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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Camp and fish for free at Oregon state parks next weekend 10 things to know for Friday SOU launches arts institute for high school students It's a family affair for these trick riders at the Expo 10 things to know for Thursday Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Metal thieves ordered to pay $206,394 Police arrest repeat offender after 90-minute chase Report of shooting in Jacksonville was a hoax, police say Missing Ashland woman found dead Politics and Elections Case, Salmon leading in Central Point School Board race Lundberg, Mannenbach leading Eagle Point races Jackson County district election turnout under 17 percent Arthur I. 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Mangino: The promise of legal representation often not fulfilled Letters to the Editor, May 29 Michael Gerson: Religious conservatives' shifting role Granlund cartoon: FIFA corruption charges Editorials Our View: State needs to speed up retail pot timeline Our View: A fitting legacy for a wildlife champion Our View: Wine growers take note of climate change Our View: Don't siphon off prison savings just yet Other Views: PERS ruling leaves little room to maneuver Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, May 29 Letters to the Editor, May 28 Letters to the Editor, May 27 Letters to the Editor, May 26 Letters to the Editor, May 25 Columns Michael Gerson: Religious conservatives' shifting role George Will: The separation of campaign and state Dana Milbank: The decline of Rand Paul Kathleen Parker: It must not be easy being Bill Kristol We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions Guest Opinions We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions Guest Opinion: BLM management plans fail people and forests Guest Opinion: Medford needs SkyPark more than it needs parking Guest Opinion: Ample water? 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Community blog: It�s a Shame: How to Understand and Manage It Health Watch: How to avoid the diet rut Donna Knight: How to lessen your risk Hiking Biking Faith Religion Briefs: Friday, May 22 Religion Briefs: Friday, May 15 Religion Briefs: Friday, May 8 Religion Briefs: Friday, May 1 Milestones and Achievements New rec program targets park events Prefontaine-style running trail proposed in south Medford Bukair-Hinkle Wedding: Stephanie Anne Obad and Mark Douglass Schmor Ashland water bills could go up to fund watershed protection Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories 5 picks for live entertainment Live Music in Local Clubs Cast of Clowns pays tribute to Grateful Dead at Brickroom in Ashland YSSO showcases Mozart, Jerry Su and Mark Jacobs 'Night Train to Memphis' Theater Oregon Cabaret Theatre stages gritty 'Cabaret' SOU presents Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' OSF commissioned plays tour throughout country 'Cuckoo's Nest' is a big play, well presented 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' Music Live Music in Local Clubs Cast of Clowns pays tribute to Grateful Dead at Brickroom in Ashland YSSO showcases Mozart, Jerry Su and Mark Jacobs The Farr Side: ‘American Idol’ could have continued much longer 'Night Train to Memphis' Community Events Camp and fish for free at Oregon state parks next weekend Backstage tours give insider's look at Oregon Shakespeare Festival It's a family affair for these trick riders at the Expo Unleash your inner cowboy at the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo May 28-30 in Central Point Memorial Day celebrates veterans Movies Movie review: ‘San Andreas’ has its faults, but it’s a fantastic-looking disaster film What the ‘Entourage’ gang has to say about the film The ‘Entourage’ movie: Catching up with Vince, E, Drama, Turtle and Ari Interview: ‘Good Kill’ offers blistering look at ‘battlefields and blackjack’ of drone warfare Review: ‘Tomorrowland’ feels like another Disneyland staple — Dopey Dining Teapot on Wheels an outpost for Anglophiles Lavender in your larder Upscale pub fare at The Point Wine by the keg, growler, box and ammo can 6 stars of the Rogue Valley food universe Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Our View: State needs to speed up retail pot timeline ... SOU launches arts institute for high school students ... Get Out: Friday, May 29 ... Our View: State needs to speed up retail pot timeline ... SOU launches arts institute for high school students ... Get Out: Friday, May 29 ... Silvio Calabi: Hyundai Santa Fe still surprises By Silvio Calabi More Content Now MailTribune.com By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted May. 25, 2015 @ 6:25 pm