Hyundai Santa Fe

Well it had to happen to my new car, I was stationary at a red traffic light when an E-class Merc with diplomatic plates crunched into my rear.

Going to Hyundai to report accident, I was told must make police report cos diplomatic car, which I did. But after that, I was politely told, Hyundai does not repair when you claim against other party, only if you claim against your own insurance. Thus I was advised to go to STAR Auto at Portsdown Rd. Never having used STAR before, I was not happy, but STAR Auto seemed to know what to do, gave me a Toyota Picnic for the repair period and replaced the rear bumper and exhaust tip on my Santa Fe, along with associated repairs. STAR also videoed a lawyer-to-me interview n said it would take abt 6-9 months to process my "straightforward" claim.

Of course accidents happen, but as a point to note, the E-class merc that knocked into my rear had its front bumper cracked and distorted and appeared to suffer much more damage than my vehicle.

Whether this means Santa Fe is a tough vehicle, well who knows.

Now after driving my new SantaFe for a few months, some comments:

First, after Orchard Rd flood, I am thankful for choosing a higher vehicle as I sometimes park where it was flooded. Luckily that day I not there. Even so, with higher vehicle less chance of bad flood damage. Last time when I was driving sedan, I was caught in Jalan Besar flood and just escaped.

Second, had some difficulty resolving metallic squeaking noise that actually came from middle row folding seat when not locked down properly. After many examinations cannot find source, until Senior Engineer Foo at Hyundai finally guessed correctly where it came from. Good job, Foo. After I lubricated and banged down seat to lock properly, problem finally solved after some months of annoyance. Possibly carpet was trapped under seat making it unable to lockdown properly.

Next, fuel consumption is more like 6-7km/l. Nowhere near the 10+km/l suggested by Hyundai. But I am not complaining as I never believed their number in the first place.

Other than these minor comments, I generally satisfied w my choice, I am lucky to buy it before COE went up, and so far what I wanted in this vehicle is what I got, and also at a reasonable price.

It is comfortable when I drive around, no problems(other than that squeaking which is now solved), is big enough to protect my family even if a truck knocks into it, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a spacious, simple but comfortable SUV in this price range.

Drive for one week already, luckily bought base model at $85K before COE up. Agent Jit added freebies like reverse camera and nice number.

Got 3rd row seat option, but head space lacking, more suitable for children. Middle row seats can recline and lotsa space, behind got 4 air con vents and separate air con blower behind, great for kids always complain behind too hot, cannot get aircon, etc.

New 2.4L engine is 4 cylinder and more fuel efficient than previous V6, but for us normal drivers, difficult to get the 10+km/litre Hyundai claims. Feel is more like 7-8km/litre.

Hyundai say got own new gearbox now, supposed to last longer than vehicle life. Last time always people complain this, so hope this not a problem now.

Build quality OK, comfortable and basic. Only black exterior have the biege interior.

Drive unexpectedly zippy for large vehicle and auto has got the option to flip gear manually. Cornering better than I expected also (previously I drive honda SIR and BMW 3-series).

No complaints, except spare tire was not fastened properly below n made squeaking sound when driving. After this settled, no problems so far, and those sit behind happy with it.

Quiet, smooth, spacious and comfortable for a $85K vehicle, I cannot complain so far. For same features and quality in a jap vehicle, I probably have to pay $100K at least.

Before I settled on SantaFe, I look at Nissan Teana, Camry and Accord. All more pricy, Teana is the most luxurious and comfortable. Accord drive the best but remind me too much of my previous Honda SIR. Camry is in between, I drove the pre-facelifted model some weeks overseas alrdy.

In the end, I chose the SantaFe cause it is $15K cheaper, got 3rd row seat option and the comfort is about the same as Accord and Camry. If I wanted sedan, I would go for the Teana, but Teana has no 3rd row seat option and behind is less spacious. My wife also like the high-driving position and my boy like the behind seats and rear air con of the Santa Fe.

Hope this review helps.