Hyundai Santa Fe 2004 test drive - 2006 SUV

Not cheap and frustrated

Once for cars from a distant Asian country they asked for little money. But the time of formation has passed. The time has come for maturity. Dumping will no longer be. The new Hyundai Santa Fe increased in size and rose by eight thousand.

Until recently, the South Korean company Hyundai conducted a rather strange marketing policy in Russia, offering two very similar SUV models. The former Santa Fe was not very different from Tucson, who debuted in our country two years ago. The situation is radically changing with the debut of the new Santa, which is sold in the price range $ 35 99040 990. Now everything has become in its place. The new Santa Fe took a hitherto empty niche between the compact Tucson compact crossover and the Terracan large SUV.

The creation of a machine that cost $ 155 million took 26 months. During this time, engineers managed to increase the wheelbase by eight centimeters. As a result, the length, width and height have become larger. As for the design born in the American Hyundai Center, it turned out to be completely new.

The appearance of the SUV has absorbed the best examples of leading concerns, being an example of the so -called synthetic design. Koreans often order it in the new and old world. Nevertheless, the novelty is not devoid of some original and completely recognizable features, consisting in smooth side lines, a characteristic grille of the radiator with horizontal headlights. For the first time, similar artistic solutions were applied on the Passenger model NF, the premiere of which took place last season.

At the technical presentation that preceded the test, the developers of the novelty reported that Santa Fe has the qualities of three cars at once. Firstly, he was and remains an SUV. The work of the center differential is controlled by an electronic system that provides constant control over the distribution of torque. For off -road driving, a permanent all -wheel drive mode is provided, turned on by pressing one button.

Secondly, according to senior Koreans, Santa Fe has the comfort and controllability of a car. This is the merit of a substantially redesigned chassis that provides smoothness. This will be especially appreciated by passengers from behind, since the double rear suspension of the lever type was replaced by a multi -link structure that significantly reduced noise and vibration. With full loading, the self -leveling system automatically regulates the clearance of the car. To increase the stability of the front suspension racks, McPherson type increased the angle of longitudinal inclination.

Thirdly, the novelty can also be used as a mini-wen. In addition to pleasant, but quite familiar options, the developers of the SUV proposed the installation of two additional chairs in the luggage compartment. My rather large colleague managed to get settled on the third row of seats without much difficulty. The problem arose when trying to get out. Igor simply got stuck. A minute later, he managed to get out without resorting to outside help, unlike Winnie the Pooh, who came to visit the rabbit. Despite some constraint that large men experience, children and women with ordinary figures will not feel inconvenience.

So on the road! The dynamics can hardly be called impressive. Although for the average SUV, Santa Fe is well accelerated. Up to a speed of 100 km/h, acceleration with a manual gearbox takes 10.3 s. Automatic transmission adds 1.4 s. Such characteristics are provided by a 2.7 liter gasoline engine. In the V-shaped 6-cylinder motor, a system with variable geometry of the intake manifold and a gas distribution phase is used, as a result of which the maximum power of 189 liters is achieved. With.

Korean engineers did not deceive, saying that Santa Fe is similar to the car. A great brake system equipped with a double vacuum amplifier contributes to this sensation. ABS is standard for all modifications.

On the new SUV, it is easy to maneuver on narrow city streets. For example, the minimum turning radius is only 5.45 m. For comparison, this is five centimeters less than that of classic way.

The shortcomings noticed include aerodynamic noises that occur at speeds above 100 km/h. Still, we are dealing with a rather big machine, the height of which reaches 1725 mm.

As for security, the developers are going to get at least five stars for the Crash test according to the Euro NCAP system. In addition to the double frontal airbags, the new Santa Fe is equipped with side passengers and window pillows that provide protection during lateral blows. To install the children's chair, the front pillow is turned off. The so -called active head restraints that save the cervical vertebrae can be installed as options on the front seats.

Among other pleasant innovations, it should be noted an on-board computer, side mirrors with electric drive and heating, cruise control, a standard audio system with remote control, a steering column adjustable in two planes, a cooled box, a two-zone climate control and a system of air quality control. The places where the wipers are in the off state are heated.

Santa Fe of course refers to city cars. It is perfect for operation in a metropolis, where abundant precipitation sometimes falls out, including in the form of snow. It is pleasant to go to the country, loading the trunk with a barbecue, firewood from a supermarket and a children's bike. The most affordable version with a manual gearbox costs $ 35,990. The average version of GLS with an automaton costs $ 37,990. The most prestigious car, also sold with the GLS index, is three thousand more expensive.

+ Comfort, high quality materials.
Aerodynamic noises.

Technical characteristics of Hyundai Santa Fe

Body station wagon
The number of places is 57
Equipped mass, kg 1750
Full mass, kg 2325
Dimensions, mm:
- length 4650
- Width 1890
- Height 1725
Base, mm 2700
Trunk volume, l 774/969
Maximum speed, km/h 190
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 10.3
Control consumption of fuel, l/100 km:
- City cycle 14.2
- Zagorod 8.3
- mixed 10.4
Engine:
- The type is gasoline
- working volume, cm3 2656
- Power, L.S. at MIN-1 188/6000
- Torque, NM at min-1 248/4000
Mechanical transmission, 5? St.
Tire size 235/65R17
Wheel suspension: independent;
- McPherson front racks with springs
- The rear is multi -link
Brakes:
- front disk, ventilated
- rear disc
Steering rheck, with gur
Price, $ 35 99040 990

Text: Stanislav Pavlov
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [05/2006]