The electronic "Torque On Demand" AWD system selects the optimum driving mode for the road conditions to provide all weather driving stability and superior handling.

The Santa Fe offers a powerful R-2.2 Common Rail Direct injection (CRDi) engine which features a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) to minimise turbo lag and increase efficiency at higher engine speeds. The intercooled turbo engine produces a very impressive 436Nm of torque between 1800 to 2500 RPM and 145kW of power at 3,800 RPM (auto).

The new Santa Fe R powertrain provides exhilarating performance with power and torque that rivals the output of large petrol engines, yet is refined, quiet and clean and achieves the exceptional levels of economy that only modern Diesel technology can deliver.

The environmentally friendly R-2.2 turbo Diesel produces significantly lower CO2 emissions and achieves an averaged urban and highway driving fuel efficiency of 6.7L/100km for the manual, and 7.5L/100km for the automatic*. On the open road, you’ll get even better results.

A new alternator management system helps maximise fuel economy by eliminating drag on the engine, while with the six-speed manual Santa Fe R, an onboard ‘ECO’ coach indicates when the optimum gear shift point has been reached, to promote fuel-saving driving habits. The six-speed automatic includes a fuel consumption indicator that continually measure fuel efficiency.

* Australian Design Rule 81/02 Static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test. Fuel consumptions will vary depending on a combination of driving habits and vehicle conditions.

Santa Fe R is proud to have attained an ANCAP 5 star rating, the highest for a motor vehicle in Australia.

Anti-Skid Braking System (ABS) prevents the front wheels ‘locking up’ under heavy brake loads. This enables the driver to maintain steering control and avoid potentially dangerous situations while also minimising the total braking distance. Braking distance is assisted with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) whereby the braking force to the wheels is adjusted and maximised according to weight distribution in the car (e.g. passenger locations).

Similarly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) combined with Traction Control System (TCS), helps you stay in control by keeping Santa Fe R stable on the road under dangerous conditions. Over-accelerating on slippery surfaces can cause the wheels to spin, reducing power and steering control. TCS momentarily applies the brakes on a spinning wheel until it regains traction with the road so that you stay in control.

Anti-Skid Braking System (ABS) prevents the front wheels ‘locking up’ under heavy brake loads. This enables the driver to maintain steering control and avoid potentially dangerous situations while also minimising the total braking distance.

Santa Fe's passenger safety cell features a four-ring strengthened body, with rigid cabin and crush zones in the front and rear. There are four integrated rollover protection hoops, controlled crumple zones (front and rear) and side impact beams in each door.

Integrated into the vehicle security system, Santa Fe's engine immobiliser aids in thwarting theft, reassuring you when your vehicle is parked and left.

In addition to remote keyless entry Santa Fe R offers extra personal security with the Hyundai Active Locking Operation (HALO)1 system, which locks all the doors when your driving speed reaches 40 km/h, and then unlocks them once the key is removed from the ignition. Front seat occupants can override the system to easily exit the car.

1. This feature can be independently deactivated by an authorised Hyundai Dealer.

Retractable, three-point seatbelts are standard throughout Santa Fe R, including those in the third row. Driver and front passenger seatbelts also feature pretensioners and four-stage height adjustment. Child safety is a priority with three child seat anchor points fitted to rear seats.

Front active 'anti-whiplash' head restraints, standard on all Santa Fe R models, offer superior whiplash protection in a rear impact. They use the force of the occupant's body against the seatback to move the head restraint forward so that the head and neck of the front-seat occupant are supported.

When you're reverse parking or manoeuvring into tight spaces, the Reverse Park Assist's ultrasonic sensors give you added assurance by emitting a warning sound when you're getting too close to objects behind you.