Having been present in Malaysia for nigh on two decades, the Hyundai Santa Fe needs no introduction as far as nameplates go. Various iterations of the large seven-seat SUV have served many families, their tag-along friends and their gear on almost everything from school runs to full-on balik kampung journeys.
Launched in Malaysia in September, the 2024 Santa Fe boasts significant upgrades over the original fourth-generation model – with the most prominent being a new platform – to once again offer versatile and stylish family transport like no other.
This new platform features a subframe that has changed from an H shape to a pound shape, and an improved rear cross member bushing, to more efficiently absorb the impact from the tyres and suspension for a smoother, comfortable ride. Prioritising your family’s safety, this Hyundai third generation platform also comes with increased composition of ultra-high tensile strength steel to improve overall collision safety.
The styling is bold, distinctive and unmistakably Hyundai – the full-width geometric-pattern grille is seamlessly merged with the headlamps, and a clamped lower intake creates a balanced, wide stance. T-shaped LED DRLs create a unique signature, and a seamless line connects them to the tail lamps. A wide rear reflector and skid plate form a striking three-layered aesthetic. Head-turning? You bet.
The spacious, practical and classy interior features liberal use of premium soft-touch materials, while the elevated centre console creates an armchair-like experience for those up front. The push-button gear selector – courtesy of shift-by-wire – is intuitive to use while freeing up centre console space, and access to all seats are a doddle thanks to one-touch walk-in and folding. With comfort levels this high, you and your family will definitely be looking forward to long-distance drives.
There are two powertrains spread over three variants: the RM195,888 Hybrid Plus, RM209,888 Diesel Max and RM215,888 Hybrid Max, all prices being on-the-road before insurance. Let’s first look at the Hybrid – it’s the first Santa Fe hybrid in Malaysia and the second locally-assembled (CKD) Hyundai hybrid after the IONIQ Hybrid in 2016.
The Hybrid marries a 180 PS/265 Nm 1.6 litre direct-injected turbo petrol engine with a six-speed auto and a 44.2 kW electric motor to send a combined 230 PS and 350 Nm of torque to the front wheels. The Smartstream hybrid engine features the world’s first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, enabling optimised performance by adjusting the valve duration based on driving conditions.
With respectable performance and the ability to travel up to 1,288 km on a 67-litre fuel tank – indeed, the first hybrid D-segment seven-seater SUV to be capable of this – you truly get the best of both worlds. Plus, there’s an eight-year, unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty, and if the battery’s state of health dips under 70% within those eight years, Hyundai will swap defective cells free of charge. How’s that for total peace of mind?
Sitting in between the two hybrid variants is the Diesel Max, which carries the proven 2.2 litre CRDi turbodiesel engine that delivers 193 PS and 440 Nm of torque to all wheels through the HTRAC all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed wet DCT.
No matter what variant you choose, you get a five-year, 300,000 km vehicle warranty, six airbags, the Level 2 autonomous driving system – Hyundai SmartSense safety suite that includes Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Assist (FCA) that can detect cars, pedestrians and even cyclists, plus an eight-inch touch-screen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition, auto wipers, shift paddles, six speakers and wireless phone charging.
The Max variants have a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, a head-up display, blind spot view monitor, surround view monitor and a power tailgate, while the range-topping Hybrid Max exclusively gets ventilated front seats and driver’s seat memory. Alloys are 17s for the Hybrid Plus, 19s for the Hybrid Max and 20s for the Diesel Max.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presents an altogether compelling package, made all the more so by four striking colours – Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey and Stormy Sea. But don’t just take our word for it – take a closer look and possibly a test spin at your nearest Hyundai showroom. Don’t miss out on Hyundai’s Year End Deals either! Enjoy a limited-time RM10,000 discount on the Santa Fe, plus an extra RM5,000 rebate for service and maintenance. Register your interest here and visit Hyundai Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information.
