Like to buy SFS 2.0T, concern about high beltline (blind spot) & rear seat side view

hawki said:

Hello All,
1st post on this SFS forum.

I just test drove a SFS 2.0T last Friday.
I am interested in the 'Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Limited with Saddle Leather', Canadian model which is fully loaded.
I loved how it drove, the power of turbo, the features, and the LOOK - it looks gorgeous both outside and inside specially with the Saddle leather.

I have following 3 issues and I was wondering how you SFS owners feel about them. Did these bother you initially - do they still bother you?

1) The belt-line going up on the rear door, creating nice sporty look from the outside; however, it block the side view for small children. My 7 year old without any booster seat can't see anything on the side. Same for my 2.5 years old in the car seat.
My wife, 5'2", when seating in the rear seat, while see can see outside - she feels claustrophobic.
While Hyundai designed the belt-line to go up-ward in the rear door/window - creating the nice sporty look -
I wish the rear seats were position bit higher so passenger still can see out from the side.
It's a really a shame that the huge paranormal room opens up the cabin, but has sort of blocking view on the sides.

2) Related to the #1, the upward belt-line completely block the right side blind spot.
Though the SFS 2.0T Limited has standard blind spot warning system, I like to see visually see what's there, specially when parking.

3) In the Instrument panel, the 2 tubes around the speed and RPM dials - again gives the sporty look of the dash but block to see the speed from the front passenger’s seat.
When my wife driving (or vice-verse) we like to check the speed time to time. But in SFS it is not possible.

While #2 and #3 we can overcome/overlook, #1 is almost deal breaker for us.
We want to buy the SFS for long drives/traveling - and want my kids to see outside & enjoy the scenery.

My other choice of CUV was the new Nissan Rogue 2014 (SL with premium) - which also has the panoramic room (which I really want in my next car/cuv).
Its rear seat are gallery seat, meaning positioned much higher than the front seat.
But because it comes only with CVT (with many failure after 60k-miles/100k-km, some even reported after few months of bought new) - so I looked at the SFS which is a class higher, but the price is not much more.
Hyundai has special now $2000 rebate on finance (@ 60months 0%) or $3750 on cash purchase.

Thanks for your time reading my long 1st post, and hope to get your feedback.

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grantlouie said:

Have you looked into the Santa Fe XL? I think for the sport, they ran out of room at the back for the rear windows and had to abruptly curve it up. The XL is more streamline, but it is a longer car with 2 extra seats and is a V6 with more features. The Sport looks stubby compared to the XL when parked beside each other. This will eliminate your window problem.
The XL also have larger side mirrors that eliminate your blind spot problem and parking. But then again, it depends on your needs and budget.

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