers is not concerned about the noise of the wind or the knock of pebbles on the threshold. The only thing that can make noise in CR-V the stupefied tires.
 
Honor and praise are also Hyunde developers who managed to make their car quiet and comfortable. However, it is not surprising, because the main market for Santa Fa USA. Therefore, a soft suspension and high -quality sound insulation for him are mandatory.
  
Sanding thoughts
Fearing to bore the reader, once again I repeat: parquet all -terrain vehicles, if you just do not want to get to expensive repairs, should not go on impassability. This must be remembered how twice two four, like matches for children not a toy. Solid primer? Please. Sand beach? For God's sake. A snowy yard? Flag in your hands. Deep cargo track? But this is not necessary. As well as try to surprise friends with the skill of passing geometric traps or selfless courage in forcing mud baths.
 
In fact, none of our Trinity is trying to give the desired for the real one. Indeed, in the Toyota, Honda and Hyunde salon there is no hint of lower gear, connecting all -wheel drive or forced blocking of differential. True, on RAV4 and Santa Fe, you can get a rear self-block for an additional fee. But with such a luggage it is stupid to meddle on off -road.
 
But what about all -wheel drive? On CR-V and RAV4, the rear wheels begin to row only when the front slipping is great in terms of economy and not very in terms of cross-country ability. For a snowy city, however, very good. In the icy Santa Fe, it will be even preferable because its center differential constantly shares the moment between the axes in the ratio of 60/40, and therefore, four wheels are always rowing on their own.
 
Years take their own
Today, the age of the car is most produced not by the appearance and not even technical characteristics, but attention to security. That is why CR-V the youngest participant in our fight wins the whole building here. And the point is not only in four pillows that Honda has in the standard (Toyota and Hyunde have two Air Bags). It is more important that leading organizations involved in passive security studies are very highly appreciated by CR-V protection. Judge for yourself: 4 stars according to the European Euroncap methodology, five on the American plus maximum assessment is good from the road safety insurance institution (IIHS).
 
Santa Fe put the institute just as highly appreciated. The only risk of head injury from a blow to the middle rack has already been resolved. In 2003, side pillows will appear on the Korean all-terrain vehicle.
 
But RAV4 was only satisfactory assessments. IIHS experts, praising excellent protection against the side strike and the total hardness of the body, noted a high probability of injury to the front legs. American experts agree with the latest approval.
  
Dear Yaichko
Any sweet tooth knows: it is impossible to overdo it with sweets either either the stomach will get sick, or the teeth will deteriorate. Buyers of parquet all -around are threatened by other troubles: remorse and strangulation of a toad. Still, because the prices for Toyota and Honda bite, and even how. The cheapest CR-V with 5-speed mechanics costs $ 30,900, and RAV4 $ 31,280. At the same time, as we have already said, dealers mainly import Honda with a gun to Russia, which is still $ 1,500. Is it a bit too much for a 2-liter station wagon with an increased clearance and all-wheel drive?
 
But the perfectly equipped equipment of Santa Fe GLS, including everything except the skin, costs only $ 25,990, more than five thousand cheaper than equipped Toyota and Honda! Moreover, on Santa Fa, as well as to all other Hyunde models, a 5-year-old factory warranty is applied. Of course, this does not mean that for five years in a row you will be free to change the racks of shock absorbers or candles for free, but you can count on the free repair of the failed engine or box. Agree, against such a background, even 3-year guarantees of Toyota and Honda do not look so generous.
    
We decided:
As expected, oriental sweets for every taste. But what is the most sweet? If you distance yourself from a low conversation about money and focus on consumer qualities, then the winner will be Honda-CR-V Hhhh.
 
A well -conceived and perfectly executed car, convenient in the city, not afraid of the weather and comfortably feels on any coating, except for off -road. CR-V did not score the maximum score only because of his non-child’s price.
 
Thus, Toyota-Rav4 HHHH is in second place. Despite its adulthood, this SUV remains an enviable acquisition: pretty, reliable, swift. Moreover, its handling, of course, is the best in the classroom. But still, they take their years. After all, the shortcomings of Toyota are not only at a high price. The salon is already crowded by current standards, and the level of passive safety does not reach the best analogues.
 
Well, no one got the third place. All because Hyunde-Santa Fe with an average rating Hhh divided the second prize with the Toyota. Hyunde's debut experience in such a generous of critics and competitors of the class came out with a bang: a distinct, spacious, comfortable SUV. And most importantly, it is the Korean all -terrain vehicle, by common understanding, that seems the most profitable acquisition. So many cars for that kind of money still look! Often the winner in the nomination price-quality turns out to be a boring means of movement, temperament, appearance and road habits of which will arrange only absolutely undemanding customers. We are glad to report that Santa Fe is a pleasant exclusion from the rule. That is why we boldly recommend this car to everyone who wants to taste parquet sweets.
 
Mikhail Medvedev, photo Maxim Goncharov
 
 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [01-02/03]