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New Hyundai Santa Fe India review, test drive

New Hyundai Santa Fe is more luxurious and better equipped than before. But how is it to drive?

Hyundai finally launched the new Santa Fe at the Auto Expo and with this ends a rather long wait for many waiting to get their hands on it. Yes, Hyundai has taken its own sweet time to bring out the latest version of the Santa Fe, but the fact is that the Korean carmaker had a very strong reason to do so. Simply put, it was costs. The new Santa Fe will be assembled in India from CKD kits but this time around the SUV will use a lot of locally-sourced components. Still, the Santa Fe is not particularly cheap. Prices start at Rs 26.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the two-wheel drive manual, while the two-wheel drive automatic costs Rs 27.33 lakh and the four-wheel drive automatic version caps the range at Rs 29.25 lakh. So can Hyundai's new flagship in India justify it’s near- Rs 30 lakh price tag?

Well, it certainly looks the part. Marginally longer (though a good 45mm lower) than the outgoing Santa Fe, the new version has great presence. There's a healthy dose of chrome on Hyundai's trademark trapezoidal grille, the swept-back headlight looks very modern and detailing on the bumper is nice too. Even in profile, the Santa Fe manages to hold your attention thanks to its bold shoulder line and interesting glasshouse. Rear styling is neat as well, with a smart cut that arcs across the tailgate. A closer inspection will also have your eyes lock on to the superb detailing on the headlights - the xenon units come lined with LED daytime running lamps. More than anything else, they give an idea of the generous level of standard equipment the Santa Fe comes with. More on that in a bit. 

On the whole, the Santa Fe doesn't have much to offer enthusiasts but it makes a great choice as a family car. And thanks to the excellent space and good seats, you wouldn't mind being chauffeured in one either. It's got loads of kit too and does look rather special. But it may not be smooth sailing for the Santa Fe in India. Hyundai might have a tough time trying to convince buyers to pay so much for its SUV at a time when you could have an Audi Q3 S for similar money. Truly, if there is one thing that stands in the way of the Santa Fe, it's got to be the badge.