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Hyundai has been producing and marketing the Hyundai Santa Fe for more than 10 years now. The Santa Fe belongs to one of the fastest growing vehicle division, the midsize crossover SUV. These vehicles present the performance and style of a SUV, while giving the sporty ride, handling and fuel economy of a car.
The major selling point of the early Hyundai Santa Fes was its low price, extensive standard features offerings and Hyundai’s unbeatable warranty. Although the first-generation Santa Fe was affordable, it failed to achieve to match the levels of its competition. The newer second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was redesigned in terms of styling and performance to better match up with other midsize crossover SUVs. With its current development and luxurious and spacious interior, the current Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the better midsize crossover SUV class in its price class.
Being Hyundai’s first venture into the SUV market, the first generation Hyundai Santa Fe was introduced 2001n and was available until 2006. This Santa Fe was famous for its pleasing ride and spaciousness. Hyundai offered two engine choices, a 149-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 177-hp 2.7-liter V6. The Santa Fe had three variants, the GL, GLS and LX and was available with front wheel drive or all wheel drive.
Initial road tests revealed that the Hyundai Santa Fe handled well in both on paved roads and light off roads. Many commented on the poor quality of the interior, which felt inferior due to too much plastic. The placement of the spare tire underneath the vehicle also proved challenging to some critics, and the exterior styling of the Santa Fe was not something they admired.
The first generation Santa Fe was surpassed by other crossover SUVs and changes were made by Hyundai. In 2003, they added a 195-hp, 3.5-liter V6 to the engine options. This gave the Santa Fe energetic acceleration, but fuel mileage suffered. Hyundai ceased to offer the 4cylinder engine in 2005 and redesigned the interior and exterior. They also offered antilock brakes as a standard feature on all Santa Fe variants. In 2006, a Limited edition was released with leather seats and automatic climate control.
The second generation Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in 2007. The GLS was initially powered by a 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6, with a five-speed manual transmission, and an optional four-speed automatic available. The SE and Limited editions had a 3.3-liter V6, with 242 hp, and a five-speed automatic transmission.
Many noteworthy changes were done to the Santa Fe during its second incarnation. The midsize crossover SUV was outfitted with an optional third-row seat, which increased the passenger size from five to seven. The optional seat was mostly intended for children, but it was one of the few in its class to offer such an option. Minor modifications were also done to the exterior. A USB/iPod audio jack and Bluetooth were made standard to every Santa Fe. In 2008, Hyundai also added to the options catalog a towing prep package, an Infinity sound system and sunroof.
The current Hyundai Santa Fe is available in three trims, the GLS, SE and Limited. Both the GLS and Limited have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, putting out 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque. The GLS has a six-speed manual as standard and an optional six-speed automatic, which is standard on the on the Limited. Also optional for the Limited is a 3.5-liter V6, with 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque together with a six-speed automatic. This engine and transmission combo is standard on the SE. All are available in front wheel and all-wheel drive, and fuel economy is again competitive.
Although it is the base model, the GLS is abundantly equipped with alloy wheels, satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB audio jacks. The SE acquires bigger wheels, automatic headlights, leather upholstery and a power driver seat. The Limited is the luxury model endowed with leather, automatic climate control, heated seats and an upgraded stereo system. Available to all three is a navigation system with rearview camera.
The present Santa Fe’s interior is definitely more up to date and looks more affluent than other equally priced crossover SUVs. The center console controls are arranged efficiently and the gauges, displays and dash lights are illuminated in blue.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been appraised to be appealing, solid-performing and practical to own and drive. The sizeable cabin makes it very family-friendly and engine options are competitive in power and fuel economy.
There is a Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid which utilizes a gasoline engine together with a 30 kW, 40 hp electric motor. A 270 V lithium polymer battery is used in the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid. Hyundai has also announced that they have a fuel cell powered Santa Fe FCEV.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Santa_Fe
http://www.jbcarpages.com/hyundai/santafe/2007/
http://www.cars.com/hyundai/santa-fe/2008/reviews/?revid=51890&revlogtype=21
Photo source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:File-2010_Hyundai_Santa_Fe_Limited_–_09-26-2010.jpg
