The TagAz Santa Fe Classic represents a compelling chapter in the global automotive landscape, specifically within the Russian and CIS markets during its production run from 2006 to 2009. This vehicle is not an original TagAZ design but rather a licensed rebadged version of the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a popular mid-size SUV that had established a strong reputation for reliability and value in many international markets, including the United States. Produced by the Taganrog Automobile Plant (TagAZ) in Russia, the Santa Fe Classic aimed to provide a robust and affordable all-wheel-drive off-road vehicle option, catering to consumers seeking a versatile family hauler with genuine capability beyond paved roads. The specific variant under review, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic 2.7 V6 (173 Hp) 4WD Automatic, embodies a practical blend of power, utility, and comfort, designed to navigate diverse driving conditions inherent to its primary operating regions.
Engineering and Performance of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic
At the heart of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic 2.7 V6 (173 Hp) 4WD Automatic lies a capable and proven powertrain. The vehicle is propelled by a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter V6 gasoline engine, configured in a V-engine layout with six cylinders. This engine, featuring a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and four valves per cylinder, was engineered for a balance of smooth power delivery and durability. With an engine displacement of 2656 cubic centimeters (162.08 cubic inches), it generates a respectable 173 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Torque output is equally significant, peaking at 188.08 lb.-ft. (255 Nm) at 4000 rpm, providing ample pulling power for various driving scenarios, from city commuting to light off-road excursions.
Power is efficiently managed by a 4-speed automatic transmission, a common and reliable choice for SUVs of this era, which prioritizes smooth shifts and ease of driving. The drivetrain features a permanent all-wheel-drive (4×4) system, enhancing traction and stability across challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions, a crucial attribute for an off-road vehicle in its target markets. This combination allows the Santa Fe Classic to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonable 11 seconds, with a maximum speed of 113.09 mph (182 km/h). While not a performance-oriented SUV, these figures underscore its capability for everyday driving and highway cruising.
Fuel economy for this 2.7-liter V6, 4WD automatic variant stands at a combined rating of 20.6 US mpg (11.4 l/100 km), with urban consumption at 15.8 US mpg (14.9 l/100 km) and extra-urban at 25 US mpg (9.4 l/100 km). These figures were competitive for a V6-powered, all-wheel-drive SUV of its size and vintage. The engine adheres to Euro 3 emission standards, reflecting the environmental regulations pertinent at the time of its production. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio of 10.2 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 6.9 kg/Nm further illustrate its practical performance characteristics, ensuring adequate responsiveness for its intended utility.
Design and Features of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic
The TagAz Santa Fe Classic maintains the robust and utilitarian design ethos of the original first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, which was conceived as a mid-size off-road vehicle (SUV) blending car-like comfort with genuine utility. It features a conventional 5-door, 5-seat body configuration, making it a practical choice for families requiring ample passenger and cargo space. Its exterior dimensions – a length of 177.17 inches (4500 mm), a width of 72.64 inches (1845 mm), and a height of 67.32 inches (1710 mm) – position it firmly within the mid-size SUV segment, offering a substantial road presence without being overly cumbersome for urban environments.
A significant aspect of its design is the generous 7.4-inch (188 mm) ground clearance, which, combined with relatively short front and rear overhangs (35.24 inches and 38.78 inches, respectively), enhances its capability to traverse uneven terrain without bottoming out. The vehicle’s wheelbase measures 103.15 inches (2620 mm), contributing to a stable ride and adequate interior volume. The kerb weight ranges from 3871.32 to 4052.1 lbs (1756-1838 kg), indicating a solid and well-built structure, capable of handling a maximum load of 1194.91 to 1375.68 lbs (542-624 kg) and a maximum gross weight of 5247 lbs (2380 kg).
Underneath, the Santa Fe Classic employs an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with an independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup was chosen to provide a comfortable ride on paved surfaces while offering sufficient articulation and strength for light off-road duties. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced control during emergency stops. Steering is managed by a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, ensuring ease of maneuverability at low speeds and good feedback at higher velocities. The fuel tank capacity of 17.17 US gallons (65 liters) provides a respectable driving range, further solidifying its credentials as a reliable vehicle for longer journeys. While lacking the advanced electronic features of modern SUVs, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic, for its time and market, offered a dependable, well-equipped package focused on rugged practicality and accessible ownership.
Technical Specifications: TagAz Santa Fe Classic 2.7 V6 (173 Hp) 4WD Automatic (2006-2009)
| Brand | TagAz |
| Model | Santa Fe Classic |
| Generation | Santa Fe Classic |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 V6 (173 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2006 year |
| End of production | 2009 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 14.9 l/100 km / 15.8 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 9.4 l/100 km / 25 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.4 l/100 km / 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h / 113.09 mph |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 173 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre | 65.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 255 Nm @ 4000 rpm. / 188.08 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2656 cm3 / 162.08 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.7 mm / 3.41 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm / 2.95 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l / 4.76 US qt |
| Coolant | 7 l / 7.4 US qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1756-1838 kg / 3871.32 – 4052.1 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 2380 kg / 5247 lbs. |
| Max load | 542-624 kg / 1194.91 – 1375.68 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l / 17.17 US gal |
| Length | 4500 mm / 177.17 in. |
| Width | 1845 mm / 72.64 in. |
| Height | 1710 mm / 67.32 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm / 103.15 in. |
| Front track | 1540 mm / 60.63 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1540 mm / 60.63 in. |
| Front overhang | 895 mm / 35.24 in. |
| Rear overhang | 985 mm / 38.78 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 188 mm / 7.4 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
