Comments on: 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi Review

By: Nigel

Nigel — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:49:44 +0000

We have looked at all the SUV’s on the market in our price range………Pajero exceed and down. We have a 2005 exceed now, and have found the Santa fe is a true contender in the market, in fact we to buy one on Monday. I was so surprised when I drove it, we were so impressed with everything. I drove it everywhere we drove each SUV we test drove, which includes the steepest hill around here. I have say the turbo lag was something we just never found to be a problem. You have to remember this SUV has only a 2.2ltr engine, and preforms far better than it has a right to. I feel it has the same power as our current 3.8ltr petrol engine.

so we’ll see how we go :) Greta helpful review. thanks
Nigel

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:09:33 +0000

Hi Mrs Max, Kluger does have more head room at the back but when you actually sit in the back seat there is suprisingly more room than you think – the rear door is deceptive. For us it is a toss up between the kluger and the sante fe – value for money and the 4 cylinder diesal option means the santa fe is looking good.

By: Mrs Max

Mrs Max — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:11:30 +0000

Is it safe to use seater on the 3rd row? I come across comments that the3rd row is too close to the window, and not much room left from the rear, any crashes from the rear would be very serious. Is it safer or same for Kluger?

By: Trevor

Trevor — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:48:03 +0000

7 seater by name – not in reality.
even if you can use the 7 seats, they are only suitable for small kids and leave no boot space for prams ect.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:35:10 +0000

Given the reports on turbo lag I test drove a few different new CRDis & only once was turbo lag barley discernable, so took the plunge & bought one SLX. Must have got a Firday car as the turbo lag is woeful both when taking off from being fully stopped & when on the highway when you want to overtake. Also appears when running on cruise control where the car drops below its set point & then the car surges as the cruise control kicks in to maintain speed (especially on mild rolling open road hills where the car should only need a small nudge to maintain speed). Took it to Hyundai, they did a diagnostics test & found it needed reprogramming. Any change to performance – NO! So I’m off back to them again. Hopefully they’ll get it right this time……….My advise to any prospective buyers, drive the actual car you want before handing over your hard earned, & by test drive do at least 100kms & include dead stop forward & reverse, on flat & slopes (yes it appears in all these states), do the open road & put you boot into it from cruising, & also on mild rolling open road hills. If the salesman complains, go elsewhere – its your money!

By: Roy

Roy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:52:22 +0000

I would like to if south korean made Sante Fe 2009 crdi SUV is as durable and long lasting as compared to many german and american competitors ? has anyone had a reasonably trouble free 80,000 km on Sante fe 2008 or 2009 models ? I would like to know If the Brakes, Transmission and suspensions Last Long for mostly safe highway drives ?
Can experienced owners help me with my Queries ? thanks

By: brad

brad — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:06:53 +0000

Hi All

I got my CRDI SLX a few months back now and cannot fault it – love the car. I have had Prado’s in the past as I need the room for work and 5 kids. Have found the Santa Fe to be an excellant replacement. To be honest I prefer the Santa Fe. Better fuel economy, better interior and the service I have had from Hyundai has been unreal.
Also bought a I30 as well at the same time – this is also a fantastic car with excellant mileage and features. Good onya Hyundai well done

By: Aitcho

Aitcho — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:19:27 +0000

Hi all,

Have to say that after taking delivery of a 2009 SLX CRDi model that I am really impressed with it.

It easily is the best in its field and market in my opinion, as it beats out the Captiva, Territory, Dodge Journey and Toyota Klugar for price, economy, and equipment as standard.

The excellant bits about it are;
Fuel economy on the Diesel (we get roughly mid 8’s around town, low 6’s on the highway)
Room for the family, comfortable for 5 adults and two kids.
Nice to drive, very comfortable seats and ride height.
Fantastic turning circle for a vehicle this size.

I could actually go on for ever about all the good bits if anyone wants a opinion prior to buying. Highly recomended in any case.

Only minor complaints are:
To get to the third row, only the left seat jumps forward.
Wide side mirrors, makes it hard getting into tight garages like mine (but can be manually folded in for this purpose)

All in all though, great car for its purpose. As you can see, minor complaints that really don’t mean that much anyway. And the 2009 model comes with a better looking trim than the pics have you believe. Worth a look if interested.

