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March 6-12 | 2020
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APRIL 126- -18 MARCH 12| |2019 2020
Active moves to middle-class motoring
Ŷ FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Memories share space with modern motoring in the Santa Fe Active SUV.
By DEREK OGDEN SOMETHING old . . . something new: that just about sums up the Santa Fe Active as a no-nonsense wagon at a family-friendly price under $50K. For example, following keyless entry to the vehicle with fob tucked away, in a glimpse of the past, it is required to fumble for the key and slot it into the steering column ignition and turn the switch to start the engine. It’s then that the 21st century gets a look-in with the Santa Fe featuring much of the latest automotive technology, including Hyundai’s
SmartSense package of safety stuff. The latter is on hand throughout the model range. And there’s an electric parking brake. Opening the innings for the Santa Fe squad is the Active petrol automatic featuring the latest Hyundai 3.5-litre V6 motor driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, all for $43,000, plus on-road costs. Thereafter follows a lineup of petrol and diesel allwheel drive wagons up to the Highlander 2.2-litre diesel automatic AWD at $60,500 (plus ORCs). I ended up with a middle-order Active 2.2-li-
tre diesel automatic AWD, with a $46,000 price tag, on test. STYLING The Santa Fe plays on its family-friendly nature and shapes up with standard big sports utility vehicle looks. Front on is where the Santa Fe steps out of the crowd with a bold radiator grille, a standout headlamp set-up crowned by dual daytime running light strips. INTERIOR The surroundings eschew the ubiquitous black, opting for a grey base with chocolate highlights. Active seating misses out on the leather
trappings of upper-level Santa Fe’s, being replaced by quality fabric. Storage is a major feature of the cabin with a large centre-console box and slots for drink bottles and the like within easy reach of all occupants. Large glassed areas make for light surroundings, plus good all-round vision from all seating positions but the third row. The Santa Fe Active makes do with 17-inch alloy wheels, with Elite and Highlander models moving up to eighteens. INFOTAINMENT All Santa Fe’s sport a
touchscreen, the Active making do with a 7-inch display, the Elite and Highlander run to the extra inch. Added to this is an array of buttons and knobs, among them aircon dials (no climate control here). Also absent is embedded satellite navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be called up via a mobile phone connection. Wireless phone charging has gone missing too. Featured as standard in Santa Fe Active and Elite models is Hyundai Auto Link, a smartphone app that allows the owner to stay connected to the car. It involves a pre-in-
stalled module that connects the car’s computer to the customer’s mobile phone. Included is driving info such as current distance, current travel time, today’s distance, today’s travel time, fuel efficiency and fuel consumption; parked vehicle location and parking time reminders. Roadside assistance can be contacted immediately if there is a problem with the vehicle and also checks the vehicle’s status and, if a problem is detected, it can connect the phone to Hyundai Customer Care.
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E V E RY T H I N G, J U S T R I G H T. A L L- N E W M A Z DA C X-3 0 H A S A R R I V E D Now at One Mile Motors, 10-14 Templeton St, Wangaratta 03 5721 5677 Serving the community as your local Mazda dealer for over 50 years!
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