Inside, it's all about refinement. The basic design is more elegant, bordering on stunning, with all of the previous
 |
Inside the new Santa Fe, it's all about refinement. (Photo: Hyundai Canada)
|
generation's alien-like dash moldings replaced with classy curves and upscale woodgrain and brushed metal accents. Hyundai isn't trying to reinvent the wheel here, but rather do a better job than its Japanese rivals at a far lower price. The business model has worked in the past, and should continue to do so as long as the South Korean-based manufacturer can continue to maintain high levels of productivity in its Montgomery, Alabama plant, where the Sonata is built, soon joined by the new Santa Fe. It should be mentioned, however, that the new Santa Fe doesn't share it's "platform" with the Sonata, but rather features a new purposely built architecture.
But getting back to Alabama, gone are the days where Hyundai had the competitive advantage of cheap South Korean labour and direct access to cheaper South Korean suppliers, at least when it comes to its large vehicles. Now, Hyundai needs to compete head on with the domestic manufacturers, as well as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and other Asian
 |
| Not only does the new Santa Fe feature higher grade plastics than the norm, but all interior panels fit together snuggly. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
carmakers that have set up shop on North American soil, so the fact that they can build cars so well and still bring them to market at a greater value than their rivals is mystifying to say the least.
Not only does the new Santa Fe feature higher grade plastics than the norm in this entry-level midsize CUV class, but all interior panels fit together snuggly, while dash-mounted buttons click in and out with a nice precise feel, and there's no sloppy play in between either. The same goes for all the dials, which have a nice damped feel to them. Again, the only wiggles within the audio interface, or anywhere else inside the vehicle, will be the four cheery Aussies entertaining the kids - that's a parent-only reference if there ever was one.
