New Santa Fe exudes class

Coveted dream car of the 1960s meets star of the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt – the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is following in the tradition of the open-top S-Class (model series 111 and 112) from the period 1961 to 1971. The S storage for small items in the glove-box and console, as well as for drinks in the door pockets and dual cup holders with plenty of configurations in case you’re transporting cargo.

The Santa Fe’s rear seats also fold down as a trio or individually, and flatly, to free up more space while the front passenger seat folds flat too, for carrying very long objects. It offer loads of striking features such as rear packing assist, auto light control cooling glove box, integrated memory seat, cruise control, full auto air-conditioning and rear air conditioning.

In addition are full leather upholstery, a premium 6 speakers virtual surround sound system, driver/passenger side and curtain air bags, smart key with button start and sun roof/ roof rack with motor driven power steer and anti lock brake system.

For easier boot access, the rear loading height has been lowered by 18mm with an optional power tailgate feature and a remote-folding function for the second-row seats.

All seats including the power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support are supportive and comfortable, even as full-length panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of roominess in the cabin. Meanwhile rear privacy glass and blinds makes it less claustrophobic for second and third-row passengers.

Grand Santa Fe can carry considerably more cargo than its shorter sibling with a remarkable 634 litres of space when the third-row seats are folded flat. Further cargo space can be freed up by folding the 40:20:40 split second-row seats, making it one of the most functional SUVs in this price range.

The exterior poses some notable differences too. At the front, there is a new four-bar radiator grille, premium-style fog lamps and a wide skid plate. The sides pose wider rear quarter glass, different 19-inch alloys and enhanced wing mirrors while the rear features a new dual muffler, restyled rear combination lamps and new rear bumper skid plate.

Powered by a 3.3-litre V6 engine which produces 270 hp and 318 Nm of torque, the Grand Santa Fe has one of the smoothest engines on the market with a six-speed automatic transmission. Safety-wise, it comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), driver/passenger side and curtain airbags for maximum defense against injury.

Depowered driver and passenger airbags minimize injuries from frontal impact while side curtain airbags ensure that your passengers are protected from side impact. Available nationwide at all Hyundai Motors Nigeria accredited dealership showrooms, the Grand Santa Fe could set the pace amongst worthy contenders such as Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Fortuner, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento.???

MIKE OCHONMA