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Thursday, August 30, 2012
AOL Autos Test Drive: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
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With the launch of the 2013 Santa Fe, Hyundai has officially entered a new era in the U.S. Now, every single vehicle in the Hyundai lineup is now either totally new, or significantly refreshed, with each and every car having been met with critical acclaim and stellar sales numbers. The Korean carmaker is now playing the role of "disrupter." What does that mean? Long-standing best sellers from venerable automakers like Toyota and Honda have lost market share in nearly every important car segment due to Hyundai's success. And now the company has its eye trained on the lucrative and wildly popular crossover segment with its brand new, redesigned Santa Fe, which is built in Alabama. The 2013 Santa Fe is coming in two different versions, and the nomenclature is a little bit confusing. The Santa Fe Sport, which I drove, seats five and replaces the outgoing 2012 Santa Fe. The Santa Fe, which will be released next year, comes with a longer wheelbase, seats 6 or 7 and replaces the Veracruz SUV that Hyundai is phasing out. The Santa Fe Sport comes with 2 engine options (a 2.0L I-4 and a 2.0L turbo), all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive and a wide variety of other options. For my test drive, I was behind the wheel of the 2.0T with AWD (mainly because of elevation and mountainous terrain). The redesigned Santa Fe Sport comes with a sharp new look, new interior and new engine, all of which are now being met with high expectations from the automotive press and consumers alike. With a long line of successes behind them, including a North American Car of the Year award for the Elantra sedan, can Hyundai keep up the momentum with one last hit in its vehicle line up? Should Honda, Toyota and Ford, among others, be worried about Hyundai's presence in yet another car segment? I went to Park City, Utah -- at a wheeze-inducing 7,000 feet -- to find out. Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
How Much?
MSRP: $24,450 - $29,450
Invoice: $23,492 - $27,948 As Tested: $35,625 (as tested) Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
Key Stats (base)
-2.4L I-4 engine
-190 hp, 181 lb-ft of torque
-6-speed automatic transmission
-22 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway
-Seats 5
-71.5 cubic feet maximum cargo capacity Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
The Competition
Ford Escape (pictured), Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
What We Like
Michael: Hyundai nailed almost everything with this car, all the way down to the little things. Granted, I drove a higher-end Santa Fe Sport, but I was really struck by how much effort Hyundai put into the touch points. The steering wheel, shifter, radio buttons and knobs and even the resting pads for arms all feel very pleasant, and add up to make a great driving experience. The 2.0T engine is very good, too. I drove up some very steep grades at high elevation – where naturally aspirated engines lose about 20% of their power – and my test car never felt even remotely starved for power. Additionally, we did some light off-road driving on a few remote fire roads and the AWD tackled it with no issue whatsoever. No loss in traction or issues getting up and over hills with this car. Santa Fe Sport buyers likely won't be getting too much mud on the tires, but know that this vehicle should be more than capable in inclement weather. Autoblog: That turbo engine isn't the only part of the Santa Fe package deserving of praise. Hyundai uses a MacPherson front strut and a fully independent multil-ink rear setup here in the Sport, the latter of which not only allows for better manners on the road, but also improves overall cabin space thanks to its in-wheel design. The Sport performed admirably on Utah's silky smooth mountain roads, where the crossover delivered a comfortable yet confident ride. But once we headed off the beaten path and onto some rougher forest trails, the Santa Fe really showed us what it's made of. In addition to a new suspension design, Hyundai has also fitted a new Active Cornering Control all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and active braking. It's nothing new – other automakers (Ford, for example) have used similar technology – but it works quite well on the Santa Fe. We blasted down some stone-laden dirt roads at a relatively decent clip, and even when trying to get the Sport to slip up by entering a corner too fast or applying full throttle while exiting a very slow bend, the Santa Fe never spun a tire, even on the loose road surface. Back on the pavement, the Sport felt controlled and balanced during turns, with a to-be-expected, crossover-appropriate amount of body roll. Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
What We Don't Like
