The TagAz Santa Fe Classic represents a unique chapter in automotive manufacturing, particularly within the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. Produced by the Taganrog Automobile Plant (TagAZ) from 2006 to 2009, this vehicle was essentially a licensed continuation of the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a popular compact crossover SUV that had concluded its production run in most international markets. TagAZ acquired the tooling and rights to produce the vehicle, offering it as a more affordable, yet robust, option for consumers seeking a versatile off-road vehicle. The TagAz Santa Fe Classic, specifically the 2.0 CRDi (112 Hp) 4WD Automatic variant, was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing proven reliability, functional design, and all-wheel-drive capability in diverse driving conditions, ranging from urban commutes to challenging rural terrains. Its market positioning focused on providing a durable and practical SUV solution, leveraging the established reputation of its Hyundai predecessor while catering to regional economic realities and consumer preferences for diesel powertrains.
Engine and Performance of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic
At the heart of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic 2.0 CRDi (112 Hp) 4WD Automatic lies a robust 2.0-liter Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) diesel engine. This inline four-cylinder powerplant, with its front, transverse layout, was engineered for durability and torque, characteristics highly valued in the SUV segment, especially for vehicles intended for varied use. With an engine displacement of 1991 cubic centimeters (121.5 cubic inches), it delivers a peak power output of 112 horsepower at 4000 revolutions per minute. While this horsepower figure might seem modest by contemporary standards, the engine’s true strength lies in its torque delivery. It generates a substantial 260 Newton meters (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque at a relatively low 2000 rpm, providing ample pulling power crucial for off-road excursions, towing, or simply navigating challenging ascents.
The diesel engine features a compression ratio of 17.7:1, indicative of its efficiency and power generation characteristics. It utilizes a modern Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system and benefits from both a turbocharger and an intercooler, optimizing air intake and combustion for improved performance and efficiency. Each cylinder is equipped with four valves, enhancing volumetric efficiency. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission, a setup chosen for its simplicity and robustness, aligning with the vehicle’s utilitarian ethos. The 4WD system provides enhanced traction and stability, making the Santa Fe Classic suitable for adverse weather conditions or light off-road duties.
In terms of outright performance, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic 2.0 CRDi is a pragmatic performer rather than a speed demon. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 16.2 seconds, with a top speed reaching 99.42 mph (160 km/h). These figures reflect its design as a workhorse SUV, prioritizing reliability and capability over blistering acceleration. Fuel economy, a significant factor for diesel vehicles, stands at a combined rating of 25.6 US miles per gallon (9.2 liters per 100 km). Urban consumption is rated at 19.9 US mpg (11.8 l/100 km), and extra-urban driving yields 30.5 US mpg (7.7 l/100 km), demonstrating its efficiency on longer journeys. The vehicle meets Euro 3 emission standards, which were appropriate for its production period and target markets.
Design and Features of the TagAz Santa Fe Classic
The TagAz Santa Fe Classic maintains the familiar and well-regarded design of the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, characterized by its distinctive styling that blended elements of traditional SUVs with a more car-like aesthetic, a pioneering approach at the time of its original conception. Classified as an off-road vehicle, it features a practical five-door body type, offering easy access to both the front and rear passenger compartments. The interior is configured with five seats, providing comfortable accommodation for a family or group, making it a versatile choice for various needs, from daily commuting to weekend adventures.
Dimensionally, the vehicle spans 177.17 inches (4500 mm) in length, 72.64 inches (1845 mm) in width, and 68.11 inches (1730 mm) in height, with a substantial wheelbase of 103.15 inches (2620 mm). These dimensions contribute to a spacious cabin and a stable road presence. The generous ground clearance of 8.15 inches (207 mm) is a key feature, enhancing its off-road capability and allowing it to traverse uneven terrain or clear obstacles with greater ease, a crucial attribute for markets where road infrastructure might not always be perfectly maintained. The vehicle’s kerb weight ranges from 3952.89 to 4182.17 pounds (1793-1897 kg), with a maximum permissible weight of 5555.65 pounds (2520 kg), indicating its robust construction and payload capacity.
Inside, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic prioritizes functionality and practicality. The trunk (boot) space is highly adaptable, offering a minimum capacity of 30.02 cubic feet (850 liters), which can be expanded significantly to a maximum of 74.16 cubic feet (2100 liters) by folding down the rear seats. This expansive cargo area makes the vehicle exceptionally versatile for carrying luggage, sports equipment, or larger items, catering to the diverse needs of its owners. The fuel tank capacity is 17.17 US gallons (65 liters), providing a decent range between refueling stops, especially with its diesel engine’s efficiency.
For ride and handling, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic employs an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, designed to offer a comfortable ride and predictable handling characteristics. The rear suspension also features an independent coil spring setup, further contributing to ride comfort and stability, particularly on rougher surfaces. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to enhance safety during emergency braking maneuvers. Steering is managed by a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, ensuring ease of steering effort at lower speeds and a degree of feedback at higher velocities. Overall, the TagAz Santa Fe Classic, while not equipped with the latest technological advancements of its time, offered a well-rounded package of practicality, ruggedness, and essential safety features, making it a dependable choice for its target demographic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | TagAz |
| Model | Santa Fe Classic |
| Generation | Santa Fe Classic |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 CRDi (112 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 | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16 kg/Hp (62.5 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm (145 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 112 Hp @ 4000 rpm. |
| Power per litre | 56.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 2000 rpm. (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt) |
| Coolant | 8.7 l (9.19 US qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1793-1897 kg (3952.89 – 4182.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2520 kg (5555.65 lbs.) |
| Max load | 623-727 kg (1373.48 – 1602.76 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 850 l (30.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2100 l (74.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1730 mm (68.11 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) | 207 mm (8.15 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 |
