Santa Fe Awards - Best SUV & More

Hyundai Santa Fe – Best SUV 2006

Santa Fe - Winner of Large Lifestyle / Leisure Class 2008

Hyundai’s diesel powered Santa Fe claimed the large lifestyle vehicle class in the 2008 AA ENERGYWISETM economy rally returning an outstanding fuel economy average of just 5.9 litres per 100km over the four day, 1641km trial to find New Zealand’s most cost effective vehicles to operate.

Driven and reviewed by husband and wife team of David and Trish Kilburn from Albany, the Santa Fe easily took out class honours besting its opponents with better fuel economy, emitting the least amount of CO2 and running at a rate of just 11 cents per kilometre in fuel costs.

In terms of fuel consumption reviews and overall environmental impact via CO2 emissions, the large Santa Fe bettered some of the cars competing in the medium class as well as most of the entrants in the small lifestyle and leisure segment. Of the two smaller SUVs that bettered the Santa Fe, one was Hyundai’s own Tucson diesel which returned a frugal 5.7L/100km.

The Santa Fe was also named 2006 Best Recreational SUV by New Zealand 4WD Magazine, New Zealand’s leading publication in the specialist market.

Distinct from Best Utility SUV, this award normally goes to the vehicle with greater off-road ability, but the magazine says the Santa Fe demonstrates superior all-round performance and simply cannot be ignored.

Santa Fe CRDi - Best SUV at AA Automotive Awards 2006

The 2.2-litre diesel engine of the Hyundai Santa Fe took the SUV of the Year Award at the NZ Automotive Awards 2006. The diesel version of the Sport Utility Vehicle received the Exide-sponsored award at the event organised by www.autotrader.co.nz   The Santa Fe was lauded for its tractability and economy, a worthy alternative to the powerful 2.7-litre V6 petrol option.

Santa Fe - Winner of Large Lifestyle/Leisure Class 2006

One lesson came out of the 2006 AA ENERGYWISETM Rally: diesel.  Half of all the 54 entrants in the rally were diesels, and they dominated the best fuel efficiency figures returned, so it was no surprise when the Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi picked up the number one spot in the Large Lifestyle/Leisure Class.

The AA EnergyWise Rally is a public demonstration of the fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness of new cars, conducted over a challenging mixture of roads from one end of the North Island to the other.

The event is designed to find the most efficient new cars in each size class, as well as overall, and it will also reward the driver who can demonstrate the most effective fuel-saving driving technique.

The 2.2 litre CRDi Santa Fe easily beat its factory fuel economy figure of 7.3L/100km and is outstanding for a vehicle with go anywhere four-wheel-drive abilities, seating for up to seven people and a towing capacity of 2000kgs (braked).

Santa Fe - SUV of the Year NBR 2006

2006 was the year of accolades for the stunning Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD.  As a market newcomer it was named SUV of the Year by National Business Review.  The National Business Review is noted as a trend setter for its raft of Car of the Year awards it gives out each year. 

"The best prospect in this niche we have seen emerge this year," comments the respected weekly publication.  "In our view it offers the best value for money in a medium-sized four-wheel-drive."