Michael: There's not much that I don't like about this car. As Mr. Steve Ewing points out below, the steering selections are a little bit gimmicky and doesn't quite work like it does in Hyundai's other vehicles, but it certainly isn't a design or engineering failure. I did have one issue with the navigation, which wanted to take me on a hour-long jaunt to get to a destination that was just a couple of miles away, but I'll chalk that up to a minor computer glitch. I've had enough experience with Hyundai's nav to know that it functions quite well. Autoblog: We'll admit to getting our hopes up a bit regarding the steering, especially after our recent stint in the 2013 Elantra GT. The compact five-door was the first vehicle to use Hyundai's new driver-selectable three-mode steering, and happily, this on-the-fly rack-adjuster is also available here on the Santa Fe Sport. Unfortunately, we never quite found a steering mode that we truly loved in the Santa Fe. It's certainly not bad in this application, but we wish the electronic rack offered a bit more in the way of feedback. Normal mode seemed to get things done just fine, but Sport mode doesn't have quite the same level of involvement as it did in the Elantra GT. Chalk that up to Santa's bigger bones. Research the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Photos & Information
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Specs
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Local Dealer Price Quote
Bottom Line
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport should be a serious consideration if you're shopping for a crossover. It's great to drive, looks sharp and has a well-appointed and comfortable interior. This goes along with solid fuel economy and Hyundai's generous warranty, both of which should end up saving you money in the long run. If you haven't been paying attention to Hyundai's cars – and you absolutely should be – you definitely now need to pay attention to its crossovers. The Santa Fe Sport is more than capable and belongs at or near the top of every crossover buyer's shopping list. Look out, Honda, Ford, Chevy and Toyota, Hyundai is in the rear-view mirror and is approaching faster with every new vehicle. But we think you know that already. AOL Autos Score:
4.5/5 Stars
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Total Car Score Names the Top 10 All-New Cars for 2013 - Hyundai Santa Fe
Los Angeles, CA – August 22, 2012 – The 2013 model year is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the automotive industry. With over 30 all-new vehicles arriving in showrooms Total Car Score today announced what it considers to be the Top 10 New Cars for 2013.
Total Car Score’s list of the top 10 new models includes vehicles that are either all-new nameplates or existing models that have been completely redesigned for the 2013 model year.
“The average American consumer is driving an 11-year-old car. A huge slice of the public has held off on replacing their vehicles because of economic uncertainty. That means an unprecedented level of pent-up demand,” said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. “This will eventually lead to a flurry of sales as consumers replace their worn-out cars with new ones.”
Brauer added, “Automakers are well aware of this situation, and know the rising pressure on consumers will inevitably break loose with a flurry of buying activity. When this happens, every carmaker wants to be positioned to capture new vehicle shoppers with enticing cars, trucks and SUVs.”
The 2013 model year marks a significant effort by automakers to reinvent volume products, as well as introduce all-new cars, in a bid to capture market share. The following 10 vehicles represent the most significant models landing in dealer showrooms this fall, according to the editorial team at Total Car Score.
9. Hyundai Santa Fe -- MSRP: $24,000-$30,000
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in two flavors: the 5-passenger Sport and 7-passenger extended wheelbase model, the latter of which will hit showrooms in January. The new crossover represents Hyundai’s effort to raise sales volume in the profitable large SUV market.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Engine Knock
What Is Engine Knocking?
Engine knocking refers to the metallic sound an engine can produce when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. The noise may be a hollow knocking sound or more of a rattling sound—in either case, it's not a sound you want to hear.
When an engine pings, it releases pollution into the environment in the form of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and raw, unburned hydrocarbons (HCs). These two chemicals are poisonous gases that show up as yellowish-brownish in a polluted sky. They can also cause respiratory problems like asthma and emphysema.
Common Reasons for Engine Knocking
Improper Combustion Process
An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). In a properly-firing cylinder, the spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture and a flame front starts on one side of the piston and burns across the top to the other side, which creates a rapid and evenly-expanding gas that pushes down on the top of the piston. When the air/fuel mixture is ignited prior to the spark plug firing, the two flame fronts collide, causing the pinging/knocking noise.
Engine Is Too Hot
An engine can ping because it is too hot. This is another uneven combustion scenario that is caused by the air-to-fuel mixture "lighting off" by itself. If the cooling system does not keep the engine's combustion chamber temperature in check, the air-to-fuel mixture will begin to spontaneously explode. This is also called "pre-ignition."
