LONG WAY ROUND FOR SANTA FE

Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for being fans of the great outdoors, or so I thought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle. With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display,… Read more

HYUNDAI PALISADE IS BIG AND BOLD

Launched here in late 2020, Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgeon under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, and Mazda CX-90. It’s aimed at those wanting a large vehicle to carry people so leans in the direction of comfort and ease of driving rather than full-on off-road work. An upgrade in June 2023 included a name change with the previous top-spec Highlander now called Calligraphy and a new Calligraphy Black Ink variant added… Read more

LATEST HYUNDAI SANTA FE NOW ON SALE

Hyundai’s fifth-generation mid-sized Santa Fe is now on sale. Hyundai describes the all-new model as being designed around the ‘Open for More’ concept that is characterised by spacious second- and third-row seating, and a roomy, and practical cargo area all made possible by an extended wheelbase, efficient packaging, and an enlarged tailgate opening. It also comes with a Panoramic Curved Display incorporating 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment displays, the convenience of Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over-The-Air (OTA) remote software update capability, and a comprehensive SmartSense safety suite. At launch… Read more

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL HYUNDAI VENUE

Today we’re looking at the cheapest of the cheap, the bottom feeders of the Australian new car market. They’re cars offered at a rock bottom price, targeted at those who can’t afford anything else, but are still prepared to dig deep to get something new rather than second hand. Wearing the crown as the cheapest new car currently available is the Kia Picanto hatch, priced from $16,290 plus on-roads. Cheapest SUV is the Suzuki Ignis at $19,490. With no equivalent to match Picanto, Hyundai’s cheapest offering these days is the… Read more

CHANGE OF VENUE

Hyundai has given its Venue small SUV its first upgrade with a number of new and improved features across all three models in the range. Very much a city-focused SUV/hatchback crossover, Venue has been in Australia since July, 2019 with steady sales keeping it around the middle of the highly competitive compact SUV market segment. Externally there are no changes to Venue’s conservative and functional styling, apart from the previous shark fin external aerial that has been replaced by a pole-style aerial. Leading the way in the upgrades is the… Read more