Is the new Hyundai Santa Fe the car of our dreams?
Is the new Hyundai Santa Fe the car of our dreams?
Most people fall into the category of square or circle, that is, do you like a rectangular-faced watch or oval? Personally, I go weak at the knees for sharp corners, straight lines and boxy objects, so when the new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe debuted this year, it was love at first sight.
A powerful presence turning heads wherever it passes, leaving blank stares in its wake as the question is mouthed, what kind of car is that? We know the ‘it girl’ on the streets of the GC has been the SUV for some time, packing all the space of the ‘dare we say it’ minivan, but with a cool factor.
Hey, there’s no judgement here if that SUV has never been beyond the realms of a shopping centre car park and a paved driveway, it’s serving its purpose for you.
While the chunky SUV’s a-la Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler have got buyers lining up for the rough and tough style in a vehicle, who wouldda thunk the tech-savvy Koreans at Hyundai would be throwing their hat into the ring, and with a hybrid 7-seater Santa Fe no less.
So why is it causing a fuss?
Previous Santa Fe models have blended in amonst the mid-size SUV landscape with most punters unable to give you many standout features, so boy have they gone all out on this one to grab your attention, keep you longingly gazing and give you a wink on the way out.
I recently took the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy (the duck’s nuts of the range) for a test drive and following you will find my highlights of this stunning game changer.
Fun exterior design features include 10 exterior colour options (my pick of the bunch is the Earthy Brass Matte, which says dirty but not actual dirt thankyou), a beefy welcome to my front bumper vibe, iconic H headlights as a cute reminder you’re driving a Hyundai and impressive dark 20” alloy wheels so you never have to keep them clean.
One fun addition, people are losing their mind over (not for me) is a sneakily hidden handle to assist your climb to the roof, if you’re a roof rack storing kind of person.
Now onto the car door, I like to hear a thwump, not a tink, when I operate a door, so I can feel a decent amount of metal in it, safety first everyone, so big ticks there.
If you were impressed with the powerful presence and rugged exterior of this long wheelbase vehicle, wait till you feast your eyes inside the refined and dreamy soft interior.
You’ll first be in awe of the most luxurious two tone Nappa Leather appointed seats in 3 delicious colourways (my pick is the Pecan Brown, more interesting than Black Ink, and more forgiving than Supersonic Gray, knowing very well a spray tan will never come off that seat) featuring stunning diamond cross feature panels begging the question again… is this a Hyundai?
Then you’ll cast your eyes across the HUGE 12.3” multimedia touchscreen featuring everything from SatNav, weather updates, phone connectivity, radio and media pushing through a pumping BOSE premium sound system, the list goes on, but all within easy reach without being distracting to your journey.
And you know what else isn’t distracting to your journey, DUAL WIRELESS CHARGERS! That’s right, no longer do you need to fight over who has the least battery to earn the right to the charger cable (sidenote, also ugly), you simply place your phone (mine worked in its case) on top of the middle console side-by-side chargers and Bob’s your uncle.
Happy wife, happy life.
A unique feature which has been included for the germaphobes out there (thank you COVID), is a UV-C steralisation tray, above the glove box. You’ll find a pull down panel, which can be used for your frequently used items like a phone, your sunglasses etc, pop them in, hit the UV-C sterilisation button and presto, your items are rid of bacteria. Pretty cool huh?
One of the bigger selling points of the interior is the incredible amount of room offered for 7 seats (there is also a 6 seater option too!). The back row folds down to become practically flat, allowing maximum wide tailgate space for fitting bulky junk in this trunk or you can even convert into a decent space for couples to picnic/camp in. And with the giant moon roof above you, it makes for a sweet date night out.
Finally, I’ll get to the juicy stuff, what’s under the hood… a 1.6T-GDi Hybrid 6-speed automatic AWD comes standard across the range (with whispers of a 2.5 litre engine in the works).
Driving this robust vehicle may look like it could be clunky, in actual fact the Santa Fe’s steering softly floats like a butterfly with a kick when accelerating.
While an entry into the Monaco Grand Prix isn’t on the cards, it has suitable guts for city commuting and hitting the Pacific Highway without hurting the hip pocket thanks to its lower fuel consumption, and the planet will thank you.
All in all, the brand spanking new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy is a Gold Coast gals dream mobile combining striking eye candy street appeal with a luxe interior.
Words by Carly King
Images by Carly King
STORY SPONSORED BY ROBINA HYUNDAI
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