By: brian

brian — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:25:51 +0000

AWD has a ‘centre diff’ which allows the tail shaft to slip so to speak, meaning that the car can drive on any surface without damage to the drivetrain. This puts power to all wheels but still allows slip or different turning ratios between all the wheels for cornering. many systems are electronic now and controls power to each wheels, some are 60% Front/ 40% back etc. 4WD is when the centre diff locks apportioning equal drive to all wheels. However the centre diff does not work so the tail shaft will take the brunt of the force when on hard pack surfaces like bitumen. This should only be used ‘off-road’, and will give better traction under such circumstances.

By: Peter J

Peter J — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:14:21 +0000

I’ve test driven twice after driving other “turbo lag” SUVs. The CRDi is now as smooth as?

By: Louis F

Louis F — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:58:29 +0000

Can someone please explain to me the difference between a model with All Wheel Drive (AWD) and 4WD On demand. I seen from various Santa Fe brochures references to these 2 terms, some from the States and some from outside the USA , but cannot seems to tell which one does what and which model comes with which drive system? I am confused. Thanks. Louis F.

By: riceboy

riceboy — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:31:46 +0000

not sure if it’s the same system, but my Golf GTI auto locks the doors at 15km/h, and auto unlocks when the engine is switched off. The door locks can be over ridden when the internal door handles are pulled twice; and also by the driver pushing on the “unlock” button. I love the system for the sense of security, as we’re starting to hear of some car jackings even in Oz

By: Zool

Zool — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:01:11 +0000

Perhaps Hyundai should have used the Kia Sorento’s turbo diesel. No discernable turbo lag, its a top notch engine.

By: scamma

scamma — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:41:02 +0000

Having owned a SLX 7 seat CRD model for 18 months and 43000 kms later..I believe it was a great purchase and couldnt recommend higher. Was looking at Territory (no diesel) and Kluger (old model at the time),even Captiva (no third row airbag). Absolutely reliable and only minor warranty items dealt with hassle free at service. Currently around town avg 8.4ltrs and have been in low 6’s on a longer trip. My first diesel but i’m a convert.. despite the ripoff markup compared to Unleaded.

By: JEYKL & HYDE

JEYKL & HYDE — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:08:28 +0000

bernie,are you on drugs..

maybe a small pop top would better suit the santa-fe.

if it must be a 19 footer then you MUST look prado,pajero,pathfinder,or any dual cab diesel.no if’s or but’s…

By: Bernie Atkins

Bernie Atkins — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:46:16 +0000

Has anybody towed an 19ft van with one of these We are looking at buying one and concerned about the towing

By: John of Perth

John of Perth — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:05:13 +0000

With respect to the driveability issue reported on the diesel, I wonder if CA can advise if the auto is one of these adaptive units that ‘learns’ the required input from the driver. Reason I ask is that having jumped into a vehicle which had one of these trannies and was literally driven for 50000km on a school run, the whole engine response seemed very sluggish. After two weeks of driving with more gusto, the whole vehicle responded perfectly – the auto had adapted to the driving style.

I think the vehicle is outstanding value for money and for Hyundai represents a seachange in the perception that they are a budget low cost manufacturer. On the contrary there will be several auto manufacturer casualties, but somehow I don’t think Hyundai will be one of them.

In time they might even rethink introducing the Genesis to the ANZ market.

By: Daniel.W

Daniel.W — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:56:24 +0000

Santa Fe kills the Kluger i reckon. value wise for me it would be a no brainer, looks better to. i read somewhere an all new Santa Fe was due out this year, but i thought it is to early in its model life to need a replacement.
anyone heard anything on that?

By: JEYKL & HYDE

JEYKL & HYDE — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:58:57 +0000

is there such a thing as a “slight turbo lag problem”???sounds to me like its a small problem that turns into a big pain in the _ _ _ !!!

By: Lightbulb

Lightbulb — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:23:15 +0000

Great review & I think the base SX CRDi manual model is the pick of the bunch. This car would have to be one of the most underrated suv’s going around, & even though there may be a slight turbo lag problem, the diesel engined model is the best motor for this range. I think Hyundai is on a winner with this car & I cant wait to see their new i30 CW wagon when it comes out.

Cheers !