Santa Fe 2010 on

[VonRyan]

Hi
Posted a earlier topic on the Ford Galaxy 2010 on as a tow car, with no replys I therefore take it not many tow with the late type vehicles. Its not supprising I,ve been waiting for a Ford dealer locally to phone me back with a test drive date. If he wants to lose £20 to £30 k of business, thats his bag
Any way been looking for some time about the new 2.2 R type engined, manual box, premium 7 seater Santa Fe. Can any one give me constructive feed back on this vehicle type, I don't want to know crash results as I will be avoiding them like the plauge. I need feedback on towing abilities with approx 1500kg van,pulling abilites ,MPG, comfort and reliabilty. Back up from dealers, build quality,warts and all good and bad. I have back tracked to the 2010 Tow car of the year results, which were quite informative.
Sorry for being so blunt, but the last thread I read on this vehicle which looked so promising, turned into crash test dummies

Thanks in anticipation

 

[mikeandsambo]

I have towed with many different vehicles over the last 30+ years, from Triumph Dolomites,and mk 1 Escorts to Range Rovers and Toyota Landcruiser and many in between. Not necessarily just towing a caravan, but many types and sizes for trailer with numerous styles of load.
We now have the previous model Santa Fe (01-06) which has the 2.0ltr engine. We tow 1500kg caravan at almost maximum load capacity, 3 children, bikes, SHWBO plus make up etc !!; Last year we travelled from Shropshire to York, we visited Anglesey, and North Devon and each trip we acheived 29 - 31mpg when towing. We get between 38 and 43 mpg when solo (depending on who's driving). Comfort is first class. In my honest opinion it is one of the best and most stable towing vehicles I have ever had/used. The only comment I would make on this version is that it would benefit from 6 gears when running solo.
So if the latest model is as good as this one, you wont go wrong.

 

[Oldsalt49]

Von Ryan,

I have had the opportunity of having owned the pre-R series Santa Fe (09) and found it to be a very good towcar. I did however have the 5 seat CDX+ which did not have the self levelling suspension. The rear suspension was quite soft and wallowy for towing, so I had Grayson spring assisters fitted which made a vast difference. I believe the up-dated Santa Fe has SLS on all models now, so you should be ok. I now have a Kia Sorento KX-2 Auto which has the same engine and gearboxes as the R series Santa Fe's. The engine is amazing and has plenty of power, it has chain driven timing gear, so no belt to break. I can not comment on the manual gearbox for towing, but the automatic is superb and very smooth with gear changes barely noticable. If you get a manual, I would advise that you get a motor mover fitted to your caravan, the mover is cheaper than a dual mass flywheel which overheat when trying to reverse the caravan.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Oldsalt writes
"The rear suspension was quite soft and wallowy for towing, so I had Grayson spring assisters fitted which made a vast difference."

If the car was "wallowy for towing" then the first thing you should do is to double check that the car is not overloaded or there is a wear or a fault in the suspension or the tyres are under inflated.

You should never use Spring assisters to fix a handling problem or to mask a fault. Spring assisters do not give extra carrying capacity. they simply reduce the compliance of the suspension which is a cosmetic desire rather than a technical necessity.

also see:-
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/towcars/2002-ford-mondeo-spring-assistors

 

[VonRyan]

Hi
Thanks for your replies so far, they are informative. Presently driving a Sorento XS which I have had for 7 years so I know the self levelling suspension does make as difference and some of the photos I have taken of the car and various vans show a perfect horizontal plane and once the best nose weight had been establised no pitching at all, there again I tell a lie, the first mile or two with the van on the back are a little pitchy, but after that, it settles out. I don't need 7 seats,but the local dealer said that the SLS was not available on the 5 seater even as a option, so the 7 seater is my preferance. I did look at the new Sorento and quite liked it and I could get SLS as a option but was restricted to the KX2 as I did not want a auto box, but wanted all the frills of the KX3 so the Santa fe is ticking all the right boxes at the present. No problems with the current Sorento,but just wat a change of surroundings after 7 years. There again keeping a car for 7 years is a testament to its reliabilty, towing and comfort and ticking all the right boxes at the right time,but time waits for no man.

