The detailed launch of the new generation model reinforces that this is a fresh start.
The latest Hyundai Shengda will hit the market next month, and its pricing will for the first time put the price of this nuclear family station wagon into the six-figure range, unless you're an early buyer.
The new range models are an all-new model that spans three models: the entry-level Active at $84,990, the Limited Edition at $96,990 and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy (pictured) at $104,990, making it the first Santa Fe to cost more than $100,000. However, there is currently a launch promotion that deducts AU$10,000 from the discount on these stickers.
All models are all-wheel-drive, with a new 1.6-litre petrol hybrid drivetrain, a larger, more boxy and bolder body, and more equipment and technology than its predecessor. It's safer and more advanced than before.
Active and Limited have seven seats; Calligraphy can be set up with seven seats – i.e., two chairs in front and benches in the back – or six separate chairs, which is the first type.
However, all of these advancements have taken a hit to its practicality – one effect of diesel being retired after 14 years of service is that the traction grade takes a heavy hit – and prices also rise significantly when the full MSRP of the factory and factory is taken into account.
Although the Active's special introductory price is $74,990, it's still $21,000 more than the older model.
The old model also stands out for a Calligraphy model – which was launched as a limited edition a year ago – priced at $94,990, although the price was reduced to $82,990 in March.
In addition, the Palisade, currently the brand's largest sporty utility tourer, is larger and more spacious, with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, priced as low as $86,990, a particular price of $20,000 off its normal suggested retail price and $2,000 more expensive than the new Calligraphy.
The new Santa Fe does away with the diesel engine as a permanent move, and although the diesel engine has been the dominant choice in the first four generations of the model, the diesel engine is still standing even after Hyundai New Zealand introduced the old petrol hybrid in the hope of changing the buying model through technology. But that's not the case: up to 70% of purchases come from diesel engines.
No one can say what impact the disappearance of compression ignition will have on the brand; But it's a gamble. Shengda has always been crucial, with over 25,000 units sold since it first arrived in New Zealand in 2000.
The new model offers more standard features, including 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch interior screens, dual-zone climate control, and an electrically adjustable driver's seat, which have become standard across the range.
Semi-autonomous highway driver assistance software is able to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane and assist the driver in changing lanes, although not all, but also includes the software's features.
The new powertrain combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 44.2kW electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. With a combined power of 172kW and 376Nm of torque, it is 3kW more than the previous Santa Fe hybrid, with 26Nm of torque.
It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission; This is one of the few elements that has been preserved from the previous design.
The drivetrain contributes to the environmental status of this type of vehicle – significantly reducing CO2 emissions and increasing optimum economy.
South Korea's Hyundai claims to consume 6.5 to 7.6 liters of fuel per 100 km. Modern New Zealand has not yet provided data to classify the WLTP-3 classes used here.
The 2.5-litre engine, which is likely to be on the market, will have a nominal displacement of 9.3 to 10.5 litres per 100 km from the factory, while the New Zealand market has a nominal displacement of 7.1 to 7.8 litres for the diesel.
Owners who currently like trailers need to rethink the thing about trailers.
The 148kW, 440Nm diesel engine, which Kiwis love, has a rated load capacity of 2500kg (braking), which isn't enough to make it to the big leagues, but it's still convenient. And this hybrid has the same carrying capacity limit as the upcoming version, which is 1650 kg, which may not be of much use.
This is about the same as the smaller Tucson, which has a weight rating ranging from 1650 kg to 1900 kg depending on the derivative model, only slightly higher than the Kona.
Emissions have improved to 145 grams per kilometre under the WLTP standard. Diesel emissions are up to 160 grams per kilometer. The V6 is the dirtiest, with an emission of 244 grams per kilometer.
There are still rumors that a petrol-only 2.5-litre turbocharged model could join the range at a later date, ostensibly to replace the V6 engine, which was discontinued not long ago. The engine produces 206kW of power and 422Nm of torque, up from the 200kW/331Nm of the old six-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The new car is significantly larger than its replacement; Length 4830 mm, height 1720-1780 mm (depending on the model), wheelbase 2815 mm, overall length increased by 45 mm, height increased by 20 mm, wheel base increased by 50 mm. Only the width of 1900 mm is consistent.
This increase in size poses no physical threat to the Palisade, which uses the same platform as the soon-to-be-discontinued Santa Fe, can accommodate seven to eight people, replaces the 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with a four-cylinder diesel engine, and is sourced from North America.
Design highlights of the new Shengda include a unique H-shaped LED headlight and taillight design, 21-inch wheels on the top-of-the-line model, prominent wheel arches, and black window pillars that create a "floating roof" look.
Inside, a pair of 12.3-inch screens (one infotainment touchscreen and one instrument display) merge into a curved panel across the dashboard, running the latest modern software that can be updated via over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The steering wheel and climate control panel (with two large dials and 6.6-inch color touchscreens on both sides) are reminiscent of the panels used by Range Rover.