Hyundai Santa Fe VS Mazda MX-5 Roadster – Specs, Efficiency & Price Comparison

Hyundai Santa Fe

Discover the All-New Hyundai Santa Fe: A Blend of Performance and Innovation

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is not just a step forward in technology; it's a leap. Combining style with substance, this SUV brings cutting-edge features to the road, promising exceptional performance and enhanced efficiency. Let's explore the new offerings of this impressive vehicle.

Powertrain and Efficiency Explained

The Hyundai Santa Fe is available with advanced hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, offering an environmentally conscious approach without compromising on power. The hybrid variant, featuring a 1.6 T-GDI engine, delivers a respectable 215 PS, whereas the plug-in hybrid tops the range with 253 PS. Both options pair seamlessly with an automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and efficient drive.

Fuel consumption has also been a focus, with the hybrid achieving rates as low as 6.4 L/100km, and the plug-in hybrid boasting an impressively low 1.7 L/100km. The latter also offers an all-electric range of up to 54 km, making it a practical choice for city driving.

Advanced Driving Experience

Hyundai has placed a strong emphasis on creating an engaging driving experience. With a maximum torque of 367 Nm, acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in just under 10 seconds, providing a responsive and lively performance on all terrains. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive options ensure you have the flexibility to choose the setup that best suits your driving style.

Next-Level Safety and Convenience Features

The Santa Fe is packed with a suite of safety features designed to provide peace of mind. Hyundai's SmartSense technology includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert. These innovations ensure that every journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.

Convenience is not overlooked either, with a spacious interior offering seating configurations from 5 to 7 seats. The boot space ranges from 621 to 711 litres, making it ideal for family trips and those with an active lifestyle. The advanced infotainment system keeps you connected on the go, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Stylish Design and Comfort

The Hyundai Santa Fe's refined design combines robust SUV aesthetics with modern elegance. Its dimensions — 4830 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height — provide a commanding presence on the road. Premium material finishes and high-quality upholstery add to the luxurious feel of the cabin.

Unmatched Value for Money

With prices ranging from €56,700 to €68,150, the Santa Fe represents substantial value for the range of technology and luxury offered. Monthly running costs and efficiency also mean that the Hyundai Santa Fe provides long-term savings for the discerning consumer.

Suitable for any lifestyle, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is poised to capture the attention of SUV enthusiasts, combining performance, safety, and cutting-edge technology in a beautifully crafted package.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Iconic Design of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster has long been celebrated for its iconic design, which blends sleek aesthetics with a truly engaging driving experience. The 2023-2024 iterations continue this tradition, offering a blend of innovation and homage to its heritage. With a length of 3915 mm, a width of 1735 mm, and a height ranging from 1225 to 1230 mm, the MX-5 maintains its compact and sporty silhouette, making it an agile performer both on winding roads and city streets.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

Under the bonnet, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster offers two engine variants of the SKYACTIV-G range: the 1.5-litre engine producing 132 PS and the more powerful 2.0-litre engine delivering 184 PS. With engine displacement varying from 1496 cm³ to 1998 cm³, the MX-5 ensures a lively performance with exceptional responsiveness. The car's fuel efficiency is noteworthy, boasting a combined consumption ranging from 6.2 to 6.8 L/100km, reflecting Mazda's commitment to combining performance with environmental consideration.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The hallmark of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster is its superb handling and dynamic driving experience. The model’s rear-wheel-drive configuration, paired with a manual gearbox, offers an authentic and thrilling connection to the road. This setup provides a nimble cornering ability and a balanced weight distribution, amplified by a relatively lightweight structure of 1078 to 1114 kg.

Technological Innovations and Features

While the MX-5 Roadster prioritises a purist driving experience, it does not compromise on modern technological enhancements. The latest models come equipped with advanced infotainment systems and driver-assistance features, ensuring a modern and comfortable driving atmosphere. Additionally, the available trim levels, including Exclusive-Line, Homura, Kazari, and Prime-Line, offer various options for personalisation and luxury, allowing drivers to tailor their vehicles to their preferences.

Value Proposition and Cost Considerations

With a price range between €33,190 and €41,790, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster remains accessible to those seeking a high-quality roadster experience. The running costs sit at approximately €925 to €1077 per month and 37 to 43.1 cents per km, reflecting its efficiency and usability as an everyday sports car option. With a top speed of 204 to 219 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 to 8.3 seconds, it offers thrilling performance that is competitively matched to its price bracket.

Conclusion: A Timeless Joy

In conclusion, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2023-2024 models continue to epitomise what it means to drive a classic sports car. By remaining true to the essence that made it a cult classic, while integrating modern technology and maintaining an impressive balance of performance and efficiency, the MX-5 is positioned as a formidable choice in the roadster category today.