Castleknock Hotel was to be the venue of choice for Hyundai Ireland to unveil the all new Santa Fe to the Irish motoring press. This 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant leap forward for the model, combining advanced technology, bold design, and better practicality to create a compelling SUV offering. First off, let’s look at the success of the outgoing models. The Irish have somewhat had an affinity towards the Santa Fe like no other country! It was once the brands highest annual selling vehicle and to date, over 20,000 units have been sold in Ireland alone. This new Santa Fe showcases a radical redesign that sets it apart from previous generations.
The somewhat Defender like exterior features a boxier silhouette with sharper lines and a more pronounced front fascia. The grille is larger and more aggressive, complemented by boxy LED headlights that give the vehicle a distinctive and modern look. The side looks rugged sitting on 20-inch wheels with a trick grab handle to allow easier access to a possible roof box. The rear design is where things really get interesting! With low slung taillights in what looks like an oversized tailgate, it has more of a bread van look to the rear that will certainly divide opinions. This new design language which we have seen on much of the Ioniq range beckons critique initially but somehow sits easier on the eye the more time you spend with it.
Two models are currently available to oder in Ireland kicking off with the Premium Calligraphy variant for €69,995 and soon to be followed by a slightly lower spec Premium version for €66,995. Both are powered by the 1.6-litre petrol turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 226hp. Expect this plug-in hybrid variant to offer up to 58 kilometres of electric-only range which, should provide an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Safety is another key priority for Hyundai, and the 2024 Santa Fe is no exception.
In addition to the SmartSense suite, the Santa Fe comes with standard safety equipment such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a robust construction that’s bound to fair out well should the unthinkable happen. The Premium Calligraphy we had out for test drive offers additional safety features, including a blind-spot view monitor that displays a live video feed of the blind spot in the instrument cluster when the turn signal is activated. This feature which we first seen on Ioniq 5, significantly enhances visibility and reduces the risk of collisions during lane changes.
Opening the drivers door and you will see where Hyundai’s attention to detail truly shines! The cabin is spacious, with ample room for both passengers and cargo with a boot-space capacity of 725 litres. High-quality materials including Nappa leather are used throughout, creating a premium feel that rivals much more expensive SUVs. The dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch user-friendly TFT infotainment screen that integrates seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster. The layout is intuitive, and the system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity and convenience for all occupants.
Heated and ventilated seats are also a nice touch up front and hot key buttons on the central control panel make it easy to navigate over endless touchscreen menus. Another one standout feature of the new Santa Fe is its innovative rear-seat configuration. The second row offers a sliding and reclining feature, adding to comfort for passengers and providing greater flexibility for cargo management. The third row is ideal for families, offering sufficient space for children or occasional adult use with USB charging points throughout. It is worth noting that it can be specified as a 6 or 7 seater here in Ireland.
So what is the new Santa Fe like to drive? Well, our test drive was a 30 minute journey that took us mostly on backroads around the affluent suburbs of west Dublin. The first thing we noticed was the lack of road noise! It’s extremely quiet and pleasant to travel in. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb road imperfections and it has a composed ride that somehow masks its sheer size. Is it quick? No, not by any means but adequate in the sense that a vehicle of this proportion should be agile enough to overtake and sit comfortably at motorway speed limits.
The visibility is excellent also from the commanding drivers seating position and having all-wheel drive will no doubt enhance stability in winter driving conditions for further peace of mind. This all new Santa Fe will standout in its class for sure offering a blend of style, performance, technology, and value that is hard to beat. Did I mention value? Yes, although the Santa Fe has seen a price increase of €8000 over the outgoing model, you will still find it hard to find anything under €98k that will offer you 7-seats and this level of specification all for under €70k! Whether you’re looking for a practical family vehicle, a comfortable commuter, or a capable adventure companion, the new Santa Fe should deliver on all fronts!
