Bigger And Better

Hyundais fourth generation Sante Fe was recently revealed to the international media. Peter Palm from our sister magazine CAR went for a spin in Amman, Jordan.

THE new Sante Fe’s styling is, without a doubt, successful. Each Hyundai range will now receive individualistic styling instead of the ‘family’ look. Most noticeable is a subtle but strong crease line that runs without wavering from the headlamps to the tail lamps. The headlamps have a bold, new design that positions the daytime LED lights above and the dual projector headlamps below in their own recessed pods resembling airdams. The rear treatment is neat with narrow lenses that curve around the rear flanks. Wheel arches have a Gandini style to them.

As with so many next-generation model redesigns, the trend is always to go bigger. When the size reaches its inevitable limit, a new, smaller model range is released. And so it is with the new Sante Fe. It is longer by 70mm, wider by 10mm but no taller. More significantly, the wheelbase is increased by 65mm but the overhangs are shorter. This gives improved off-road clearance and more interior space. Road noise has been reduced by floorpan modifications and use of sound-absorbing materials.

The interior repeats the rather elegant external appearance in having all the features one needs without being overly fussy or complicated. Rear seat movement for access to the third seat row needs just a push of one button and a forward shove. The final two seats fold neatly into the floor.

Controls are logically laid out with the exception of the all-wheel-drive button. This is placed on the facia to the right of the steering wheel (for right-hand drive) where it is not visible.

With the Jordanian autumn smothering us in temperatures of over 360C with a high relative humidity, we appreciated both the dual climate control and the efficient seat air-conditioning.