February 2002 Volume 83 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Roomy and robust

Since the Hyundai Excel put its Korean carmaker on the map in Australia, a succession of new releases has followed.

In a further step more than 12 months ago, Hyundai entered the lucrative 4x4 market with the Santa Fe “soft-roader”.

Today, Santa Fe competes in a fast growing category that includes CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Freelander, Tribute and Escape. In two trim levels – GL and GLS – Santa Fe comes with a four- or six-cylinder engine.

It feels solid and robust on the road. Its V6 and auto transmission work well together, delivering ample power, smooth gear changes and relatively quiet operation. It corners well and its good steering doesn’t get out of shape on corrugated gravel roads.

Of all alloy construction, the quad-cam 2.7-litre V6 engine has 24 valves and develops 132kW at 6,000rpm and 247Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. It’s mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, featuring a tiptronic mode for clutchless manual operation.

Alternatively, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder offers 106kW at 5,500rpm and 200Nm torque at 4,000rpm, and is only available with a five-speed manual box.

Santa Fe uses a full-time, all-wheel-drive system with a viscous coupling to deliver a 60/40, front/rear-drive split under normal conditions. This ratio will vary according to changes in load- and wheel-grip. The system is totally automatic with no driver inputs necessary and, like most in this class, there is no low range.

Bulging flared guards and a high rear hip are predominant. Tailgate glass is convex and flips up for easy access, without the need to lift the tailgate. Roof rails, alloy wheels and contrasting bumpers, and side cladding further enhance Santa Fe’s appearance.

It’s also roomier than it looks, offering stacks of space with reasonable levels of comfort. The dash is uniquely sculptured while easy-to-use gauges and switches are well laid out. Seats are comfortable but on the firm side. Due to its low base, however, the rear seat lacks thigh support for adults. A height-adjustable driver’s seat aids Santa Fe’s commanding driving position.

Cabin storage areas abound with trays and pockets. Rear cargo space is generous, and a cargo-net and blind provide safety and security.

Prices range from $29,990 (2.4 manual) to $36,990 (top-spec V6 GLS). Standard and on all models are:

• Air-conditioning with pollen filter.

• CD player.

• Electric windows.

• Remote locking with alarm.

• Driver’s airbag.

• Pre-tensioning and load-limiting front seatbelts.

Sonata revamped

Hyundai has revamped its mid-size, wide-body Sonata sedan. It has reintroduced a four-cylinder engine and a more powerful V6, enhanced body styling and improved ride and handling.

The improved exterior styling comes with new quad headlamps, a larger grille and a new bonnet incorporating headlight fairings. The rear design is cleaner with a full-width arched boot lid and new jewel-style tail lamps. Body-colour side sill skirts give a lower, more finished profile.

Sonata’s previous 2.5-litre Delta V6 has been bored to 2.7-litres and is the same engine as used in Santa Fe and Trajet. After a two-year absence, Sonata is once again available with a four-cylinder engine, now of 2.4-litre capacity instead of the previous 2.0-litre. Both new engines offer similar power and torque as Santa Fe.

Sonata performs very well. The V6 offers plenty of power and is quiet, smooth and fuel-efficient. It works well with the tiptronic automatic, which offers smooth up and down shifts and is fun to use in its sporty manual mode.

Re-tuned front and rear suspensions, larger road wheels and a wider rear track offer improved ride and handling. This translates to flat and predictable cornering, particularly on winding bitumen.

Sonata is nicely finished, well laid out and a comfortable car in which to sit. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, as is the steering wheel. Each of the five seat positions offers an adjustable head restraint and lap-sash seat belt. The front belts have force limiters and pre-tensioners. Boot space is generous and enhanced by a split-fold rear seat. Twelve-volt power outlets feature in the boot and console.

All Sonata’s feature:

• Air conditioning with pollen filters.

• Driver’s air bag.

• Remote entry with alarm.

• Six-speaker CD audio system.

• Power windows, mirrors and aerial.

Prices range from $23,990 (2.4-litre manual) to $27,980 (V6 automatic). ABS brakes and passenger airbag cost an extra $2,190.

As with all Hyundai’s, Santa Fe and Sonata come with a whopping five-year, 130,000km warranty.

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