Improper Gasoline Octane
In addition to cooling system problems, pinging can be caused by improper gasoline octane, an overly lean air-to-fuel mixture, or a lack of proper exhaust gas recirculation. The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) was created to neutralize engine pinging by adding a small amount of exhaust gas to the air-to-fuel mixture going in to the combustion process, which limits the peak combustion chamber temperature.
Internal Mechanical Problems
Internal mechanical problems can also cause engine knocking. One such problem stems from excessive clearance inside the bearings in the connecting rods that transfer the downward movement of the pistons to crankshaft rotation. Each time the piston changes direction, there is a knock from the metal hitting metal. This is often referred to as a "rod knock." It is usually very rhythmic—it increases with engine speed and intensifies with engine load.
Other mechanical problems that lead to engine knocking are:
- Defective main crankshaft bearings
- A cracked or broken flywheel or flex-plate that attaches the engine to the transmission
- A worn water pump bearing
- A failed or loose timing belt tensioner can knock when the timing belt slaps against it
- An air conditioning compressor can knock when it is failing or icing up
- An alternator with worn rotor bearings can knock when the pistons fire
Be sure to properly inspect and verify the root cause of the knocking sound, as it can be tricky to pinpoint. You don't want to replace the entire engine only to find out that the knocking was coming from a cracked hub on the transmission flywheel or flex-plate. Ouch!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
2013 Veloster Turbo Introduction with Brandon Ramirez
The 2013 Veloster Turbo delivers more excitement and power. The Veloster Turbo offers not only performance differentiation with its 201hp engine, but exterior/interior differentiation as well through a bold unique front fascia and ground effects just to name a few. View this video to find out more.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
We appreciate this 5-star review! We are always thrilled to hear from our valued customers.
"This is the third vehicle I have purchased from the dealership and have referred family and friends who have purchased. Great service!"
Monday, August 20, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Drive in the City Like a Pro
Smaller cars are the key to everyday travel through the city. Not only do you get the ease of parking in tiny spots, but you will also save a big of gas because of the stop and go traffic. Major cities are built to accommodate as many people in a small amount of space. Thus the city the streets and parking spaces are much narrower and smaller than others your use to.
Automatic transmissions are recommended for everyday travel to and within the city. The stress and fatigue will increase as you shift aimlessly with a manual transmission. Trust me on this one! During one of my trips to NYC, I shifted a manual transmission over 1000 times in an hour through heavy traffic. As many people swear by manual shifting, this is OK ( so do i) , it has its advantages, but it's just not well suited to city driving.
As parking spaces become harder to find, having that small car can get you in those tight spots. If you have the money, you can also invest in technology like back up cameras. These cameras will allow you to see how close you are to the car behind you through a pin hole camera on your trunk. Parking sensors work just as well, as you don't even need a visual, but only listen to a few beeps to know how close you are to the car behind you. Some luxury cars will have sensors in the front as well as the back.
Always drive inside your lane. Signal ten seconds before you lane change. Be cautious in hard driving conditions like snow and rain. Be careful of those huge pot holes ahead. So look give yourself some space between the car in front of your so that you have a better visual of the road ahead.
Avoid driving in the far right lane unless your turning. Metros, trucks, buses and other turning vehicles all enter the right lane. So to avoid any unnecessary backup time, drive in the middle lane if you are traveling straight for a while.
Now that you have a few tips. Try them out and you'll be on your way to being a pro at city driving.
Thank you for sharing your 5-star experience, Janice!
- Janice
See more reviews on DealerRater!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Thank you for the kind words and recommendation, Jen! Kudos to Mike for providing great service.
- Jen
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Hyundai posts biggest gas-mileage gains
With gas prices rising, it only makes sense that cars and trucks are getting progressively more fuel-efficient. But how much?
Based on vehicles sold in July compared with a year earlier, new vehicles are 1.5 miles per gallon more efficient, according to TrueCar.com, which tracks new-vehicle sales.
It's not just that vehicles are being made more efficient. Rather, it's that customers are demanding better gas mileage and seek out particular models that have made the biggest gains -- which helps explain the fuel-mileage gains.
