2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview & Safety – Video
The Hyundai newly in-house developed HTRAC is based on four-wheel drive technology that controls variably the power of the wheels. The name is a combination of the H from Hyundai and the first part of the word ‘traction’. The HTRAC variable torque control enables agile handling and better torque application depending on wheel grip and speed of vehicle.
In combination with the drive modes, HTRAC improves acceleration, stability and fuel efficiency. The system increases traction on snow, gravel and, of course, on regular road surfaces while enhancing cornering performance. The ratio of torque distribution is changed with the drive modes and displayed in the cluster. In sport mode HTRAC delivers improved acceleration with up to 50 per cent torque distributed to the rear wheels. In comfort mode it offers improved stability with up to 35 per cent torque distributed to the rear wheels. In eco mode HTRAC provides improved fuel efficiency by sending power to the front wheels only. In slippery conditions the system automatically distributes power to all four wheels automatically.
The standard 2.0-litre diesel engine has two power outputs: 150 PS / 110 kW and 185 PS / 136 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) available both with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive or alternatively with the newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT) with four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption for lower version: combined in NEDC conversion: 5.6 – 5.9 l/100km; CO2 emissions combined in NEDC conversion: 147 – 155 g/km and for higher version: combined in NEDC conversion: 6.0 – 6.2 l/100km; CO2 emissions combined in NEDC conversion: 157 – 162 g/km*.
The 2.2-litre CRDi with four-wheel drive and 8AT comes with 200 PS / 147 kW and 440 Nm of torque (Fuel consumption combined in NEDC conversion: 5.7 – 6.3 l/100km; CO2 emissions combined in NEDC conversion: 150 – 165 g/km*). The high-power version is also available with 6MT and front- or four-wheel drive as well as 8AT and front-wheel drive.
The diesel engines are now available with the newly developed 8AT, which is engineered with a transversal layout. It offers a more compact set-up and an increased gear span for enhanced performance and reduced fuel consumption. The gear ratio is widened by 18.3 per cent resulting in an improved engine response during start and acceleration. During braking the engine response is improved due to a higher downshifting point. The higher gear ratio width ensures greater differentiation of the drive modes.
The rack-mounted steering (R-MDPS) is a first for the Santa Fe and is combined with the 8AT. R-MDPS means that the electric motor module is attached directly to the steering rack, ensuring high steering stability at high speeds as well as improved precision and quick steering response at low speeds. The steering gear ratio is increased to 60 mm/rev for an overall higher steering response. The new R-MDPS is also lighter than the previous system.
All diesel engines have an improved fuel efficiency by enhancing combustion and minimising drivetrain friction losses.
The Theta II 2.4-litre petrol engine delivers 185 PS / 136 kW, 241 Nm of torque and is available with 6AT and four-wheel drive (Fuel consumption combined in NEDC conversion: 9.3 l/100km; CO2 emissions combined in NEDC conversion: 215 g/km*).
The Santa Fe’s powertrain line-up will be further expanded with the addition of two newly developed, efficient alternative powertrains: a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version.
The development strategy for the fourth generation Santa Fe’s suspension and steering was to improve responsiveness and vehicle stability while also enhancing comfort and overall quietness.
The suspension delivers a smoother ride feeling by reducing the impact and vibration when driving on rough roads. The suspension has been stiffened and placed vertically to give a longer travel length for more ride comfort.
The tuned engine line-up ensures softer sound and more linear engine noise with a revised piston design reducing cold noise by 4dB. External vertical shock absorbers optimise responsiveness and stability while improving noise, vibration and harshness levels during driving. Road noise is reduced by reinforcing the floor panel and incorporating more materials in the carpet.
The optional self-leveliser controls the continuous ride height regardless of the vehicle loading by a self-contained damping and levelling control.