To look at the optional perforated leather seats, complete with contrasting piping (a very British touch) in the first
 |
| The Santa Fe's optional perforated leather seats were as impressive tolook at as they were comfortable to sit in. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
photos of the Korean-spec prototype that initially showed up on blogs across the net, was impressive enough, but the solid grey of the example unveiled in Detroit is better suited to North American tastes (contrasting piping should be left to Aston Martin and Bentley, after all). Nonetheless, the seats feel extremely comfortable to sit in, whether in front or the second row, although the rearmost third row is a bit on the cramped side if you measure above five feet eight inches tall (my hair was touching the ceiling and, you guessed it, I'm five eight. Still, there was ample room for my legs and feet when someone larger
 |
| The new Santa Fe seems on par with the Azera as far as choice of materials and build quality go, which is high praise indeed. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
was sitting in the second-row seat in front of me, with his seatback canted rearward at a satisfying rake. Also, most pleasant was the amount of hip and elbow room available, reducing the claustrophobia most adults feel when forced into the steerage compartment of rival vehicles. I was surprised to see separate vents integrated into the rear quarters, and even more shocked that Hyundai had thought of individual fan speed controls way back in the rear. Yes, the new Santa Fe truly is a cut above. What's more, all the seats in the show car are covered in leather that is higher grade in texture than Hyundai has used in the past - Azera aside. Actually, the new Santa Fe seems on par with the Azera as far as choice of materials and build quality go, which is high praise indeed.
