"Hyundai Santa Fe": the history of the crossover and photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The legendary crossover was named after the city of Santa Fe (Holy Faith), founded by the Spaniards in New Mexico in 1610. The Korean corporation originally intended its first crossover for the American and Australian markets, but an inexpensive SUV with decent cross-country ability has gained popularity all over the planet and has maintained it for the fourth generation.

First generation: the birth of a legend

Despite its rustic appearance and modest interior equipment, "Santa Fe" immediately gained immense popularity. Marketers accurately guessed the need for an inexpensive SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) - a car for outdoor enthusiasts. The crossover allowed a company of 2-5 people with acceptable comfort to get to the beach, the bike path, the starting point of the ascent. A decent-sized trunk and durable roof rails made it possible to take leisure accessories with you: a surfboard, bicycles, climbing equipment, or just a folding table and a picnic grill.

Off-Road Performance (Push-in AWD and 200mmground clearance) allowed to move freely off the asph alt and move on the ground, light off-road.

The efficiency of the novelty was somewhat overshadowed by insufficient power. The car was not initially positioned as a racing car or an 18-wheel tractor.

6-cylinder V-engine developed 200 hp. With. with a volume of 3.5 liters and 173 liters. With. with a volume of 2.7 l, later appeared in-line four 2.4 l.

"Hyundai Santa Fe" (diesel with 4-cylinder common rail engine) was shipped outside the US.

Cheapness of purchase and efficiency of operation attracted not only youth companies, but also young families. The car was originally equipped with ISOFIX mounts and a switchable front passenger airbag.

The "Santa Fe" branding (massive handle on the rear door) made the crossover well recognizable on the road until the third generation.

The car received a 4-star EuroNCAP passenger safety rating and only one star for pedestrian safety.

The first generation was produced in Korea and the USA from 2002 to 2007. Cars were produced under license in many countries, including Russia (from 2007 to 2013). Our car was named "Santa Fe Hyundai Classic".

The photo shows that the appearance has not changed much. However, the interior has become more comfortable, and the power unit and transmission have also been improved.

In Russia, the clone of the first generation enjoys a well-deservedpopularity for low cost, reliability and unpretentiousness. On fishing and hunting trips for mushrooms helps "Santa Fe Hyundai Classic". The photo (top view) shows the volume of the cabin, which allows you to transport not only sports and leisure equipment, but also building materials loved by our fellow citizens.

The first generation was also produced in the Philippines and Brazil.

In China, the first generation Hyundai Santa Fe was produced under the name Hawtai from 2002 to 2010. To do this, a joint venture, Hawtai Motors, was created. Since 2010, in order to reduce the price, the plant has abandoned the name "Hyundai" and began to equip the Santa Fe C9 model with Rover engines from the Nanjin plant.

Second Generation

In 2006, the Korean automaker significantly updated the appearance and filling of the crossover, which has gained immense popularity.

The car has become more modern both outside and inside, several active and passive safety systems have been added:

• improved ESP system;
• side airbags for all rows of seats;
• tire pressure monitoring;
• active front seat head restraints;
• anti-lock braking system (ABS).

It's all there even as standard.

As for comfort, a Bluetooth headset connection to the factory radio was added, a navigation system manufactured by LG, rearheadrests of a new shape (not blocking the view through the rear window). "Hyundai Santa Fe 2", which has retained some continuity of appearance with the first generation, is still well-deservedly popular in the secondary market.

Restyling

The generation lasted until 2012. There was a minor restyling in 2010. The company also carried out a facelift in 2012.

Third generation

The release of the third generation began in 2012. The crossover smoothly moved from the compact class to the mid-size class, and began to be produced on the same platform as the KIA Sorrento. There was also a migration from the budget price category to the middle one. The branded handle on the back door has disappeared. Its place was taken by the automatic opening system in top trim levels.

At this time, the fashion for seven-seater crossovers swept the auto world. Following it, the car began to be delivered in two noticeably different versions:

• 5-seater Santa Fe Sport, 2.4L and 2.0L turbo engines;
• Santa Fe 7 Seater Extended Wheelbase (Designed to replace ix55) 3.3L Engine

There is a premium audio system that uses 10 speakers, which provides transparent and surround sound. The completely redesigned climate control system is controlled separately for the driver, front passenger and second row. Everyone will be able to customize their own microclimate. As an option, a glass roof with adjustable transparency is available, allowing you to adjust the interior lighting and visibility of the landscape.both in bright sunshine and overcast winter days.

Finishing materials do not look fashionable, but comfortable and comfortable to the touch. The color schemes and lines of the salon are decided by the designers as dynamic, but balanced. In general, comfort has increased so much that the car has rightfully taken its place among medium-sized cars. Today it is called "the new" Hyundai Santa Fe ", although the company has already prepared a replacement for him - the fourth generation.

Hybrid

Since 2008, Hyundai has been releasing a hybrid version of the Santa Fe. The eco-friendly car was equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder petrol engine, working together with a 30-kilowatt electric motor.

The start/stop system shut off the engine at stops, allowing for impressive city mileage (6.9 l/100 km). The company pioneered the use of lithium polymer batteries in the hybrid vehicle market. The Santa Fe Hybrid has been used as a platform for other Hyundai hybrid models.

Hybrids are produced today. The 2018 modification will be equipped with a 4-cylinder turbocharged two-liter engine designed specifically for the hybrid version. Together with an electric motor, it will develop peak power up to 290 hp. With. The 6-speed automatic will be able to transmit torque to the wheels up to 341 Nm.

Owner Reviews

Following the development of the model from generation to generation, the accents of the owners also shiftedHyundai Santa Fe. Reviews about the first generation most often concerned the small volume of the fuel tank and the fragility of the suspension elements.

When the manufacturer corrected these shortcomings, and by the second generation the crossover became more dynamic, the owners began to write more about the insufficiently informative steering wheel and cornering.

Owners of the third generation noted the lack of clarity of the dual-zone climate control and navigation system.

Demands of car enthusiasts grew with the growth of quality and equipment of Hyundai Santa Fe models. The reviews were mostly positive, in general, for all 16 years, the crossover has met the basic requirements of its range of consumers - an economical SUV for lovers of outdoor activities and light off-road conditions.

Future legend

Fans of the brand are vigorously discussing the newest "Hyundai Santa Fe" - the fourth generation of the legendary crossover, announced by the corporation. More or less authentic spy photos and computer mock-ups circulate online.

The design has become more modern, but the features of the cute "dresser on wheels" that marked the beginning of the 16-year ascent of the Santa Fe legend have finally been lost.

It turned out just another average mid-size crossover, fast, all-terrain and comfortable. But it is better to wait for the official presentation of new items by the manufacturer.

Sixteen years is a long time for any car model. During this time, from the budget SUV "Hyundai Santa Fe"turned into a comfortable and dynamic mid-size crossover, has retained its popularity among a wide range of buyers.