And it only took 20 or so years.
Yes…it was only in 1986 that Hyundai knocked lightly on the clubhouse door and politely asked all the established auto giants inside, “Hey…can I play, too?”
And seeing no threat from an upstart from Korea, the older guys said, “Sure…why not?”
Nineteen years later, Hyundai opened their first US manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama…put their elbows on the table…threw down their poker hand and said, “OK…can you beat this?”
Today you can park just about any top-of-the-line Hyundai model next to Japan, America, or Europe’s finest and have a hard time deciding who’s done the better job.
And our test Santa Fe Calligraphy proves the point. Today’s Santa Fe is a spacious two-row SUV that packs quite a punch even in the base 36K “Blue” trim. Option it up to our new Calligraphy trim, and all I can say is, “Look out if you’re selling a competing brand that lists for 10 thousand more than our loaded $45,255 Calligraphy!”
So let’s return to that base Santa Fe “Blue” model for a quick sec. Even in base trim, your Santa Fe will have AWD and Hybrid propulsion…giving you 36 City and 31 Hwy MPG’s. You’ll also have 17” alloys, a hands-free rear tailgate, and blind spot alerts.
Step it up to a just under 40K list “SEL,” and add faux leather, 19” alloys, Harman Kardon surround-sound, a sunroof, power second-row seating, highway driver-assist speed control, rear side sunshades, parking assist, and a digital key.
Then if your credit score allows another five thousand, step up to Hyundai’s Calligraphy and enjoy custom 20” alloys, LED exterior and interior ambient lighting, a heads-up display, high-beam assists, Nappa ventilated leather, heated second-row seating, heated steering, roof rails and power heated folding rear mirrors…plus you’ll have a bit more “go” with a turbo 2.4-liter engine vs. the other models’ 1.6.
So how does it drive? In short, great. Ample acceleration and excellent feel around curves and over potholes. As I said earlier…take someone who owns a so-called premium luxury vehicle out to lunch in your Calligraphy, and they’ll feel right at home…although they may get little indigestion should they find out that your Calligraphy…unlike their ride…cost well under 50 thousand!
