10 July 2006
Hyundai Santa Fe sets economy pace on diesel
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is proving to be a fuel economy champion among lifestyle four-wheel-drive models.
In an independent fuel economy test conducted recently by New Zealand motoring journalist Donn Anderson, the new
generation Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi diesel averaged 5.95 litres/100 km (47.44 miles per gallon).
With this result, the Santa Fe is able to complete 1,256 kilometres on the 75-litre fuel tank, an outstanding result for
a roomy, 4,650mm long five-door Sport Utility Vehicle weighing 1,823 kg.
The test was carried out in "real life" conditions that included town, city, rural roads and motorway driving.
Anderson, who is currently working in Britain, completed the test in southern England where he endeavoured to match the
driving conditions to those in New Zealand.
"The result certainly dispels the argument that all four-wheel-drives are thirsty and underlined the advances and
excellent fuel economy of the latest diesel engines," he said.
The new Santa Fe CRDi is powered by an in-line, four-cylinder, single overhead camshaft 2.2-litre common rail diesel
engine.
It uses Hyundai's cutting edge variable geometry turbocharger for smooth power delivery, strong fuel economy and fine
all-round performance.
Hyundai focused on reducing friction wherever possible to raise engine efficiency and smoothness, achieving significant
advances by including a new low friction balancer shaft.
The 110 kW engine produces a massive 335 Nm of torque between 1,800 rpm and 2,500 rpm.
"Significantly, the engine is doing around 2,000 revs at 100 km/h in top gear," said Anderson. "Peak torque is achieved
at this engine speed resulting in the Santa Fe running efficiently while being responsive and flexible at our open road
speed limit."
The test result over an extended distance bettered the official European extra urban fuel test average of 6.0 litres/100
km (47.1 miles per gallon), and the combined test average of 7.3 litres/100 km (38.7 miles per gallon).
Three versions of the new generation Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi diesel are available in New Zealand, with prices starting
from $47,990 to $54,990 for the 2.2 CRDi Elite, which is the strongest selling model after two months on sale in New
Zealand. The Santa Fe has exceeded sales expectations in its first two months with just under 200 sales, a great result
for Hyundai's newest model.
ENDS