The legendary crossover was named after the city of Santa Fe (Holy Faith), founded by the Spaniards in New Mexico in 1610. The Korean corporation originally intended its first crossover for the American and Australian markets, but an inexpensive SUV with decent cross-country has gained popularity all over the planet and retains it for the fourth generation.
First generation: the birth of a legend
Despite the rustic appearance and modest equipment of the cabin, “Santa Fe” immediately gained immense popularity. Marketers just guessed the need for an inexpensive SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) - a car for outdoor enthusiasts. The crossover allowed a company of 2-5 people with acceptable comfort to reach the beach, bike path, and the place where the ascent began. A decent amount of luggage and durable roof rails made it possible to take accessories for relaxation: a surfboard, bicycles, climbing equipment or just a folding table and barbecue for a picnic.
Off-road qualities (plug-in all-wheel drive and 200 mm ground clearance) made it possible to freely move off the asphalt and move on the ground, easy off-road.
The cost-effectiveness of the new product was somewhat overshadowed by insufficient power. The car was not originally positioned as a racing car or an 18-wheeled tractor.
The 6-cylinder V-engine developed 200 liters. from. with a volume of 3.5 liters and 173 liters. from. with a volume of 2.7 liters, a row four of 2.4 liters later appeared.
Hyundai Santa Fe (diesel with a 4-cylinder common rail engine) was supplied outside the United States.
The cheapness of the purchase and the efficiency of operation attracted not only youth companies, but also young families. The machine was originally equipped with ISOFIX mounts and a deactivable front passenger seat airbag.
The Santa Fe brand name (massive handle on the tailgate) made the crossover well recognizable on the road until the third generation.
The car received a 4 star EuroNCAP passenger safety rating and only one pedestrian safety star.
The first generation was produced in Korea and the USA from 2002 to 2007. Cars were produced under license in many countries, including Russia (from 2007 to 2013). Our car was given the name "Santa Fe Hyundai Classic".
The photo shows that the appearance has not changed. However, the interior became more comfortable, the power unit and transmission were also improved.
In Russia, the first-generation clone enjoys well-deserved popularity for its cheapness, reliability, and unpretentiousness. On fishing and hunting, on a trip for mushrooms, the Santa Fe Hyundai Classic helps. The photo (top view) shows the volume of the cabin, which allows transporting not only equipment for sports and leisure, but also building materials beloved by our fellow citizens.
The first generation was also produced in the Philippines and Brazil.
In China, the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was produced under the name Hawtai from 2002 to 2010. For this, a joint venture Hawtai Motors was created. Since 2010, in order to reduce prices, the plant abandoned the Hyundai name and began to equip the Santa Fe C9 model with Rover engines from the plant in Nanjing.
Second generation
In 2006, the Korean automaker significantly updated the appearance and filling of the crossover, which gained immense popularity.
The car began to look more modern both outside and inside, and several active and passive safety systems were added:
- improved ESP system;
- side airbags for all rows of seats;
- tire pressure monitoring;
- active front seat head restraints;
- anti-lock braking system (ABS).
This is all even standard.
As for comfort, the connection of a Bluetooth headset to the factory radio was added, a navigation system manufactured by LG, rear head restraints of a new shape (not obscuring the view through the rear window). Hyundai Santa Fe 2, which has retained a certain continuity of appearance with the first generation, still enjoys well-deserved popularity in the secondary market.
Restyling
The generation lasted until 2012. There was a slight restyling in 2010. The company also had facelift in 2012.
Third generation
The release of the third generation began in 2012. The crossover smoothly moved from the compact class to the mid-size class, began to be produced on the same platform with the KIA Sorrento. There was also a migration from the budget price category to the middle one. The branded handle on the back door disappeared. Its place was taken by the automatic opening system in the top trim levels.
At this time, the auto world swept the fashion for seven-seater crossovers. Following it, the car began to be delivered in two versions that are noticeably different from each other:
- 5-seater Santa Fe Sport, 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter turbo engines;
- 7-seater Santa Fe with an increased wheelbase (designed to replace the ix55), 3.3 liter engine.
There is a premium audio system that uses 10 speakers, which provides transparent and surround sound. The completely updated climate control system is regulated separately for the driver, front passenger and second row. Everyone will be able to customize their own microclimate. As an option, a glass roof with adjustable transparency is provided, which allows you to adjust the interior lighting and landscape visibility both in bright sunshine and on a cloudy winter day.
Finishing materials do not look fashionable, but comfortable and comfortable to the touch. The color schemes and interior lines were decided by the designers as dynamic, but balanced. In general, comfort has increased so much that the car rightfully took its place among the mid-size cars. Today it is called the “new Hyundai Santa Fe,” although the company has already prepared a replacement for it - the fourth generation.
Hybrid
Since 2008, Hyundai has been releasing a hybrid version of Santa Fe. The eco-friendly car was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine working together with a 30-kilowatt electric motor.
The start / stop system turned off the engine at stops, which made it possible to achieve an impressive flow rate (6.9 l / 100 km) in the urban cycle. The company has become a pioneer in the use of lithium-polymer batteries in the hybrid car market. Santa Fe Hybrid began to be used as a platform for other Hyundai hybrid models.
Hybrids are available today. The 2018 version will be equipped with a 4-cylinder turbocharged two-liter engine designed specifically for the hybrid version. Together with the electric motor, it will develop a peak power of up to 290 liters. from. A 6-speed automatic will be able to transmit to the wheels a moment of up to 341 n * m.
Owner reviews
Following the development of the model, the emphasis of Hyundai Santa Fe owners shifted from generation to generation. Reviews about the first generation most often concerned the small volume of the fuel tank and the fragility of the suspension elements.
When the manufacturer corrected these shortcomings, and by the second generation the crossover became more dynamic, the owners began to write more about the insufficiently informative steering wheel and the rolls in the corners.
The owners of the third generation noted the lack of clarity of the dual-zone climate control and navigation system.
Requirements motorists grew with the increase in quality and equipment models "Hyundai Santa Fe." The reviews were mostly positive, in general, for 16 years, the crossover met the basic requirements of its circle of consumers - an economical SUV for outdoor enthusiasts and easy off-road enthusiasts.
Upcoming legends
Fans of the brand are vigorously discussing the newest Hyundai Santa Fe, the fourth generation of the legendary crossover announced by the corporation. More or less reliable spy photos and computer models circulate on the network.
The design has become more modern, but the features of the cute "chest of drawers on wheels" that laid the foundation for the 16-year ascent of the Santa Fe legend have been completely lost.
It turned out just another regular averaged mid-size crossover, fast, all-terrain and comfortable. But it is better to wait for the official presentation of the new products by the manufacturer.
Sixteen years is a considerable period for any automobile model. During this time, a comfortable and dynamic mid-size crossover has turned from a budget SUV Hyundai Santa Fe, which has retained its popularity among wide layers of customers.