Thanks for your replies so far, please keep them coming

Cheers
Von Ryan

 

[VonRyan]

Thanks for the reply

 

[ChrisUK]

Arn't spring assistors a poor mans SLS?

 

[Oldsalt49]

If the car was "wallowy for towing" then the first thing you should do is to double check that the car is not overloaded or there is a wear or a fault in the suspension or the tyres are under inflated.

You should never use Spring assisters to fix a handling problem or to mask a fault. Spring assisters do not give extra carrying capacity. they simply reduce the compliance of the suspension which is a cosmetic desire rather than a technical necessity.

The car was brand new, not overloaded, the nose weight of the caravan was exactly on the button of the 80kg the car manufacturer recommends. The caravan was also loaded to the prescribed methods that I have used in my 30 year of caravanning. I think other Santa Fe owners and car related press have commented on the soft rear suspension of the car also. I fitted the spring assisters purely to gauge how the handling could be improved, with the intention of finding a more permanent solution. However I traded the Santa Fe in for a LR Discovery 3 before I did anymore to the suspension.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Chris,

The simple answer to your probable rhetorical question is NO.

Assuming the car manufacture offers versions with or without SLS, then, Without going into too much detail there are two basic scenario's

OEM fitted self levelling suspension. The model of the car without SLS will be deemed by the manufacture to provide all the necessary support and handling required to meet load specifications and safety standards. Therefore if they also offer a version with sls it is a sales gimmick to appeal to some buyers ego. BUT it will have been proven to work satisfactorily with all the cars other safety systems so it shouldn't cause a problem.

After Market Self levelling suspension or spring assistance, even if the car manufacture offers a similar model with SLS, no after-market version will have the same guarantees of comparability with the cars systems. Where a car has a stability programme as many new cars seem to have, the addition of an un-integrated SLS or spring assistance may compromise the cars stability or safety programmes.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Old salt,

You write
"I think other Santa Fe owners and car related press have commented on the soft rear suspension of the car"

The fact remains that the car manufacture will have carried out many different tests to prove the cars systems including the suspension compliance. They must be satisfied that the standard settings for the model provide adequate support and control for all the loads covered by the cars specification.

I think the manufacture can be considered expert on their products and will have chosen their settings for a good reason, not least of which will be there need to comply with type approvals and safety requirements, Also they need to be certain they can withstand any technical challenge to their choices.If the product cannot do what it says in its specification it would be open to all sorts of litigation.

The only reason anyone wants to change a basic car set up is to satisfy their own personal desires. The only technical reason for changing a cars basic specification is if you want it do do something that was not part of the cars original function, for example rallying.

Towing within the cars specification can be achieved satisfactorily without modification, if it can't then sue the manufacture.

 

[DevonshireDave]

