Hyundai Sante Fe scores new safety for 2018

The Hyundai Sante Fe’s safety credentials will be extended for 2018 with the adoption of new active technology.

Announcing the changes this week as part of MY18 updates, Hyundai Australia said the new technology would be adopted across the range without affecting pricing. The one exception is the removal of a previously-offered manual entry model from the line-up, which raises the entry price by $1640.

Known as Hyundai SmartSense, the new safety package comprises automated emergency braking (between 7km/h and 70km/h), forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

“Santa Fe has been a great example of affordable luxury from the day it made its debut and the MY18 range continues to deliver on this promise,” said Hyundai Australia chief operating officer, Scott Grant.

“With SmartSense now standard across the range, buyers get the latest advanced safety technology in a practical, full-size seven-seat SUV with a starting price below $42,000.”

The safety updates are accompanied by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatability across the Sante Fe range.

The entry model Active and Active X models feature a 4.2-inch display in the driver’s instrument cluster (formerly 3.5-inch) to convey important driving and infotainment data. In addition, both models gain an electronic parking brake, auto-dimming rear view mirror and power-operated side mirrors with puddle lights.

Further up the range, the Elite and Highlander models feature a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.

As part of 2018 updates, Hyundai has quietly consigned the Sante Fe’s manual transmission option to history, announcing the seven-seater will now be an “automatic-only” affair. This means the Sante Fe’s former $39,350 (plus on-road costs) entry price has now been raised to $40,990 (plus on-road costs) for the ActiveX price leader.

As before, the Sante Fe is available with three engine choices.

The entry model Active X is mated to a 3.3-litre petrol V6 offering 199kW and 318Nm, consuming a claimed 10.5L/100km and sending drive to the front wheels only.

Active models are fitted with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 138kW and 241Nm, delivering a claimed fuel consumption of 9.4L/100km combined.

Hyundai also offers a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder on Active, Elite and Highlander grades. The oil burner deliver 147kW and 440Nm, with a fuel consumption rating of 7.8L/100km combined.

2018 Hyundai Sante Fe pricing

ActiveX V6 FWD - $40,990 (plus on-road costs)

Active four-cylinder AWD - $41,850 (plus on-road costs)

Active diesel AWD – $44,850 (plus on-road costs)

Elite diesel AWD - $51,990 (plus on-road costs)

Highlander diesel AWD - $57,090 (plus on-road costs)