2006 Hyundai Santa Fe: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 25/11/2005

Hyundai has today taken the wraps of its second generation Santa Fe sports utility vehicle. Larger, more elegant and more refined than its predecessor, the new Santa Fe sharpens Hyundai's competitiveness in the hotly-contested segment with third row seating plus an abundance of new comfort and convenience features.

"Just like its predecessor which carved out a unique niche for itself, the 2006 Santa Fe blazes a new trail for Hyundai and will take our brand to the heights of refinement and confidence," said Hyundai chairman and CEO Chung Mong-Koo.

Hyundai has divulged that the new soft-roader was developed at cost of 162 billion won (US$155 million) over a period of 26 months under the CM project code-name, the new Santa Fe rides on a 2.7m long wheelbase, 8cm longer than its predecessor.

This enabled an increase of 15cm, 5.5cm and 5cm in the overall length, width and height, respectively. As a result, the cabin offers more front and rear legroom and headroom than the outgoing model.

We understand that Hyundai will offer both diesel and petrol engines in the Santa Fe, with a choice between 2.7-litre and 3.3-litre V6s featuring all-aluminium construction. The 2.7-litre motor makes use of variable valve timing and a variable intake system to produce a peak output of 139kW/189hp @ 6000rpm and 248Nm of torque @ 4200rpm.

The 3.3-litre V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox while the 2.7 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with a 4-speed automatic being optional.

Hyundai has revealed that an all-new diesel will be part of the engine line-up; the D-2.2 which delivers 112kW/153hp @ 4000rpm and 343Nm of torque @ 2000rpm with the help of a variable geometry turbocharger, an innovation that Porsche has also recently developed for its upcoming twin turbo 911.

The new diesel pump is coupled to an all-new 5-speed transmission, with the customer being offered a selection of either manual or automatic. Fuel is delivered by a second generation 1600-bar common rail diesel injection system governed by a new 32-bit microprocessor (versus the predecessor's 16-bit ECU) while a variable swirl control device and electric air control valve contribute to improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions.

Hyundai says that the cylinder head features a two-layer water jacket which increases the strength of the head to permit higher combustion pressures. An electronically controlled water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation valve helps minimise emissions to comply with the latest Euro IV standards.

Ensuring the Santa Fe's traction on and off the road, a new electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive system automatically routes power to the wheels that have the best traction. And the driver-selectable 4WD lock provides a continuous 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels during more serious off-road situations.

The all new model has been tuned to offer a more refined sedan-like ride, explains Hyundai, with extensive changes made to the chassis. Hyundai says that the changes will be immediately noticeable by rear seat passengers; its predecessor's double wishbone rear suspension was dropped in favour of a multi-link setup resulting in reduced noise and vibration.

When the vehicle is fully loaded or pulling a trailer, an innovative self-leveling system automatically levels out the vehicle height without requiring external power. MacPherson strut front suspension remains, though the caster angle was increased to improve stability while optimising the overall strut geometry.

A nine- and ten-inch tandem booster provides ample braking power to the front and rear disc brakes with the front brakes being ventilated. An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is standard while an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) further enhances safety.

Other safety features on the more visually appealing Santa Fe include dual front airbags, front seat side airbags plus curtain airbags that deploy along the entire length of the vehicle extending head protection to the third row passengers. Furthermore, a front passenger seat airbag cutoff switch enables the front passenger seat airbag to be deactivated in case a child seat is installed. Active headrests for the front seats round out the impressive safety features and are also new to the range, as is a seat-mounted 3-point seat belt for the center seat passenger in the second row.

Inside the cabin, dual zone climate controls for driver and front seat passenger bring a touch of luxury to the Santa Fe, and Hyundai says that second- and third-row passengers can enjoy a new level of comfort thanks to a rear fan switch, controlling B-pillar mounted adjustable vents and dual heating ducts which extend to the rear.

Aiding load space and practicality, the third-row seats can be easily stowed away and fold flat into the floor. Other thoughtful design touches include power adjustable pedals, rain-sensing automatic wipers, trip computer, heated side mirrors plus a front windscreen de-icing system.

Built at the company's Ulsan plant in South Korea, Hyundai is targeting 2006 sales of 60,000 Santa Fe units and exports are projected to reach 150,000 units.

With today's Korean launch of the Santa Fe, models will be destined for Europe and non-North American markets as production begins this month in Korea while production at the Montgomery, Alabama plant in the U.S. is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year.