HYUNDAI MAKES A FEW CHANGES TO STEERING AND SUSPENSION, ALSO ADDING OPTIONS
Hyundai is making a few changes to its popular Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport, and has also announced pricing for the 2015 model-year SUVs. The current Santa Fe has been on sale since 2012 when the third generation Santa Fe debuted at theNew York Auto Show.
The Santa Fe Sport will start at $25,825 -- the same as in the 2014 -- while the Santa Fe will start $31,025, an increase of just $250 over the price of last year's model. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Limited will start at $36,875, the new price reflecting a $450 increase over the 2014 model.
Hyundai is also adding new standard features to the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport, including a driver's blind spot mirror, daytime running lights, and auto up/down functionality for the front passenger window. Both models will also gain a Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, which will allow easier access for owners when their hands are full. The system doesn't even require a push of a button on the key fob -- the rear gate will open when the owner stands a few feet behind the gate with the key fob in his or her pocket (we look forward to trying to confuse the feature when we get one to test). Power liftgates were not available on the Santa Fe Sport until now, so this optional feature marks a nice addition to the lineup. The Smart Liftgate is part of a package that costs $3,750 and includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the blind spot detection system and sliding second-row seats.
What is it?The 2013 Santa Fe Sport is one half of the new, third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe lineup, which will add a long-wheelbase model in about four months.The five-passenger Sport sits on the ...
Hyundai has also made a few tweaks to the suspension systems in both versions: lower control arm bushing stiffness and wheel bearing stiffness are both increased to boost the overall lateral stiffness in the front suspension. The Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport will also benefit from a revised rear suspension geometry and bushing setups, which are also aimed at increasing lateral stiffness.
Hyundai has also tweaked the steering setup in the Santa Fe, switching to a 32-bit microprocessor for a more refined feel. The system still offers a driver selectable steering mode with a sport setting which can be selected for a firmer steering feel.
A couple new colors have been added for the 2015 model year: Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite, while the Santa Fe Sport model will receive a two-tone grille for a slightly more distinctive look.
A 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 powers the Santa Fe, and a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are offered for the Santa Fe Sport.
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