New Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi AT 4WD Review: A Rung Above

Engine and Transmission

The new Santa Fe comes powered by the same 2.2 liter CRDi engine which powered its predecessor. Some changes, however, have been made to improve the refinement and fuel efficiency of the old unit, and it’s quite evident from the moment you put this big SUV in motion, especially at the lower band of the rev spectrum.

The 2.2 liter diesel unit also dishes out impressive power and torque figures. The peak power output for the engine is rated at 197PS at 3,800 rpm. The engine is mated to two gearboxes – a 6 speed manual, and a 6 speed auto. The torque output for the two transmission systems is different. While the manual transmission version of the car delivers a peak torque of 420Nm, the AT version offers slightly more twist rated at 436nm. In both versions, however, the peak torque is delivered at a similar 1800-2500rpm band.

With close to 200 horses and substantially more than 400Nm of torque at hand, the Santa Fe packs quite a punch. It’s quick off the block, and manages to deliver extremely impressive performance in the mid-revs as well. Overtaking is hardly an issue with the strong torrent of prodigious torque powering the wheels of the Santa Fe in full swing from 2000 rpm onwards. Just put the right foot down and the Santa Fe moves ahead in a smooth, reassuring and assertive way. This one’s going to be a highway cruiser’s delight.

While the mid range performance is extremely strong we did notice some bit of turbo lag at the bottom of the barrel. The evidence of this can be found in the fact that the 6 speed auto transmission hardly ever lets the rev needle below the 1500 rpm mark. Drop the speed to bring the tacho needle below 1500 rpm, and the transmission will drop a gear, to be equipped with ample punch to let you surge ahead convincingly.

The 6 speed auto transmission performed well for a traditional single clutch torque converter unit. Sure, there was a mild lag in the shifts as we shoved the right pedal and summoned a kickdown, but the transmission is still much better sorted than most other such systems we have sampled. It’s not as quick as the modern dual clutch transmissions like the DSG, but does its job pretty well. The remarkable torque available across the rev band reduces the need to downshifts and helps mask the mild lag. Manual mode, the transmission holds on to the revs and lets the tacho needle climb up all the way up to redline to let you drive spiritedly.

We found the engine uncannily silent below the 2000rpm mark. While cruising in higher gears at 100kmph or thereabouts, there is hardly any engine noise filtering into the cabin. The 2.2 CRDi impresses with its low rpm smoothness and hushed behavior. It gets a little noisy as it approaches the 3000 rpm mark and beyond though. The engine, with its strong mid range torque prefers spinning at ease in the sub 3000 rpm region. It has enough meat there to take on almost all real world scenarios with ease. It doesn’t much appreciate being hustled though.

A punchy mid-range performer, the 2.2 CRDi engine isn’t exactly a dope jab for the power addicted, but is a reassuring, confident and relaxed unit – suited perfectly to the SUV body type. It’s got what it takes to haul the weight of a heavy car like the Santa Fe without breaking a sweat. It can achieve speeds above the triple digit mark without making an effort and can maintain cruising speeds without a bother in the world.

Next page for Interior, cabin comfort and  features>>>