[Test Drive] Why the 'Best Family Car' Santa Fe's Next Transformation Is Highly Anticipated

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The Hyundai Santa Fe is a model symbolic of a best-selling car. It is a key player in the growth of the sports utility vehicle (SUV) market, which has now become mainstream in the domestic automobile market, and has established a solid position despite the influx of competing models. The presence of the Santa Fe shone even brighter with the emergence of the higher-class Palisade. Contrary to initial concerns that the Palisade's interference effect would reduce Santa Fe sales, the popularity of the Santa Fe remained strong. It even enjoyed a halo effect by absorbing some of the Palisade's waiting demand. Through a test drive, we directly confirmed the secret behind the Santa Fe's popularity, which has firmly established itself as the 'best family car.'

The design is one you often see on the road, matching its high sales volume. Its large size and sharp eyes give a powerful yet sophisticated impression. The hexagonal patterned mesh grille, praised since its launch, adds grandeur. The slanted headlamps, applied from Kona and Santa Fe to Palisade, stand out as the family look of Hyundai's SUV lineup.

The spacious interior is an element that highlights the Santa Fe's appeal as a family car. The rear seat space, often cited as a drawback of SUV models, is a plus in the Santa Fe's case. The rear seats are wide enough to fit more than two fists even when an adult male is seated. Of course, the rear seats can recline sufficiently backward. The trunk capacity is practical, with 625 liters for the 5-seater and 130 liters for the 7-seater, and the seats can be folded as needed.

When driving started, the characteristic noise of the diesel engine was somewhat noticeable. Especially at low speeds, the noise is quite present, but it is not very bothersome as the speed increases. Opinions on driving performance may vary. The response is not particularly quick, and there is a sense of sluggishness at low speeds. However, the diesel engine's power shines during high-speed driving. The speed rises powerfully as soon as the accelerator pedal is pressed, allowing for effortless overtaking. It is not agile but feels heavy and stable.

It is unfortunate that road vibrations are transmitted rather harshly. The impact is quite noticeable, especially in the rear seats when passing over speed bumps.

While the ride comfort is somewhat lacking, the fuel efficiency is very satisfactory. The fuel efficiency checked intermittently during repeated city and highway driving averaged over 15 km/l. Using Eco mode raises the fuel efficiency to about 20 km/l.

Various driving assistance systems are also applied. The Santa Fe is well-equipped with advanced technologies that aid comfortable driving, such as the lane departure prevention system and smart cruise control. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and High Beam Assist (HBA) are available across all models.

The Safe Exit Assist (SEA) system, which prevents collision accidents with vehicles approaching from behind when exiting, and the Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), which uses ultrasonic sensors to prevent rear-seat passengers from being left unattended inside the vehicle, are especially useful for drivers with children. The new model introduced last year also added an entertainment system that allows rear-seat passengers to enjoy DMB, music, and movies.

The Santa Fe is scheduled for a facelift around the second quarter of this year. Industry insiders expect the new Santa Fe to have an increased wheelbase compared to the existing model. An extended wheelbase will allow for more spacious third-row seating, enhancing its appeal as a 7-seater family car. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the new Santa Fe with a larger interior will absorb even more of the waiting demand for the still-popular Palisade. Attention is focused on whether the Santa Fe, which has proven its competitiveness as a representative domestic family car, can once again cause a seismic shift in the domestic SUV market through this facelift.