The Santa Fe Hybrid heralds in a new era for Hyundai as this is the automaker’s first hybrid electric vehicle to go on sale in SA. We attended the national media launch to learn more.

Hyundai SA has, typically, been quite conservative when it comes to rolling out new models, derivatives and tech into the local market. It took ages before the Korean automaker decided to introduce turbocharged petrol engines to SA. The same held true for six-speed auto’ transmissions, with some models making do with four-speed options until rather recently. The same applied to hybrid models.

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Later to the Party

It’s not that Hyundai HQ didn’t have options, it’s just that Hyundai SA seems to analyze the local space quite well. As a result, it tends to know what SA buyers want and it shows in the monthly sales figures. Accordingly, the local subsidiary feels that the time is right for a hybrid: enter the all new Santa Fe. This model has been on sale abroad for some time now. Hyundai SA has finally introduced the all-new Santa Fe into the local market, and done so exclusively in hybrid guise.

All-New

The car pictured is an all-new model so it is quite a departure, stylistically speaking, from the model it replaces (click here for reference). The latest version takes on a boxy appearance and carries some of the design traits, such as the ‘H’ motif in the headlamps, that we have seen in other models of late. Its proportions are generous, measuring nearly five metres long and two metres wide, it is no shrinking violet. In SA the large dimensions are allied by some snazzy 20-inch alloy wheels (can you believe it, a Hyundai with 20s as standard?).

Cavernous

The generous exterior dimensions help create a massive cabin. There is loads of head- and knee room for all five passengers, and even a set of seats at the rear of the cabin for an additional two, bringing the total up to five. Even with the rear-most two seats in use there is a handy volume of boot space. Those two chairs can be stowed when not required thereby extending the boot even more. Oh, and there is even a full-size spare in place.

Not only is the Santa Fe large inside, it also feels quite premium. All touchpoints are pleasing to the hand. The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and cooled. The middle row can also warm occupants tushes. Hyundai SA has chosen to introduced the Santa Fe in just a single derivative, the high-spec Elite. As a result WYSIWYG: what you see is what you get. The standard items list is quite long. Potential buyer need only decide on the colour of preference. We are quite partial to the matte bronze (as pictured) which is eye-catching in person.

The Main Attraction

Of course, the big talking point of the Santa Fe Hybrid is its powertrain. A 1,6-litre turbopetrol (ICE) develops 132 kW/265 N.m. This is allied with a 44 kW/264 N.m electric motor that is sandwiched between the transmission and ICE. Together the hybrid powertrain produces a total system output of 175 kW and 367 N.m. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

The system starts out in electric mode and will cruise along on battery power until more torque is required by the driver, for example under hard acceleration or when travelling uphill. At that point the ICE is also called into play working in unison with the electric drive unit. As with other hybrids the battery is recharged under deceleration or when travelling downhill. The Santa Fe Hybrid cannot be charged from a wall socket.

Smooth Operator

We drove the Santa Fe Hybrid from the university town of Stellenbosch along the Whale Route and back, a return journey of about 150 km that included a long section of gravel. This large SUV really impressed with its on-road manners. The ride quality, even on 20-inch wheels (can you believe that?) was soft and pliant. The independent suspension works a treat soaking up bumps and the cabin remains extremely quiet.

Summary

The new Santa Fe feels premium throughout, but (there had to be one) the latest Hyundai to join the local portfolio is almost the most expensive one on sale in SA today. The price (see below) places it among some really stiff competition such as the GWM Tank and Lexus NX350h, not least of all the BMW X3 30e. The Hyundai counters with two extra seats and a full suite of mod-cons. We suspect it’s going to be a interesting debate for potential buyers to compare these two. However, the CEO (designate) of Hyundai SA isn’t too bothered. He doesn’t expect to see more than a dozen or so units of the new Santa Fe leaving dealership floors per month, and he usually gets his numbers spot on.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid price: R1 249 900