Introducing the Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Featuring in Hyundai's line-up for over 20 years, the SANTA FE is well-considered in terms of its comfort and SUV roominess.
Despite remaining functional and practical, as generations have gone by, the SANTA FE has become more sophisticated and premium thanks to its fine array of technology and safety systems that are fitted as standard.
The latest generation says goodbye to the trusty diesel internal combustion engine, that powers the preceding SANTA FE, and welcomes intelligent, efficient hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
Design and Practicality
Receiving a completely refreshed design, the SANTA FE is bolder and more distinctive than ever before with a new cascading grille, T-shaped headlamps, a sculpted front bumper and a redesigned rear bumper.
Expect even more cabin space inside, compared to the previous generation, with enhanced legroom and the ability to comfortably seat seven people.
Boot space has increased, too, with a luggage capacity of 571 litres; extending to 1,649 litres with the seats folded down.
Luxuries such as heated front and rear seats, dual zone climate control air conditioning and a heated steering wheel come as standard features in the entry-level model.
Technology and Safety
A floating 10.25-inch infotainment system is the focal point on the redesigned dashboard and there's the optional 12.3-inch supervision instrument cluster.
Premium leather accents and soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, simply adding to the sophistication and elegance.
As you'd expect from a family car, the SANTA FE certainly delivers in terms of comprehensive safety equipment and includes systems such as:
- Blind Spot Collision Assist (BCA)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW)
- Lane Departure Warning Assist with Lane Keep Assist (LKAS)
Range and Performance
The beauty of the SANTA FE Hybrid is that although you can reap the fuel efficiency benefits, you don't actually have to change your driving habits when moving from a conventionally-powered car.
Being a HEV it switches seamlessly between the electric motor and traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine, sometimes utilising both at the same time. The combination delivers a total power output of 227bhp.
On the other hand, the SANTA FE Plug-in Hybrid is powered by the same petrol engine but it's paired with a more powerful electric motor to deliver 261bhp and produce significantly lower CO2 emissions of just 37g/km.
The PHEV also has the ability to drive in all-electric mode for a driving range of up to 36 miles on a single charge.
Both variants feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox and are available as either two-wheel drive or feature Hyundai's HTRAC four-wheel drive system.
Charging
The key difference between the SANTA FE Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid is the need to plug-in to charge.
A 13.8kWh high-power lithium-ion battery features in the PHEV version, larger than the 1.49kWh in the HEV, which enables the all-electric range. Once this is depleted, the petrol engine kicks in and the battery needs charging to restore the electric range.
Charging can be completed at home, work or at public charging stations using various methods. A standard 3-pin household socket can be used, however, this tends to be the slowest option. For a faster alternative at home or work, a home wall box can be installed.
If you're out and about or don't have access to off-road parking for charging the SANTA FE PHEV, there are thousands of public charging stations located around the UK and some offer rapid charging which can have the battery charge topped up in no time.
SANTA FE Hybrid Models
Premium
Key features:
- 17" alloy wheels
- Body-coloured exterior door handles
- Leather wrapped heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Air conditioning
- Automatic headlights with dusk sensor
- Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor
- Driver's Supervision Instrument Cluster with 4.2" TFT Display
- 10.25" Touchscreen Satellite Navigation including Mapcare and Live Services
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW)
- Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist (LKAS)
- Forward and revers Parking Distance Warning (PDW)
- Rear Occupancy Alert
Ultimate
Key features in addition to Premium:
- 19" alloy wheels
- Body-coloured exterior door handles with chrome insert
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Driver's seat memory function
- Rear door blinds
- Sunroof
- Parking System
- Remote Smart Parking Assistant
- Driver's Supervision Instrument Cluster with 12.3" full TFT Display
- Head Up Display (HUD)
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Highway Drive Assist (HDA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
SANTA FE Plug-in Hybrid Models
Premium
Key features:
- 19" alloy wheels
- Body-coloured exterior door handles
- Leather wrapped heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Air conditioning
- Automatic headlights with dusk sensor
- Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor
- Driver's Supervision Instrument Cluster with 4.2" TFT Display
- 10.25" Touchscreen Satellite Navigation including Mapcare and Live Services
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW)
- Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist (LKAS)
- Forward and revers Parking Distance Warning (PDW)
- Rear Occupancy Alert
Ultimate
Key features in addition to Premium:
- Body-coloured exterior door handles with chrome insert
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Rear door blinds
- Sunroof
- Parking System
- Remote Smart Parking Assistant
- Driver's Supervision Instrument Cluster with 12.3" full TFT Display
- Head Up Display (HUD)
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Highway Drive Assist (HDA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Test drive the new Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
An all-round package that is sure to appeal to the environmentally conscious family; the SANTA FE Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid really are desirable cars.
Being a large 7-seater, family SUV that boasts tremendous fuel efficiency and provides optimum levels of comfort, along with all the latest technology and safety equipment, what more could you ask for?
Arrange a test drive at your nearest Evans Halshaw Hyundai retailer to experience everything the SANTA FE has to offer.
