Hyundai Shengda, the flagship of the square design
The Takanawa model has a new look, and the fifth-generation model has a new look, ready to take its place in the D-segment
The new Hyundai Shengda has turned a new page in the success story of the Korea brand SUV for more than two decades. The Takanawa model has a new look, with the launch of the fifth generation, which is ready to take a prominent place in the D-segment with a simple and complete product. From this point of view, the new Shengda will only be offered with an electric engine, initially only with a full hybrid, then a plug-in hybrid, which will be launched later. We had the opportunity to preview the SUVs of the Korea brand, and here are the driving impressions and everything you need to know about the new Hyundai Santa Fe.
Revolutionary look
Let's start with the most important innovation of the new generation, design. The exterior is actually brand new, with the new Hyundai Shengda having a huge square shape with a length of 4.83 meters and a wheelbase of 2.81 meters. Compared to the past, the dimensions have remained almost the same, but since the overhangs are very short, the wheels are pushed to the limit of the floor, so the space on the boat can be maximized. The front is very expressive, with a new H-shaped optical logo, which returns to the rear, as does the shape of the bumper and front grille, reminiscent of modern logos. The Korea brand has a CD of 0.294, a result thanks to the active aerodynamic fins integrated at the front. From the side, the wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 20 inches, depending on the trim level, with wheel arches accentuating the car's muscular feel and a floating roof that illuminates the overall look. The rear of the car has a flat tailgate with Santa Fe lettering on the lower part. Here, with the trunk open, the usable space in the trunk is 711 liters, or 2,032 liters if the second row is also folded. The 7-seater version can open up two additional seats to make the new Shengda even more versatile, and the third row is also equipped with charging sockets and a dedicated climate control system.
Once in the car, you'll see the panoramic curved display, which integrates a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen for the infotainment system, each measuring 12.3 inches. There's also a 6.6-inch display underneath the multimedia function screen for adjusting the climate control. In addition to the classic armrests, there is a sliding casing in the center, which also allows passengers sitting in the back to use convenient storage compartments. Also in the center we find a double board for inductive charging of smartphones, as well as a USB-C socket. There is a UV-C tray in front of the front passenger for disinfecting objects.
Hybrid powertrain
However, under the hood, there is a hybrid powertrain, which combines a 62 hp electric motor with a 160 hp 1.6 TGDI engine for a total power of 215 hp and 265 Nm of torque, a top speed of 180 km/h and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds for the front-wheel drive model and 9.8 seconds for the HTRAC all-wheel drive model. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Later, the Hyundai Santa Fe will also be available with a PHEV engine. In this sense, the full hybrid engine guarantees the best thrust and provides the best output in all situations. The unit is also quieter, and the soundproofing in the cabin has been improved. Despite the fact that the dimensions of the Shengda are still large, the handling is also good, and the seats behind the steering wheel and the seats of other passengers are so ergonomic that there is an additional 69mm of headroom and headroom in the rear. The second row of legs is additionally lengthened by 35 mm and the third row of legs is lengthened by 15 mm.
ADAS kits
The Hyundai SmartSense package includes Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind Spot Monitoring, 360° Camera, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Smart Speed Limit Assist, and finally Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, as well as Speed Limit Assist, Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Front/Rear Park Distance Warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safety Exit Assist.
Modern offer
Hyundai's strategy for the new Shengda is very simple, and the series has two trim levels: Business and XClass. The first one is also specifically aimed at fleets as well as leasing. During the start-up phase, compared to the price list of €49,600, the customer will receive an advantage of €5,250 thanks to the financing formula and the exchange / scrapping, resulting in €44,350 with a monthly fee of €329 (€15,000 per year for 36 km/year), an advance payment of €11,020 and a guaranteed future value of 59%. However, for the lease, it is recommended to cost €657 per month for 48 months with an advance payment of €10,000 and a cost of €48,600. The annual mileage included in this example is 20,000 km.