2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: First Impressions

Homogeneous and assuring

Gravenhurst, ON - In the enchanting scenery of Lake Muskoka, Hyundai invited Canadian journalists to the launch of the new Santa Fe. Hyundai is taking a bet on promoting its sport-utility to the mid-size category, leaving the Tucson some room in the compact category. Hyundai is seeking to

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

attract a larger customer base. This mutation allows the manufacturer to offer 5- and 7-passenger versions to their clientele. This first contact with the all-new Santa Fe leaved a good impression on us.

Strong competition

In this category, Hyundai is battling with several big guns, but still overlaps the compacts and mid-sizers. As such, its dimensions compare well with both the RAV4 and the Highlander, the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-7, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape, to name a few.

Second generation
The Santa Fe was initially launched in 2000 and was a success right off

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

the bat. Its particular lines distinguished it from the competition. This time, Hyundai wanted to widen the buyer spectrum. Hyundai of North America chief designer Joel Piaskowski clearly told us that the Korean car builder was hoping to get closer to other manufacturers in order to steal their market share. As the first production vehicle to come out of their North-American design studio in Irvine, California, the Santa Fe borrows many styling cues from the best luxury sport-utilities. It is, in my opinion, a mix of genres. Like most new vehicles under the Hyundai brand, it mimics the best of the competition.

More classic styling
If we compare it to the first-generation model, the new Santa Fe has become more mature. However, it fits in better with the competition. The

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

front end gets a massive new fascia that, according to Joel Piaskowski, highlights the proportions of the hood's twin lines to give more character. The light clusters further enhance that impression. The new profile presents soft, flowing and balanced curves. The big wheels in their wells aim to give the impression of a high ground clearance and the stance of a bigger SUV. The new luggage rack is partly integrated in the roof. The rear quarters have enhanced lines that create an impression of fluidity and speed. The black window surrounds are retained to split between light and reflection, and between the roof and panels. At the rear, the liftgate sports a large window and keeps its practical grab handle from the first generation. The general effect is well done.

Pleasant cabin
The dashboard is a good indication of the whole cabin: slightly dished

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (Photo: Amyot Bachand)

lines as well as the choice and mix of materials give the Santa Fe an impression of richness and good taste. The good-quality plastics look good and feel good. If the tones of beige look better than the tones of gray, they will get dirty more. From the driver's point of view, the position is good, and the dials are nice to read. Hyundai chose a blue backlighting that's very effective and pleasant to the eyes, day or night. The centre console has all the relevant controls for the ventilation and the radio; they are placed right and are easy to use. The foot-actuated parking brake is the only aggravation, as it's in the way of the dead pedal.