New face and AEB for Santa Fe

Hyundai has launched a facelifted version of its top-selling Santa Fe large SUV.

On sale from today and dubbed Santa Fe II, the new softroader features freshened frontal styling inspired by its smaller, newer Tucson stablemate and a number of detailed interior and under-the-skin changes.

But while the new-look SUV also benefits from engine and suspension tweaks across the range (see below), only the top-spec Highlander variant gets the headline act – a full radar-based safety suite that includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

In addition to AEB, the full safety suite includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and an upgraded auto parking system which includes 90-degree reverse parking and exit function.

The facelift includes new bumpers, more angular headlights, updated grille and detailed trim changes. At the rear, the top-spec Highlander variant incorporates LEDs for the first time. Coupled with new alloy wheel designs, the effect is positive, positioning the car closer to its newer, little brother.

The updated all-AWD Santa Fe range kicks off with the Active available with 2.4 GDi petrol or 2.2 CRDi turbo-diesel powerplants and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The four Active models are priced from $38,490 to $43,990, unchanged from the cars they replace.

The remaining Santa Fe variants, the $49,990 mid-grade Elite and range-topping $55,990 Highlander, are diesel/auto only.

Standard equipment in the entry-level Active includes new upgraded 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google Now (Android) voice activation systems. Dual-zone climate-control, 17-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, reversing camera, LED daytime running lamps, foglights, steering wheel controls and cruise control are also included.

The Elite grade adds Hyundai’s new 8.0-inch touch-screen satellite-navigation with SUNA live traffic and 550-Watt 10-speaker Infinity audio system. Key-free entry and starting are standard along with electric park brake, powered seats, front parking sensors and a 'leather appointed' interior.

Rear privacy tinting, folding exterior mirrors, auto wipers, 18-inch alloys and smart powered tailgate are also included in the Elite, along with a substantial list of other items such as rear side blinds.

Metallic paint is a $695 option on all models.

The top of the line Highlander wants for little. Heated and cooled front power seats, heated rear seats, sunroof, 19-inch alloys, carbon-style inlays and xenon headlights are some of the key inclusions over and above the Elite.

But the headline act is its safety suite. Indeed, the Highlander’s radar-based AEB system is arguably on par with the Euros – at least in claimed performance.

Hyundai says the set-up offers both pedestrian and vehicle sensing functionality -- the former from 7-80km/h and the latter 8-180km/h. Full braking power can be applied and bring the vehicle to a halt at speeds up to 80km/h. Over that the system “provides partial braking to reduce the severity of accidents and allow the driver to conduct a safe and controlled avoidance manoeuvre”.

“At all speeds, the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) function of the AEB system warns the driver of potential danger ahead via audible and visual alerts,” Hyundai says.

Initially no powertrain changes were expected, however, Hyundai has carried out (very) minor tweaks. The changes are tuning rather than ‘hardware’ related and, says Hyundai, aimed at improving real-world performance.

The tweaks see the 2.4-litre petrol four’s output trimmed 3kWand 1Nm to 138kW/241Nm, while the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is now 2kW and 4Nm stronger at 147kW and 440Nm.

Fuel economy has been slightly improved on the turbo-diesel (down 0.4 to 7.7L/100km for the auto) but the petrol engine is 0.3L/100km thirstier than its predecessor at 9.4.

The trade-off, says Hyundai, is that “improved drivability especially at lower and mid-range engine speeds”.

The other tuning that’s been done is part of Hyundai’s ongoing suspension/steering localisation program.

A rear suspension design change (new-shape trailing arm bushes reduce shake and improve ride quality, while an additional control arm increase lateral stiffness for improved handling stability, says Hyundai) was an opportunity for the marque’s local engineering team to re-balance the Santa Fe II’s set-up.

According to Hyundai, 85 different damper combinations were evaluated. In addition, rear spring rates were increased marginally, in part to “improve Santa Fe Series II’s load-carrying ability”.

Head over to the Reviews section to read our first drive of the Santa Fe II Highlander 2.2 CRDi.

Hyundai Santa Fe II pricing (plus ORCs):
Active 2.4 GDi manual — $38,490
Active 2.4 GDi auto — $40,990
Active 2.2 CRDi manual — $41,490
Active 2.2 CRDi auto — $43,990
Elite 2.2 CRDi auto — $49,990
Highlander 2.2 CRDi auto — $55,990