Call it Inokom Santa Fe to be politically correct but it’s a Hyundai at heart.
Looks-wise, the Santa Fe still is a handsome beast while featuring enough changes to make it look refreshing.
Independent ratings have also buoyed the SUV’s credentials. The Santa Fe was recently voted the most reliable car in America’s Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Auto Reliability Survey and turned in a 5-star NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety rating.
Entering or exiting the Santa Fe is easy as all doors open wide.
The Santa Fe tested here is powered by the new 2.2-litre CRDi (Common rail direct fuel injection) R-Series four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, a powerplant that Hyundai has spent over RM730mil in developing.
The Santa Fe’s handling is up to the job, providing a car-like driving experience with plenty of grip. Should the urge to go off road arise, the all-wheel drive system has a “lock” button that locks front and rear wheels together. At a price point of RM169,854.30, the latest Santa Fe is worthy of serious consideration as an SUV contender that can move seven people in a pinch.
