Santa Fe Wins Yet Another Award

Overlander, the country’s longest-established 4WD off-road magazine, has named the diesel CRDi model the best new All-Wheel-Drive ‘soft-roader’ SUV in its 4WD Of The Year 2006 awards.
It was the only 4WD soft-roader (single-range transmission) SUV to qualify among Overlander’s seven finalists from a bumper crop of 29 new or significantly revised 4WD vehicles launched last year in Australia.
Santa Fe topped two of the five criteria set by the magazine’s seven expert judges. It won best “Performance of Intended Function’ and was the clear leader in the “Value For Money” criterion.
“The little Hyundai was the surprise package for 4WD of the year, following the bigger 4WDs up hill and down dale,” commented the magazine, in its February issue just out.
“One of our judges scored it equal first and for a couple of others it was their second choice.
“We knew the Santa Fe would score well for its level of standard equipment and fuel economy but we didn’t expect it to perform this well.
“The combo of torquey turbo-diesel engine backed by a torque converter and auto with ESP managing traction saw the Santa Fe head up tracks even we didn’t expect it to tackle.
In 2006, the remarkable Santa Fe was named Recreational SUV of the Year by 4WD Magazine, New Zealand’s leading publication in the specialist market. And the diesel version was named SUV of the Year at the NZ Automotive Awards by AutoTrader Magazine.

The diesel was also recognised as the most efficient large lifestyle/leisure vehicle in New Zealand with its victory in the recent EnergyWise Rally.

In the important business market, Santa Fe was chosen as National Business Review’s SUV of the Year.

Plus of course the vehicle’s success in the Fair Go Ad Awards, where its compelling TV commercial featuring the cute surfing toddlers was given Best Ad Award by the programme’s biggest-ever margin.

“A new year and the accolades keep coming for Santa Fe,” commented the Managing Director of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Philip Eustace.

“It’s pleasing to see Hyundai’s performance, safety and economy recognised by the award judges, just as they are by New Zealand families.”

Five different models cover diesel and petrol options of the South Korean masterpiece, which is available with five and seven-seat options for Kiwi buyers.

ENDS

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