I bought our 7seat Premium Manual in June 2010. I looked at practically every SUV come 4x4 on the market up to about £30K and decided to go for the Hyundai. I felt it had everything I was looking for without spending a Kings ransom and without making any compromises. She now has 26,000 miles on the clock and I've enjoyed driving every last one of them.
Overall build quality is very good. It is extremely comfortable and eats the miles when on long journeys. Fuel economy is between 37.5 and 41.5 MPG on average with summer months yielding best results. Best was 43.5 MPG on a solo run back from Devon with the cruise set bang on 70 MPH. Tonight is reading 39.3 on mixed town and dual carriageay driving and that is not uncommon on our car. Towing our Elddis Odyssey 524 (MTPLM 1450kg) gave up to about 31.5 MPG. We now have a Coachman VIP 520/4 (MTPLM 1585kg) and I have to say I haven't really been far enough with it in tow to see what she'll return, but I'm expecting 26-28 MPG or better.
It tows like a preverbial train. It has more than adequate power, gearing is good and it really is a pleasure to tow with. With a settled van on some good tarmac, you do have to keep reminding yourself the van is back there.
Boot space is very good providing you're not occupying the rear two seats when you are going to need a roof box as you'll struggle to get much in at all. With the seats down, folded into the floor, you can get a lot of gear stowed quite comfortably.
The self levelling suspension keeps everything on the level (as you'd expect!) and it is as I've said, a very comfortable ride, solo or towing.
Performance wise, the new 2.2 R series engine is a gem. It's quiet and well refined, with bags of torque and very smart acceleration should you need it. It pulls well in all gears and at 194 BHP should satisfy most. I've never found it wanting yet.
Dealer back up is probably subjective. My supplying dealer (Milton Keynes Hyundai) have been very good. Helpful and quick to respond to any problems. My only issue with the car was a drive shaft assembly which developed a knock at about 11,000 miles. It is a known issue and was replaced under warranty without delay or issue. I do not know if this has been addressed on the later models >2010 but mine is now fine and without re occurance.
If I have a gripe, it would be that the gearbox in 1st and 2nd can be stiff when cold. It seems to be a Hyundai "thing" with other models showing the same trait. It is much smoother within a mile of so of driving. I may ask my dealer about it when she goes in for her second year service next week. Maybe a slightly thinner oil may help, I don't know but it hasn't put me off the car.
If I've not addressed anything you wanted to know, ask away, I'd be happy to help. I don't work for Hyundai should this read a bit biased. I bought the car to be as economical as possible when solo but to be a first rate tug. I wanted 4x4 ability as we use CL's more often than not and wet pitches were a nightmare in our old Alhambra. I wanted 7 seats should all the family be with us and I wanted reliabilty with a good warranty and at a sensible price. It ticked all my boxes and I can honestly say after two years ownership and 26,000 miles, it still does and then some.
Dave.

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Dave
Thank you for a excellent informative and objective reply. As far as the nochey box go's that also applies to the Sorento,most of the time smooth as silk, but at times you have to push firmly to get it into 1st gear. Do you get any pitching from the van within the first mile or so that then disappears, the current Sorento does, this not a problem but is it inherent to the Hyundai-Kia partnership? The Sorento has 138bhp so the extra 56 bhp will come in very useful. Your MTPLM is 85kg more than our Senator, so I don't expect much diffrence than yourself in mpg. I know that you said I may have to use a roof box if I had 7 seats occupied,this is not a problem as I always tow with a roof box on as I have found it improves the MPG by about 15%. I only found this out by accident as a couple of years back when we had to put a roof box on to carry some extra load down to the Portsmouth ferry, which run a had done several times before with the same combination of the Sorento and Senator and I was amazed the diffrence it made.We always remove it when not towing. Thats another benifit my local car accessory shop has informed me my current roof bars will fit the Santa Fe. Do you find there is sufficent leg room behind the drivers seat as I have looked with the front seat set up for me at 5'11" and it seemed a lot less than the Sorento.
Your vehicle spec is what I want ,plus if possible a sunroof which I currently have on the Sorento which I would miss even with climate control Only one more question, your vehicle should be fitted with the 18" alloy wheels and lower profile tyres, does this adversely effect the ride as I have always thought the lower the profile the harder the ride, this seems to be the case with my wifes Volvo C30 and sons Fiesta ST
Thank you again for your very informative reply and if you can think of any thing else I might need to know it will be greatly received

Von Ryan.

 

[otherclive]

Von Ryan,
the pitching on Sorentos with SL suspension is due to the Sachs hydraulic SL system pressurising itself and taking some time on cold days to 'pump' itself up. Some owners found the ride with SL a bit jiggly and when the Facelift models came out with the uprated engine (around 2006) Kia did not offer SL any more but had rejigged the suspension settings to allow a better road ride.

