Hyundai #NewSanteFe Driving Experience and Info

I told you all about the event and now it’s time to get to the goodies! All the info, specs, features, plus my Driving Experience!
SPECS:
Engine:

• Type: 2.4L GDI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder
• Materials: Aluminum block/aluminum cylinder heads
• Bore and Stroke:88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
• Displacement: 2.4L / 2,359 cc
• Horsepower: 190 @ 6,300 rpm
• Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
• Valves per cylinder: 4
• Compression Ratio: 11.3

Suspension:

• Front: MacPherson strut with twin-tube gas filled damper and 26-mm stabilizer bar
• Rear: Multi-link with gas shock absorber and (FWD 21 mm AWD 19 mm) stabilizer bar

Fuel Economy:

• FWD City: 22 mpg
• FWD Highway: 33 mpg
• FWD Combined: 26 mpg
• AWD City: 21 mpg
• AWD Highway: 28 mpg
• AWD Combined:23 mpg

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 SANTA FE LINEUP

• All-new crossover architecture developed for families that seek size, flexibility and functionality
• Third-generation crossover with two wheelbase strategy – two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and larger three-row, seven-passenger Santa Fe
• “Fluidic Sculpture” exterior design – dynamic and fluid design with bold surfaces and balanced lines
• Key development target – substantial weight reduction (-266 lbs.)
  • Accomplished with high application of high tensile steel – high tensile steel ratio of 37.7% (vs. 7.8% for outgoing model)
  • Improved torsional stiffness by 15.7%
• All four-cylinder engine lineup for the Santa Fe Sport
  • Theta II 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine
    • 190 horsepower with improved fuel economy and acceleration
    • Highest highway fuel economy (33 mpg EPA estimated) of any CUV/SUV equipped with an automatic transmission
  • High-output Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine
    • 264 horsepower with excellent fuel economy
    • EPA estimated highway fuel economy at 31 mpg (FWD A/T)
• Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine with 290 horsepower powers LWB Santa Fe
• LWB Santa Fe is the only midsize CUV with a standard direct injection V6 engine
• In-house six-speed automatic transmission
• 12-speaker Infinity Logic 7^® surround sound audio system (550-watts)
• Hyundai’s first application of Active Cornering Control AWD for outstanding CUV driving dynamics
• Segment first Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM)
• Seven standard airbags – includes driver’s knee airbag
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats and manual rear side window sunshades
• Power driver seat with four-way lumbar control and front passenger seats
• Sliding and reclining second row seating with 40:20:40 folding seat back
• Standard Blue Link – safety, service and infotainment telematics system
• 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera
• Third generation navigation and audio multimedia systems with an available eight-inch touchscreen display
• 12-speaker Infinity Logic 7® surround sound audio system (550-watts)

My Driving Experience

Becca from Mama B Blog and I ran to a pretty pearl white Sante Fe Sport and climbed in ready to begin our drive. I was the first driver and admit I was a little nervous about beginning the trek. Luckily, Hyundai  had us a route map that was easy to follow and had us on our way. Along the way Hyundai even placed numerous signs to help keep us on the right path. We started out on regular winding roads. We drove through small towns as well as very scenic drives. The best part was the dirt road up and down a mountain. Normally I’m a very calm driver, but as they said we were to “test” the Sante Fe out and see how it handled. Let’s just say that Mom speeding down a dirt road with bits of mud and dirt flying around is a once in a lifetime experience. It was actually quite funny because each of us would go fast for a bit then slow way down to an almost crawl because we were afraid we went too fast. It was an exhilarating drive to say the least.

We switched a couple of times at driver switch checkpoints. This way we both could experience driving on multiple surfaces as well as riding. Riding in the Santa Fe I was able to actually take time out and look around and use some of the fabulous features. I’ll list my Top 10 Favorites:

Top 10 Favorite Features of the New Santa Fe from a Mom’s Point Of View

1. The Seat Heaters in the back Seat. My children have always wanted this so it’s a nice simple feature.
2. Even MORE Cargo Space. I could fit a few 12 packs of soda or toiletry items back there!
3. Hyundai Blue Link. Similar to what we all know is On Star this service has all the features a Mom like me loves. Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Voice Text Messaging, Maintenance Alert, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service, and Weather Information are just a few.
4. Seven standard airbags – includes driver’s knee airbag
5. Stain and water resistant interior. They actually had a demo that had a coffee drop on it that was easy to wipe away. With kids this feature will save me so much on cleaning bills.
6. Car Seat Room. While mine are out of car seats we have nieces and nephews that come over and it’s super easy to move your car seats around.
7. Panoramic sunroof. This was just uber cool. Not really a need, but definitely makes Mom smile.
8. 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera. In my opinion every car needs the rearview camera. It just makes life with kids easier. No more running over bikes!
9. Heated steering wheel. Nice on those super cold winter mornings car pooling for school.
10. Last, but certainly not least: EPA estimated highway fuel economy at 31 mpg . Speaks for itself and saves you money!

Bottom line is that the all new Sante Fe Sport with a starting price point of $24,450 is a great crossover. Now I just need to get Brian to test drive one so I can talk him into buying it!

***Disclosure: I attended The #NewSantaFe Event . My flight, lodgings, and expenses were covered by Hyundai. All opinions are 100% mine. Pictures above provided by Me***

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