INCH ADVANTAGE

MOTOR

Premium Spec

How could the Hyundai Grand Santa Fe get any better? They threw captain’s seats out back— on an SUV!

WORDS: PONG CASTILLO

THE BIG QUESTIONS

How is it a “grand” version of its predecessor, the standard Hyundai Santa Fe?

Version 2.0s are usually simply “bigger, faster, stronger,” and the Grand Santa Fe is just about that. Being the long-wheelbase version of its predecessor, the Grand is almost 300mm longer overall. It can sit up to seven passengers, and get this: the front passenger and the two second row seats are captain’s chairs—so yes, it is essentially “bigger” and could haul your brood in.

Is it any faster or stronger?

Well, it’s powered by the same 2.2-liter eVGT CRDi turbodiesel engine as in the standard Santa Fe, but runs on a six-speed automatic transmission. So while it won’t be faster, it could just get you from point A to point B on a smoother 4WD ride.

Is it more a high-end family SUV?

Sure, but it could also be your weekend companion to the great outdoors. Impress the ladies with the Grand Santa Fe’s panoramic sunroof, whether on a sunny drive to the beach or a star-lit night down to some intimate—er, romantic spot. Also, this elegant ride won’t mind going off-road. The downhill brake control (DBC) and the Hill-start assist control (HAC) are your wingmen when the road gets rough. And to make things more interesting, the Grand’s glove compartment can double as a mini-fridge with the built-in cooling system. A can of soda for you Mr. Driver, a can of beer for your lady passenger, everybody wins!

How would a Grand Santa Fe fare in fuel economy, given the daily “carmageddon” in Metro Manila?

The Grand has a 71-liter fuel capacity and, if you drive smart, can go 100 kilometers on just 7.6 liters of gas. Plus, diesel is still significantly cheaper than gasoline.

But we’re pretty sure the price is nowhere “cheap.”

P2,498,000. Yes, it’s a bagful of money, but worth all the spend. Also, the car goes with a five-year warranty (or 100,000 km, whichever goes first).

Hyundai Grand Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

What we drove

Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2.2 6AT 4WD Premium

Engine: 2.2-liter eVGT CRDi turbodiesel Maximum power: 197ps @ 3800rpm Maximum torque: 44.5 kg-m@18002500rpm Price: P2,498,000

What else is in the package?

Integrated memory seat (IMS)—customizable seat settings for the driver and his wingman

Rain sensor

Seat ventilation

Lane Departure Warning System—a camera on the top area of your windshield working as sensors for more accurate lane recognition

7-airbag system