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Clive
Thanks for that I always presumed it was the system pressurising but never too sure,but this has happened on hot 37degree days as well as -2 or 3. But thanks for the feedback, every little helps as they say

Von Ryan

 

[DevonshireDave]

The road from our storage unit is very uneven so we get a fair bit of pitching for the first couple of miles out to the main road. As has been said, the SLS takes a short time to "pump itself up" but I don't notice anything undue with it's performance. I bought the 7 seater as we sometimes need the extra capacity for bums on seats and we had an Alhambra before this so we'd have missed that option. The SLS is a bonus.
My son is 6' 1" and seems to have no problems in the middle row of seats though he has to sit to one side or the other or all I can see is his grinning mug! He hasn't complained yet anyway!
I do have the 18" alloys. I think the ride and handling is very good for this type of vehicle. I find it very comfortable. Long journeys are a doddle and don't leave you feeling fatigued. My good lady loves driving it! I tend to run with the tyres at slightly higher pressures when solo (36/38 I think?) which helps a bit. You will get the inevitable body roll if you throw her hard in to a tight corner, but I don't need to tell you how to drive, I'm sure the Sorento exhibits much the same characteristics.
A friend of mine had the 06-09 model SF and changed it for a Sorento as they had a Swift Conquerer TA. They both still maintain that the SF was a better car to drive in their opinion although the Sorento had a bit more weight when towing the caravan. He gave it up as he found the fuel consumption was just too high for him.
As I've said, I love the car. It does everything I need it to and I have all the equipment I want as standard. It's quick, pretty economical for it's size and weight and is a good tug. My only problem will be what to replace it with as I think the new SF (ix45 or whatever it will be called) is set to be lighter and I've just bought a heavier van!
Dave

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Dave
You should have been a salesman! You are confirming everything I had added up about the vehicle. I was of the suppersion that I could not find a vehicle to beat the Sorento, but I think I'm on the right track. My SWMBO was in a Santa Fe today and said " Its just like the Sorento whats the difference" No VW pun intended", Well home from home might be true, but with more guts.

Thanks for your help and information
its a great help

Von Ryan

 

[VonRyan]

Hi For the attention of Devonshire Dave
Hi Dave,
thanks for the advice so far, Going to look at a Nov 11 plate 7 seat Premium this week,
Just a quick question about the I-pod connection via USB lead, does it transmit full information to the display or is it just basic track info. The dealer has also said its fitted with bluetooth which I have in the Sorento which I find excellent.

Thanks
Von Ryan

 

[DevonshireDave]

I'm a bit sketchy about iPod details as I don't have one. The ICE unit has a dedicated iPod port and the car comes with a cable. I use the usb port with an 8Gb pen drive with all my music on. That displays the title and artist. Having said that, if the 11 plate you're viewing has bluetooth, it sounds like the ICE unit has either been upgraded or Hyundai changed the unit over the 2010MY like mine.
To be honest, I may not have mine set up properly so you might get more info out of the unit. Take the iPod with you and get them to plug it in for you.
Ask if the car is subject to the recall for the fuel line clearance under the engine cover. It affected cars bewteen 01/09/2009 and 13/12/2011. I had mine done on it's second year service yesterday.
I'd also advise to get the car out on to a good bit of dual carriageway so you can stretch her legs and see what it goes like. Give it some beans! Let me know how you get on.
Dave

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Dave
Well took the said vehicle for a test drive, manual box, 7 seat preimum.Dealership on a quite busy road so took it very gently until I got it to a 70 mph dual carriage way, I did not thump the car as thats not my style but I remember commenting somthing like oh **** as the car pulled like a dream. Continued that for about 4 mile and its every thing you said. On the return run I drove very carefully and monitored the fuel computer and it was returning 39.2,so very impressed. Unfortunatly the deal was not done as the price to change was just out of my budget, but the car did tick all the boxes almost. No towbar or tonneau cover but the dealer did say he woul fit a Witter and its first service would be free,Ah well the seach is now on. Well impressed a very powerful,smooth vehicle

Thanks
Von Ryan

 

[MrBell]