"Manufacturers have been responding by offering a larger mix of smaller vehicles and improving efficiencies on their existing larger vehicle engines, as evidenced by the significant improvement in TrueMPG in the recent years," said Jesse Toprak, a TrueCar vice president.
But gas mileage gains, it turns out, vary by maker.
The gas mileage for Fords sold last month averaged 22 miles per gallon, compared with 20.5 mpg a year ago. Ford's 1.5 mpg gain was almost twice the 0.7 mpg gain at Chrysler and 0.6 mpg gain at General Motors, based on vehicles sold last month compared to the year before, TrueCar.com says.
The biggest gain was Hyundai, at 2.5 mpg. It's also the brand with the highest overall gas mileage of 27.8 mpg. Toyota rose 1.4 mpg to 24.2 mpg and Honda was up 1.8 mpg to 25 mpg.
Courtesy of USA Today
Monday, August 13, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Parking Techniques
There will be many times when you will see angled parking spaces in a parking lot. In this case, vehicles are designated to go one way.
Here are some safety tips:
- Stay at a safe distance from parked cars so that you can see and maneuver better once you have found an empty spot.
- Stay alert for cars backing out to leave their space.
- Always signal to show that you are ready to make a turn.
PERPENDICULAR PARKING
Perpendicular parking is similar to angle parking, but requires greater care in turning. You will find perpendicular parking in most parking lots, which normally provide spaces marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.
When parking bring your vehicle to a spot while keeping enough space from the row of parked cars.
Always stop with your wheels straight and your car centered in the space.
PARALLEL PARKING
In general, you will use parallel parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option. You will need to choose a space that is at least five feet longer than your car. It requires practice to master this maneuver.
Always signal first, and then position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked (rear bumpers of both vehicles are aligned) in front of the empty spot. Keep at least two feet away from this vehicle.
Check to make sure the way is clear behind you, and shift into reverse. Look over your shoulder and back slowly as you turn your wheel toward the curb.
Back up slowly so that the front of the vehicle is even with the front door of the vehicle beside you. Turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up slowly until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle from the curb.
Turn the wheel sharply in the direction away from the curb and back slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.
Put the car into a forward gear and slowly center your vehicle in the space.
PARKING ON A HILL
Uphill
When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block.
Downhill
When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block.
No Curb
When headed uphill (or downhill) with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the highway, not into traffic.
ILLEGAL PARKING
Parking in the following areas is prohibited:
- On highways (unless indicated otherwise)
- In an intersection
- On pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks
- In front of driveways
- In a fire lane or close to a fire hydrant
- In an underpass or bridge
- At a blue curb or for a spot reserved for disabled
- Beside another parked vehicle (double parking)
Consult your state's Drivers handbook for details.
VEHICLE SECURING PROCEDURES
Whenever you park your car, make sure you do the following:
1. Make sure that you are stopped within a legal and secure parking space.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Put the car gear in park for automatic transmission. For manual transmission put the car either in first or reverse gear.
4. Turn off any accessories used.
5. Turn off ignition switch and remove key.
6. Check for traffic prior to exiting vehicle. Open door safely and face traffic when getting out of the vehicle.
7. Secure doors and windows.
8. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.
SECURING VALUABLES
Safety Tips
- Always make sure your doors and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle, even for a short period of time. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended.
- Always park in well lit areas; avoid parking in isolated parking spaces or in bad neighborhoods.
- Never leave any valuables and equipment inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk of the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
- Install a vehicle alarm system if you store valuable items in your vehicle.
- Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle, especially if it can be seen from the outside.
Courtesy of DriversEd.com
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K Run/Walk Sponsorship
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We are pleased that Hyundai Hope on Wheels will be the title sponsor of the 5K portion of the Chicago Half Marathon.
The 5K Run/Walk race, one of three nationally, is part of our ongoing efforts to raise both awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research during September - National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Hyundai President and CEO, John Krafcik, will run in the 5K Run/Walk race.
Please see this short video clip “Are you in?” from our National Youth Ambassador, CJ George, as he announces the 5K Series and shares a few words about his own battle with cancer -
We invite you to become a part of ‘Team Hyundai Hope on Wheels,’ by joining our 5K Race/Walk team. To do so, simply join the 5K race at www.HyundaiRun4Hope.org (be sure to specify the Chicago race!).
