#TDOTD Test Drive of the Day: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS

MANILA, Philippines - I believe people should choose cars that fit their personality, lifestyle, financial position and taste. During my search for a vehicle, I kept in mind that my job requires me to travel all over Manila; therefore I needed a car that was not too large in order to park in inconvenient areas. Up until recently, I drove a Honda Civic and realized that a small car is risky because buses and other large vehicles push me around in traffic. These are the reasons I decided on a medium-sized car.

I frequently take trips that require long-distance driving; to wakeboard at wake parks, road trips to the mountains and down to the beach. I also have a Siberian Husky that I bring with me everywhere. If I have people in the car with me, I don’t want them to feel uncomfortable by sharing the back seat with my rambunctious husky. This meant that I needed a car that has a large storage space, responds quickly, is smooth on rocky roads, and is eco-friendly.

I started to fixate on the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS. I was also interested in the 2014 Honda CR-V because the front of the car looks spectacular, but the backside was disappointing because it reminded me of the old Volkswagen Scirocco.

The Santa Fe is a powerful and aerodynamic machine that devours highways. The exterior is dressed in a sophisticated style with fog lamps, headlamps, LED taillights, sharp edges and smooth creases. Out of all the colors and shades, I preferred white because it makes a clean and smooth comparison to a pearl. I just feel that there is no possible way to have a bad day with this attractive vehicle sitting in my driveway.

Hyundai built this modern machine with an exquisitely sculpted interior. If you appreciate when objects are in the right place, the Santa Fe will feed your OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The organically shaped dashboard is systematized with precision. There is a strategic placement of cubbyholes, including the cooled glove compartment that serves as a mini-refrigerator. The seats are thick, comfortable and adjustable. My back usually aches when I drive because the lower back, naturally curving towards the stomach, straightens up in regular seats. The driver’s seat of the Santa Fe has a lever for the lower back cushion to be pushed forward, which gives support to the spine. The driver’s seat also changes in height, which is useful for those who are shorter. My only concern is that the front passenger seat does not have this feature, making those who sit there appear smaller. This is no problem when men drive, but when a lady drives and a man is in the passenger seat, this can be a little emasculating. The interior spacing is excellent; the second row reclines and slides. The third row consists of two foldable seats to make way for larger or longer objects.

The Santa Fe feels like an extension of the body. The wheel easily turns with a quick reaction from the vehicle. The 2.2-liter diesel engine is powerful but with outstanding fuel economy, 14-18 km/liter on the highway and 8-12km/liter in traffic. It also has a snappy response to speed. There is an Active Eco mode that is useful during traffic hours in Makati. The inclined rough road to the mountains usually sends passengers heaving back and forth, and side to side. Testing the Santa Fe on the mountain road was the smoothest I have experienced.

An intriguing aspect of the Santa Fe GLS is the remote keyless entry. No more fumbling through your pockets or purse to find your key. The vehicle detects the key when one stands by the front doors; the door handles light up; and the side-view mirrors automatically unfold. It may seem childish to get excited when a car unlocks as you approach it, but it is a great feeling.

Numerous features are available to ensure that the driver can focus on the road and relax.  Texting and talking on the phone is very dangerous while driving; thus the standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system is the safest way to communicate. Also, parking in the Philippines requires one to fit into the smallest spaces—the blind spot detection system helps avoid hitting objects that cannot be seen.

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS is a remarkable car that impresses me more everyday.  My life has changed since I started driving this car—even the traffic isn’t as bad as it used to be. I am captivated by the acceleration of the powerful engine, the interior elegance, the top-quality innovative systems, the safety equipment, the many options of convenient features, and last but not least, the fuel economy. If anyone asked me to suggest a car, I would proudly say the 2014 Santa Fe.

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Julia Quisumbing is a 23-year-old Filipina-America, who after graduating from a Swiss University with a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management and Marketing, returned to the Philippines and became a model/radio/host. She loves water sports such as scuba diving and wakeboarding, which led her to become one of the brand ambassadors of Stoked Inc. She is down-to-earth and adventurous; her ambition for trying everything she can has guided her through many experiences that she uses as lessons for her life.