Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD 2013 Review - International

Los Angeles, USA

What we liked:
>> Peppy in-gear acceleration
>> Competitive fuel consumption
>> Crisp 'Sirius' satellite radio

Not so much:
>> Slower auto response
>> Ride borders on firm
>> It's not sold in Oz, yet

Almost a year after it went on sale, demand for the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is outstripping supply. But the South Korean company has no intention of sitting on its laurels -- as our recent drive of the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol Santa Fe Sport proved.

In the US, the Santa Fe is sold in two model variants: the short wheelbase ‘Sport’, which is equivalent to the seven-seat model sold in Australia, and the long wheel base ‘Santa Fe’ (not offered locally).

The model on test is powered by a turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 197kW and 365Nm. The high-output Santa Fe has not been confirmed for Australia yet, but Hyundai’s local spokesperson, Bill Thomas, says Hyundai Australia is "considering" the 2.0T for our market.

The Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD, as it is badged, drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The official word is that it will accelerate to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds and between 80 and 120km/h in 5.1 seconds. Figures we don’t have too much trouble believing.

The other good news is that the engine is a refined and muscular unit. It delivers the kind of punch the (141kW/242Nm) 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated  petrol engine lacks, while delivering close to the same claimed combined cycle fuel consumption (9.8L/100km for the 2.0T vs. 9.5L/100km for the 2.4P).

Hyundai's turbo-petrol Santa Fe accelerates strongly and smoothly. It appears to be a close match for the feisty Subaru Forester XT on paper, but in reality, it doesn't quite have quite the same machismo from a standing start.

Roll-on acceleration at freeway speeds is more impressive. The force-fed engine's full whack of torque provides the Santa Fe with substantial overtaking ability. Better yet, fuel consumption wasn't too bad. Considering the large SUV wasn't babied, an average of 11.7L/100km is pretty good.

The six-speed automatic transmission is well-suited to daily transport duties and usually finds the right gear for the job. But it does feel a bit sluggish switching gears when you're hustling with a purpose. The manual mode doesn't improve shift response either.

Otherwise the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T didn't put a foot wrong.

Driven over three days in sunny California, the left-hand drive vehicle was a pleasant companion. The purposeful turbocharged engine adds an entertaining element to proceedings; the steering isn't too bad for an SUV of this size; and the vehicle’s weight (1681kg) is well managed when hustled along twisty roads like the infamous Mulholland Drive.

Cruising around at a more relaxed pace, and then getting stuck in peak hour traffic, the Santa Fe was equally well-behaved. Indeed, it's very easy to live with.

Ride quality is decent over cracked concrete arterial roads and the brakes are more than up to most task. It’s also easy to park, in spite of its size, thanks to the addition of reversing sensors and a rear facing camera.

Much like Australian-spec models, the Santa Fe Sport presents well and has lifted the bar in terms of fit and finish. Interior packaging and decor is a highlight with the cabin’s symmetrical layout offering a premium look and feel.

The high-res touchscreen of infotainment system is both intuitive and attractive. In US-spec models, the system adds Sirius satellite radio which offers literally hundreds of radio stations --all in digital quality -- to your fingertips. Sadly, this is not something that is offered in Aussie models just yet.

A Hyundai source told motoring.com.au that if the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T was to be introduced into Australia, it would probably be a "highly specified model near the top of the range", similar to that of its US sibling. The source also said that the new 2.0T engine will find its way into another Hyundai model but stopped short of saying which one. [Ed: let’s hope it’s a hot i30.]

If released in Oz, the idea would be to launch the new Santa Fe Sport as interest in the other models, particularly the diesel, begins to wane. However, this could take a while given just how strongly the current model is selling.

Hyundai says its dealers are selling everything they can get their hands on and that this new model has the potential to increase that demand, simply because it's a "compelling product".

The new Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD is a powerful yet efficient machine, and will only serve to improve the appeal of the current range. Expect a price tag close to that of the Subaru Forester XT ($43,490 plus on-road costs) if and when it goes on sale Down Under.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site