The steering wheel is different in design to that in the Azera and the Sonata, more upscale in appearance and featuring attractive
 |
| The steering wheel is different in design to that in the Azera and the Sonata, more upscale in appearance and featuring attractive circular and oval buttons for cruise and audio functions. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
circular and oval buttons for cruise and audio functions (including a seek feature which can't be had with the Sonata) on the spokes, while the CUV's centre stack is a really nicely sorted interface, filled with high-end goodies such as a DVD-navigation system, if so equipped, Infinity sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 compatibility, plus all surrounding surfaces are covered in an aluminum-like substance and "environmentally friendly" (i.e. fake) woodgrain. Despite not being real, the metal and woodgrain feel substantial (i.e. the thick wood-like plastic doesn't bend when you push on it) to the touch, while still appearing attractive enough to give off an air of respectability.
The same goes for the metal and woodgrain surfaced power window controls integrated into the door armrests, and faux aluminum transmission faceplate, even nicer than that on the Sonata and featuring a handy rectangular dish on its right side for a cellphone or PDA (and there's a handy 115-volt plug just above it on the centre stack for items like laptops, PDAs and cellphone chargers) plus, of course, the automaker's smooth operating five-speed automatic with manual mode actuation.
The
 |
| The gearbox, a sophisticated five-speed unit with the top-line 230+hp 3.3L V6, features a handy rectangular dish on its right side for a cellphone or PDA. (Photo: Hyundai Canada) |
gearbox is the top-line optional unit, however, which connects through to the Sonata's 3.3-litre V6, adequately rated at "more than 230" horsepower and "more than 220" lb-ft of torque, according to the press kit's spec sheet. Unless the CUV has gained an inordinate amount of weight, this drivetrain should be more sufficient to pull or push and pull the Santa Fe to highway speeds in spirited fashion - the pulling or pushing and pulling relating to whether the car is equipped with front-wheel drive, standard, or electronically-controlled all-wheel drive, which automatically apportions power to the tires with the most traction. For light-duty off-road applications, the Santa Fe features a driver-selectable AWD lock that delivers a continuous 50/50 torque split between front and rear axles.
