Hyundai Santa Fe 2006 test drive - 2009 SUV

Hyundai Santa Fe

The first impressions, the first experience of operation.
2.4 GSL 2005 onwards I purchased standard configuration in November 2005.
It seems that the purchase period seems to be short, but during this period of operation there were rain and slush, and snowy - sandy porridge of our Russian roads, and snowfall, and frost for minus 30 0С. The first impressions are the most memorable. The car is worth the reviews of it mainly about the advantages than about the disadvantages. A trip to Santa gives a feeling of comfort, pleasure.
A little backstory of purchase. My driver’s experience is over 25 years, since 1985. During this period, I had to travel on almost all domestic cars, cars and trucks, starting with a Muscovite and ending with VAZ 2112. From imported cars, the most significant, for comparison, is the BMW five. But you must admit that comparing these brands is not entirely correct. And the point is not that Hyundai Santa Fe is not such an eminent manufacturer, but that these are cars of slightly different classes. Hyundai Santa Fe belongs to the new SUV class, and in my opinion, occupies its worthy niche in it. And yet, on the basis of the first impressions, he is not inferior in comfort and the eminent BMW.
The choice of a new car was quite difficult. Initially, the views were focused on Toyota, Nissan Primera, Ford C-Max, but later preference was given to parquet SUVs. As priority, Kia Sportage Suzuki, RAV-4, Nissan X- Traile, Honda C-RV, H- RV were considered. But the intentions changed dramatically after visiting the Hyundai salon, towards Hyundai cars. The first option was Tucson, but after I almost accidentally saw in the cabin in the Hyundai Santa Fe, doubt immediately crept in, but is my decision correctly?. Hyundai Santa Fe was a pleasant surprise to me because of its original design. After this meeting, I more carefully analyzed what is still suitable for me for me!? Immediately, in comparison with the spacious Santa Fe salon, the tight Suzuki salon, for lovers, the central location of the Nissan X-Trale instrument panel, the RAV-4 empty equipment for a lot of money, or Kia Sportage for about the same. Comparisons Tucson and Santa Fe - connected or permanent drive (60 x 40), was resolved in the direction of SSANTA Fe. The car is stable, it has good handling. In the winter, on standard tires, Santa on snow and ice holds the road perfectly, of course, if not abuse various maneuvers when moving. In severe frosts (about minus 30) there were no problems with starting the engine. The climatic installation provides a given temperature regime in winter and summer. The engine adapted under the A-91 works without comments on the A-92 and A-95, but gasoline consumption when operating on the 95th according to the indications of a route computer by 0.5 liters less than 92-m. In general, fuel consumption ranges from 9.9 to 11 liters per 100 km (depending on the maximum speed), in the city from 10.9 to 11.2, and in winter up to 12.5 liters per 100 km.
A little about the minuses. The radiator cladding with large cells of the protective grid in the air intakes does not protect the engine and radiator from dirt and insects and when traveling along our roads, especially during long trips during snow -salt porridge, dirt to the hood itself. But this is the question that is being resolved. I just closed the air intakes for the winter period (canvas, dermantine, etc.), and in summer a net with a smaller cell. The temperature regime of the engine is normal. On my Santa Fe, the velor salon of light tones, which had a harmonious color with the decoration of other elements of the cabin. I had to install a darker cover, because Still, the bright is getting dirty, and not always there is time and an opportunity to clean it, although, probably, with modern detergents, there should be no problems with this. On my modification, there is no light light corrector, which, I think, would not put in standard configuration.
There were no questions about maintenance. The car dealership has its own service station, the cost of the norm-hour is acceptable. The first one cost about 2.5 thousand rubles. (It was carried out as in severe operating mode during the run somewhat earlier than the norm).
Audio preparation, in principle, is sufficient for an ordinary listener, although the music lover will probably need better speakers. The built -in antenna provides confident reception.
For a short period of operation, I can definitely conclude: Santa Fe dignily represents its class.
I have not seen the new model Santa Fe, therefore there is no way to evaluate, although the price bar is decent and I think the attractiveness of the model is partially lost. The future owners of the car who will opt for Santa Fe, I say, get boldly, will not regret it!

Author: V.I. Prosvirnov.
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"