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A Commitment to Finding a Cure
We appreciate your support in making Hyundai Hope On Wheels one of the leading pediatric cancer nonprofit organizations in the country. By the end of this year, we will have awarded $57 million in research for childhood cancer. Since 1998, over 500 separate grants have been awarded by Hope on Wheels, providing life saving research for children. Our goal is simple: we help kids fight cancer. And, we won’t stop until there is a cure.
As a reminder of the reality of our challenge, two of the children who participated in Central Region Hope on Wheels events last year, passed away this year.
Please help support this important charity. Donations are tax deductable. I am counting on you and your dealership team’s assistance and support to make this a huge success.
Additional information is provided below. Thanks in advance for your support!
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Additional Information
How do I register for a race?
To register for one of our 5K Run/Walk races, follow these instructions:
· Visit http://www.hyundairun4hope.org/race-registration/ and click on the yellow “Register Now!” button next to the race of your choice.
· You will be transferred to and Active Network registration page. Click the green “Register Now” button and either login (if you have an existing Active Network account) or create a new login.
· Once you have logged in, complete the registration form and submit payment. You will receive an email confirmation.
How can I create my fundraising team?
To create your dealership or other fundraising team, follow these instructions:
· Visit http://www.hyundairun4hope.org/ and click on the red “Join or Create a Fundraising Team” button.
· Create an account by clicking on “Create a Fundraising Team” in the navigation area.
· You will be transferred to an Active Network login page where you can create a login by clicking “I do not have a username or password”. Complete the sign up form and customize your site by following the prompts.
How can I donate to a team or individual?
To donate to an individual or team participating in the Hope On Wheels 5K series, follow these instructions:
· Visit http://www.hyundairun4hope.org/ and click on the green “Donate to the Cause” button.
· Search for an individual or team by name at the top of the page. Once you find the individual or team you would like to donate to and support, click on their name.
· Submit your donation and you will receive a confirmation email.
· If you do not have a dealership team or other team, feel free to donate to the Central Region Team which will be on the site the week of Aug. 6
To Donate to HOW 5K Run/Walk Race
· Visit http://www.hyundairun4hope.org/ and click on the red “Donate” button.
· Select donation amount of your choice.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Night Driving/Reduced Visibility
Driving in fog
• Driving in heavy fog is dangerous, and should be avoided if at all possible.
• Sometimes, though, conditions suddenly become foggy when you’re already
on the road.
• Your safest bet when visibility is greatly reduced is to pull off to the side
of the road and wait for the fog to lift. If you do that be sure to get your
vehicle as far off the road as possible and turn on your vehicle’s emergency
flashing lights so it doesn’t get hit.
• If you must keep driving in the fog, slow down! Also, watch carefully
for vehicles in front of you that may be moving at an even slower pace.
• Turn on your headlights as soon as any fog appears. Use the low
beams, rather than the “brights.” Your high beams, or bright headlights,
will throw light into the fog, making it even more difficult to see the road.
• Be sure to keep your headlights on, even if it’s during the day. They may
be the only part of your vehicle other drivers can see.
• Don’t stop in the middle of the road. And don’t use your emergency
flashing lights when driving.
• Use your windshield wipers. Also, turning on the defroster can help cut
condensation on the inside of the windshield.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and signal early if you need to turn.
• Use the right edge of the road as a guide to help you stay in your lane.
Nighttime driving
• Even if it’s clear outside, driving at night is more difficult for most people
than driving in the day. That’s because it’s harder to see road signs and other
vehicles. It’s also harder to judge the distance between your vehicle and others.
• Always use your headlights when driving at night. Turn them on half an hour
before sunset, and keep them on until half an hour after the sun rises.
• Using your “brights” or high beam headlights will enable you to see a
greater distance if it’s not a foggy night. But be sure to switch back to the
low beams as soon as another vehicle approaches so the driver isn’t
“blinded” by the bright light.
• Make sure your windshield and headlights are clean.
Courtesy of Gempler's
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Drive away today in the 2013 Hyundai Tucson
