Santa Fe blends hybrid power with luxury

Receiving the keys to the Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6T petrol hybrid from the local Hyundai dealer feels like entering a world of its own, with an interior that reflects thoughtful engineering and a strong focus on comfort.

The Santa Fe brings luxury, style and safety together, while its hybrid powertrain combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and regenerative braking system.

But to understand the hype surrounding the Santa Fe, one needs to drive it.

Darren Diergaardt from Hyundai Windhoek believes the vehicle stands out from its competitors.

“The Santa Fe is a 10 out of 10 vehicle and the Hyundai battery system and electric vehicle (EV) technology is about between four to five years ahead of all other vehicles in the market,” Diergaardt says.

He says the battery is expected to last almost a lifetime, adding peace of mind for potential owners.

The battery comes with an eight-year/160 000km warranty, while the vehicle has a six-year/90 000 km service plan.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a maximum 175kW and 367Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The gear selector, positioned next to the steering column, initially feels unfamiliar, but quickly proves convenient once mastered.

The regenerative braking system provides an immediate response while improving efficiency and enabling a seamless transition between the petrol engine and electric motor.

During the test drive, it was difficult to tell whether the vehicle was running on battery power or the petrol engine.

The main giveaway was the absence of engine noise when the electric motor was doing the work.

The mountainous eastern suburbs of Windhoek provided a good test, with numerous climbs and descents.

The Santa Fe handled the changing terrain smoothly, shifting through the gears without any noticeable loss of power.

Its spacious interior offers plenty of storage, including dual wireless charging pads, hidden storage compartments, bottle holders and cup holders in the doors and between the front seats.

There are also multiple charging points for electronic devices.

Despite its size – 4 830mm long, 1 900mm wide and with a 2 815mm wheelbase – the Santa Fe remains easy to manoeuvre around town.

Safety technology is another highlight. Parking sensors, blind-spot warnings and a 360-degree camera are among the features designed to make driving safer.

One of the standout features is the “hidden” rear safety camera.

When the indicator is activated, a high-resolution live rear-view image appears on the driver’s instrument cluster, providing a clearer view of vehicles and objects behind the Santa Fe.

Diergaardt says the blind-spot warning system, represented by a red triangle on the side mirror, does more than alert the driver to vehicles approaching from behind.

If the driver ignores the warning and attempts to move into an occupied lane, the vehicle can intervene by steering the car back into its lane or applying the brakes to help avoid a collision.

The Santa Fe can also prevent reverse parking if its sensors detect pedestrians or other obstacles behind the vehicle.

The seven-seater has a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 7.5 litres/100km.

Its infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

For drivers who remain committed to internal combustion engines as more manufacturers enter the hybrid market, Diergaardt’s advice is simple. “If you do not love it, learn to love it,” he says.