Hi everyone, just been reading this thread and its really interesting on what you have been talking about. I am looking for a car at the moment as my car (mondeo) has gone to the grave as you could say. I took the latest 2.2 mondeo out for a test drive on sunday and i put me foot down and it was fast, the car stuck to the road as well, BUT i just didnt seem to click with the car. I didnt see my self buying the car and being happy knowing it will be what i want. So i have been looking at other cars and what i really want as a tug but also as a car to use daily.
I have looked at all sorts of cars from vauxhal insignia to the new ssanyong, and none of them say buy me (well to me anyway) then i looked at the Hyundai Sante Fe and its just what i am looking for! Yes im sure its not as economical as most and its not going to be able to go around corners like its on rails but i dont mind that. I am looking for a car which will work for its living, towing and and also carry two labs around plus others.
Iv been looking at the hyundai for a while, i am wondering if the automatic would be worth going for, the CO2s are higher and the MPG lower and been trying to work out if there will be much difference overall.
I am intersted in the fact the 7 seat version has the suspension that levels up? Is there a benefit to this suspension when towing?
I have seen a few Hyundais for the price im looking at and most are auto's. What the warrenty like for the Hyundais? do the cover most stuff for the full 5 yrs??

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Mr Bell
I currently have a Kia Sorento with self levelling suspension and after the first couple of miles or so it does make a good difference in respect of pitching etc.I personally would go for the manual box, which on the test drive I found very smooth. As said in earlier post I had looked a a Ford Galaxy 2.0 163 bhp or 2.2 200bhp vehicle,but the feed back about slipping and scrabbling on wet grass or gravel put me off. I don't know if this applies to the Mondeo. The thing is that the Santa Fe is always has FWD in place and if it feels it is slipping it will engage the rear wheels accordingly, so unlike a permanant 4WD like the DIsco or Range Rover they are more economical. YES I would love a Land Rover 2.7 Disco, but not only do the coffers go that far but it seems that the Santa Fe 2.2 is more powerful ( I quote from a well known Ronald Bark video) I have drove 4 x 4s for near on 25 years and some have been very thirsty, the Sorento has proved to be a great tug, but after 7 years needs replacement and after lots of research I find the Santa Fe meets all my needs,but not empyting the pockets too much. There are other who say you do not need a 4 x 4 to tow, but its my prefered type of vehicle.
After lots of checking data (Sad Sack as SHMBO says) never mind she has a skate board called a Vovlo T5 S30. I think after trying the Santa Fe has a lot to offer, for a reasonable price

Regard
Von Ryan

 

[VonRyan]

Good 5 year Warrenty, unlimited milage if not used for commercial use e.g taxis. OK will not cover brakes, exhausts etc, but these you can appriciate are classed as wear and tare items. Build quality is good, excuse the pun but it sounds like a Golf

Von Ryan

 

[ProfJohnL]

"I am intersted in the fact the 7 seat version has the suspension that levels up? Is there a benefit to this suspension when towing?"

The answer is it will level the car and conseqyuently raise the tow ball. It offers no advantage to towing, it may look better. The other important thing to remember is that SLS does not increast the nose load capacity, you must still observe the limits specified by the manufacturers.

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Prof
I have never said or implied that it increases the nose weight ability of a vehicle. As far as just looking good I disagree completly. As the Suspension is made firmer because of increased weight either increased iby nternal load, roof loading or the nose weight of the caravan this helps to reduce pitching which is evident when you first set off, even though the nose weight is set correctly, in my case 95Kg.the van is balanced and its load is correctly distributed and not overloaded

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Von Ryan,
You may have gathered the opinion that I am against SLS or spring assistance, actually that is far from the truth, I have had and used vehicels with SLS but as an OEM factory fitted device. I agree they can make the ride and attitude more pleasant. But these feature are not essential to the function, performance or safety of the vehicles. The only reason manufacturers offer these devices is to differntiate between lesser models, and to make the vehicle model range seem more attractive to a wider (and more affluent) buying public.
There is nothing wrong with that, but the danger of SLS in wrong hands is the possibility that because the tail does not dip under load, the inexperienced or ignorant may just keep on adding nose load beyond the stated capacity - after all there is no tell tale sign you may be reaching the limits.
As you had not mentioned your own safe practice, It was prudent to err on the side of safety and make it clear that SLS does not increase nose load capacities (unless the manufacture states it does).