kuga diesel kah? for long distance..better fc and power..i'd choose santa fe.

he just say 2.2
so not sure cuz new and old still uses same engine
if new thn santa fe wins hand down

im going overseas next week, and have rented a 1.6 ecoboost kuga for 1 week as our transport, i will give my review when i get back

i picked the kuga for rent cos im also thinking of buying one, so 1 week of testing should be enuff to decide

Bro, both cars are a different. The Santa Fe may be a larger option compared to the Kuga and since you are looking for long journeys I am guessing you need comfort. I have no qualms that both Kuga and Santa Fe will be able to offer you that.

Also, if you need a vehicle with a frugal consumption, Santa Fe's diesel engine maybe a good option although the Kuga's 1.6 ltr Ecoboost will do the job for u.

But if space is what you are looking and especially the third row seats, dont think the Kuga offers that and not sure if the new 2013 Santa Fe has that too.

It appears the new Santa Fe will be available in two wheelbase length and we are getting the shorter wheelbase version. Dont fret, it's actually the same size as the current Santa Fe with the third row seats. so you may have an option to custom order the third row seats if available.

Read about the 3rd Gen Santa Fe, it'll give you an idea what to expect in the new Santa Fe. I would go for the Kuga based on the specs alone. But if you are looking for size...well go with the Santa Fe.

Cheers!

I own a 2011 Santa Fe 2.2. I can comment on the engine since it'll be the same on the 2013 Santa Fe as well. The R-series is nice and torquey and moves the heavy SUV very well. It's no BMW diesel, the power band is noticeably narrower and feels it but the 6-speed auto box is very happy to downshift and you'll never feel the narrower power band unless you're doing a century sprint.

The exhaust is noticeably cleaner than the BMW diesel, there's no noticeable smoke coming out at all. Maybe there's a DPF in there (?) or maybe it's because I tune the hell out of my BMW diesel

I get around 10-11l/100km for mostly in town driving, around 7.2-8l/100km for long distance. If you're driving up to Thailand I'd borong some Euro 4/5 diesel from up there to bring down as well.

even it is short wheelbase,santa fe its still come with 7 seater like santa fe in australia and indonesia...

1. I couldn't afford the Sharan Bought the Santa Fe used, good combo of safety, size and price.
2. Nothing major so far, minor rattles and that's about it. I wish it had a tonneau cover but they stopped making it
3. they've been helpful. Can't compare with Honda or Toyota since I've never been to their service centers.

. Both good enough to smoke tailgating Alphard 3.0L petrol driven by reckless driver when going upslope without having to floor the pedal.

Looses 45 to 50% guess that's great value.