By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted May. 25, 2015 @ 6:25 pm » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Hyundai sells its Santa Fe crossover family wagon in Medium and Large, differentiated not only by trim, toys and engines, but also by an extra row of seats. Unless you put the two side by side, it’s hard to tell at a glance which is the 8.5 inches-shorter, two-row, four-person (five in a pinch) Santa Fe Sport, which is the one we’re talking about here. Since these third-gen versions appeared, as 2012 models, the Santa Fe has been a hit, so Hyundai has been letting it coast on its laurels. There have been improvements, though: For 2015 both Santa Fes got upgraded 32-bit processors in their electric steering modules and new front-wheel bushings, for a more “refined” steering feel. The Santa Fe’s Driver Selectable Steering takes advantage of this too, with a retuned “Sport” setting that feels more connected than before (rather than just faster-responding). Still, the changes in steering — Normal to Sport to Comfort — remain fairly subtle. “Comfort” best matches the Santa Fe’s relaxed ride. Hyundai has taken the same approach to the Santa Fe’s fixed suspension: careful re-tuning for incremental improvements. What comes through loud and clear is how well the ride and handling are calibrated to American tastes. This Santa Fe has a quiet, nearly deluxe over-the-road behavior that perfectly suits our roads, our speed limits and the way most of us drive such cars. There were moments when we wanted the six-speed automatic to change down faster, but it can be shifted manually too. (Feel free to read between the lines here, and don’t take the Santa Fe, Sport or not, to the racetrack.) The Santa Fe’s style is almost deluxe, too — at least in this maxed-out, 2.0T Ultimate version with 264 smooth horsepower and front-wheel/on-demand all-wheel drive. From the upholstery to the carpets to the plastic panels, the cabin comes close to sumptuous. Overhead there’s a huge two-part sunroof with a retracting shade, both power-operated, while the rear side windows have manual shades. The back seats fold, recline and adjust fore-and-aft; they also have their own lights and vents, plus ample head, shoulder, leg and foot room. A new power tailgate opens itself as you approach with an armload of groceries (if the electronic key is in your pocket or purse). Engine start and door lock/unlock are by pushbutton. Shift into reverse and both wing mirrors automatically tilt down, to give the driver a curb-edge view. The mirrors also have defrosters, as do the windshield wipers, and the driver gets a blind-spot mirror and lane-change assistance plus two power seat-position savers. The two front seats can divvy up a USB port, an auxiliary input port, two 12-volt outlets and Blue Link telematics, plus plenty of cubbies for phones and drinks. And on and on, including a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and satellite navigation. There are seven airbags — the Santa Fe Sport has earned stellar safety ratings — and a rearview camera and blind-spot monitors, but so far Hyundai offers no collision-warning or self-braking systems in this vehicle. No doubt they’re in the works. The Santa Fe is also due for a boost in fuel efficiency; 18 to 24 MPG is a bit shy of what’s expected now. On the other hand, Santa Fe prices haven’t gone up since 2013, when we last drove one of these cars, so we’ve had two more years to get used to the idea of paying close to 40 grand for a Hyundai. (The top Hyundai, the Equus, lists for $65,000 — but it compares to German dreadnaughts that cost twice that.) However, Hyundais, and their Korean Kia cousins, still enjoy some edge in value, perceived or real, over their competitors. Strip away many of the features listed above, including AWD, and the asking price of a 2015 Santa Fe Sport with a 2.4-liter, 190HP non-turbocharged engine dips below $26,000. However it’s equipped, even in an overheated market segment dominated by power players like the RAV-4 (Toyota) and CR-V (Honda), the Santa Fe still makes a strong impression as a family car. Likes - Impressive overall quality - Smooth, compliant ride - A dollar buys more at the Hyundai store Dislikes - Yesterday’s fuel economy - Where are all those 264 horses? - Nothing “Sport” about it Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of the International Motor Press Association whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at [email protected]. By Silvio Calabi More Content Now MailTribune.com By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted May. 25, 2015 @ 6:25 pm » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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