Hyundai Santa Fe Turbo Hybrid - Most spacious fun car
After driving my Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid for the past two weeks, I can confidently say that this SUV has exceeded my expectations in many areas. I came from a Japanese car background, so I was naturally cautious at first — But this new Santa Fe quickly proved itself.
Design & Presence
The new boxy design stands out on the road. It looks premium, modern, and a lot more expensive than its price tag. I’Ve had people turning their heads and even asking me about it. The build quality feels solid, and the interior layout is spacious and well thought out.
Driving Experience
The hybrid system is smooth, quiet, and surprisingly powerful for a 1.6 turbo. Acceleration is effortless during overtaking, and the transition between engine and electric motor is barely noticeable. Around town, it feels refined and easy to handle despite its size.
Comfort & Interior
The cabin is comfortable, with good sound insulation and premium materials for its class. The seats are supportive, and the overall driving position feels commanding. The second and third rows have good space, and the panoramic sunroof makes the interior feel even more open.
Technology & Features
Hyundai packed this SUV with features. The 360-camera, large infotainment screen, remote smart parking, and safety systems work well and feel intuitive. Wireless connectivity is stable, and the digital cluster is clean and easy to read.
Fuel Efficiency
For a big 7-seater, the fuel economy has been impressive. The hybrid system helps a lot in traffic. I’M still monitoring long-term numbers, but early signs are promising.
Ride Quality
The suspension leans towards comfort — Bumps and rough roads are absorbed nicely. Even on larger 20-inch wheels, the ride isn’T harsh. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily driving.
Final Thoughts After 2 Weeks
Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe Turbo Hybrid has been a pleasant surprise. It delivers comfort, features, design, and refinement that feel above its price point. As long as you maintain it properly, it’S a safe, solid, and enjoyable SUV for daily use and family duty.
For now, I’M genuinely happy with the decision to switch.... Read More
Subaru Forester e-BOXER Hybrid - Forester Hybrid — Still a Subaru at Heart, Just a Little Different
I've driven the Forester 2.5L Hybrid for about two months now, covering roughly 2,000 km. As someone who previously owned the SK-generation Forester, the difference is noticeable. The hybrid setup makes the car feel smoother and more relaxed in daily traffic. It isn't as zippy as the older model, but it excels in day-to-day drivability — especially around town, where the electric assist makes creeping in traffic feel more effortless.
In terms of fuel economy, I averaged around 710 km over three tanks. This is quite far from the "1,000 km per tank" figure that's often mentioned, so that was disappointing. In real Singapore conditions, with mixed city and expressway driving, 700+ km seems more realistic.
Inside, the car feels familiar but more refined. The seats are comfortable on long drives, visibility is still one of the Forester's strongest points, and the cabin has a solid, functional feel. The infotainment system is responsive enough, and the air-con handles our weather without breaking a sweat. As an audiophile, the sound system surprised me — it's genuinely better than what most mainstream SUVs offer, even without aftermarket upgrades.
Parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces is where the car shines. Despite being an SUV, it's easy to judge, and parallel parking is straightforward. There are a lot of electronic settings and driver-assistance features, which can feel overwhelming at the start, but once everything is set to your preference, you don't really think about them anymore. Overall, the hybrid Forester still carries the same "confidence in all conditions" personality that Subaru is known for — just without the stronger punch of the older petrol-only versions.... Read More