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What Wheels Car of the Year has to say.
The new seven-seat Santa Fe hit Australian showrooms mid-year priced $10,000 above the outgoing model, which design changes alone can’t justify. All models are powered by a hybridised 172kW/367Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine driving either the front wheels or all four. Despite being the smallest Santa Fe engine ever, it delivers - the hybrid engine and six-speed automatic transmission do a more than adequate job of meeting daily driving demands.
The boot is a whopper in two-row mode (628 litres), but buyers will need to tick a few rooftop luggage options if they’re planning road trips with all three rows occupied because luggage space is almost non-existent in this configuration. The cabin continues the boxy theme but makes use of modern materials to convey quality and class. Again, Hyundai’s thoughtfulness and innovation shine through.
Price/as tested: $75,000/$75,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1598cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo, hybrid
Power: 172kW @ 5500rpm
Torque: 367Nm @ 1500-4500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Weight: 2105kg
L/W/H/WB: 4830/1900/1770/2815mm
Tyres: Kumho Ecsta PS71 255/45R20 (f/r)
Finance
Registration
Fuel
Comprehensive insurance
Australia's car of the year is Hyundai's first ever EV performance vehicle, a five-seater with more power than a McLaren F1 and a five-star ANCAP rating.
The ninth-generation XV80 Camry is the latest evidence of a quarter of a century perfecting hybrid technology powertrain, with low-end EV-like performance that gets you effortlessly around town.
With its specially modified 5.0-litre V8 engine and 350/550Nm on tap, the Special Edition Dark Horse is fast, loud and a remarkable driving experience.
With an 88.1kWh battery, 500km of claimed WLTP range and a feeling of rock-solid durability, this well-equipped AWD is also big on affordability, comfort and space.
An affordable price tag and 10-year unlimited-kilometre warranty make this EV a viable option for drivers seeking performance, practicality and peace of mind.
This is general information only. Before entering into any salary packaging or novated leasing arrangement, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek appropriate legal, financial or other professional advice based upon your own particular circumstances. The availability of benefits is determined by your employer. Conditions and fees apply.
*Price and estimated tax savings based on the following assumptions: (1) living in NSW 2000, (2) salary: $120,000 gross p.a., (3) travelling 15,000 kms p.a., (4) lease term: 5-years, and (5) salary sacrifice using Employee Contribution Method (ECM) and FBT Exempt Method for Electric Car Discount eligible EVs. Images shown may not be the exact car that the calculations have been based on. All figures quoted include budgets for finance, charging and/or fuel, servicing, tyres, maintenance, Vero by Suncorp comprehensive motor insurance, Hydro Platinum Pack and re-registration over the period of the lease. Vehicle residual, as set by Australian Taxation Office, is payable at the end of lease term. The exact residual amount will be specified in your vehicle quote.
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer