- Comfortable front seats
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious interior
- Cramped centre rear seat
- Thirsty 2.7-litre V6 engine
- Suspension lacks body control
Review: Hyundai SM.I Santa Fe (2000-04)
Overview
Released in November 2000, the Hyundai SM Series I (SM.I) Santa Fe was a mid-size, four-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Santa Fe range was initially available with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (the ‘2.7 V6’ variants).
In 2001, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was introduced which was solely available with a five-speed manual transmission (the ‘2.4i’ variants). The Santa Fe was available in price-leading GL and better-equipped GLS editions; a limited-run Elite edition was released in 2004 – the full range is given in the table below.
Sirius and Delta engines
Of the engines,
- the 2.4-litre ‘Sirius’ engine had a cast iron block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.1:1; and,
- the 2.7-litre G6BA ‘Delta’ V6 engine had an aluminium alloy cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
With its monocoque chassis, the Santa Fe was 4500 mm long, 1845 mm wide, 1730 mm tall and had a 2630 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the SM Santa Fe had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Editions | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4i | GL | 2001-03 | 2.4-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 106 kW at 5500 rpm | 201 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 2.7 V6 | GL, GLS |
2000-04 | 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 132 kW at 6000 rpm | 247 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Elite | 2004 |
4WD system
The SM Santa Fe had a full-time, four-wheel drive system developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch which consisted of a viscous coupling locking planetary differential inside the front transaxle. In normal conditions, the system provided a 60:40 front:rear torque split, though torque distribution could be varied according to traction.
The Santa Fe was also fitted with a limited-slip rear differential as standard.
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the Santa Fe GL included a driver’s airbag, anti-submarining steel pans for the front seats and ramps for the rear seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Santa Fe GLS was also fitted with a front passenger’s airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and rear disc brakes.
From October 2003, dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and rear disc brakes were standard across the range.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe with dual front airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25. In the front impact test, forces applied to the front occupants’ chests were high, while the door frame distorted and the trans-fascia beam began to separate from the front pillar such that the body was considered to be unstable; Hyundai informed Euro NCAP that it had since improved the design of the mounting for this beam.
Features: Santa Fe GL and GLS
Standard features for the Santa Fe GL included 16-inch alloy wheels with 225/70 tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, height adjustable driver’s seat, rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, power windows and mirrors, front and rear power outlets, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, remote central locking, roof rails, cargo blind, luggage net, alarm and immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Santa Fe GLS added a six speaker sound system, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, driver’s seat lumbar-adjustment and door-step lamps. From October 2003, the GLS was also fitted with leather trim for the seats and armrests.
2002 Santa Fe World Cup editions
In May 2002, ‘World Cup’ badged models of the GL and GLS were released; these models were distinguished by their grille guard, chrome side steps, nudge bar, driving lights and World Cup floor mats.
2004 Santa Fe 2.7 V6 Elite
In June 2004, a limited run 2.7 V6 Elite edition was released. Compared to the GL, the Elite added a six speaker sound system, leather seats, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, front fog lights and body-coloured door handles and door mirror housings.
Review: Hyundai SM.II Santa Fe (2004-06)
Overview
Released in October 2004, the SM Series II (SM.II) Santa Fe introduced improved safety equipment and additional features. Furthermore, the range was reduced to the 2.7 V6 variant and the editions were discontinued.
Visually, the SM.II Santa Fe could be identified by its new grille, rear bumper with integrated rectangular fog lights, clear tail-light indicator lenses, five-spoke alloy wheels and redesigned tailgate. The grille, bumpers and lower side cladding were also the same colour as the paint finish, except for white models where these elements had a silver-grey gloss finish.
| Variant | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 V6 | N/A | 2.7-litre petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 132 kW at 6000 rpm | 250 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment was improved with the introduction of front side (thorax) airbags as standard.
Features
The SM.II Santa Fe’s features were comparable to the SM.I GLS edition, but added climate control air conditioning and a power-operated tilt/slide sunroof. Inside, the SM.II Santa Fe had two-tone cabin trim, silver-ringed instrument dials and higher quality seat fabrics.
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