WHEN: Mid – 2013
HOW MUCH: Rs 25 – 30 lakh
ENGINES: 2.0-litre diesel (150 PS, 382 Nm), 2.2-litre diesel (200 PS, 431 Nm), 2.4-litre petrol (193 PSP, 245 Nm)
COMPETITION: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Chevrolet Captiva, Honda CR-V,
The new Hyundai Santa Fe has just been revealed. This third-generation model of Hyundai’s popular SUV will go on sale worldwide by the end of this year, and is set to reach Indian shores in the first half of 2013. Read on for more details.
The Hyundai Santa Fe first made its debut in 2000. Since then, it has gone on to sell over 2.5 million units globally. The second-generation Santa Fe made its Indian debut in 2010, and even in our market it out-sold even Hyundai’s own conservative estimates. The Santa Fe, along with the Sonata saloon, has gone a long way in establishing Hyundai’s reputation as a maker of quality cars.
The new Santa Fe was revealed at the New York Motor Show recently. This third-generation model has been styled using what Hyundai calls ‘Storm Edge’, which is an evolution of its ‘Fluidic’ design architecture. The usual Hyundai design clues, including a bold hexagonal front grille and stylised, multi-dimensional headlights are found on the new Santa Fe as well. A strong character line runs the length of the car, and incorporate the door handles. This crease too is found on all of Hyundai’s latest models, including the new Verna and Sonata, and the upcoming new Elantra.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is longer, wider and lower than the present model, although the 2,700 mm wheelbase remains unchanged. A combination of steel and aluminium for the construction has ensured that the new Santa Fe is lighter as well. The Santa Fe’s chassis utilises car-like suspension layout, comprising of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear, with gas-filled shock absorbers all-round. A host of electronic over-rides ensure that the Santa Fe remains well planted on the road. Although the Santa Fe does boast of four-wheel drive, it is not a true-blue off-roader. For most everyday use, 100% of the tractive power is sent to the front wheels, with an electronically-controlled differential sending power to the rear wheels when it detects slippage. The driver does have the option of engaging the all-wheel drive system manually, which splits the torque between the front and rear axles 50:50, but this system is usable only up to 40 km/h. The Santa Fe does not have the option of a low range either.
Three engines are on offer, which include the option of 2.0-litre or 2.2-litre diesel engines, or the 2.4-litre GDi petrol unit found under the bonnet of the new Sonata. The 2.0-litre diesel is available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.4-litre petrol are available with the option of a 6-speed automatic as well. Four wheel drive is optional on all three engine variants. Hyundai claims the 2.2-litre diesel is the cleanest in its class, emitting just 145 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. The 2.2-litre diesel with a variable geometry turbine already does duty in the current model of the Santa Fe as sold here, and logic dictates that it will be the engine that Hyundai would once again choose for the new model when it comes to India. However, it is important to note that the choice of engine is critical, because it could hold clues about which engine Hyundai chooses for the Sonata in the future. Also, Hyundai could consider offering the petrol version as an option to customers, even though volumes would be understandably low.
The new Santa Fe is available with a very high specification of features, which is something customers have come to expect of Hyundai. The well-appointed interiors feature a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, radar-activated cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a full suite of electronic driver aids, including HAC (Hill Assist Control), DBC (Downhill Brake Control), VSM (Vehicle stability management) etc. The Santa Fe will continue to have seven seats, with the option of folding the third row flat into the floor.
Prices for the new Santa Fe haven’t been declared, but this new SUV will be on the market in Europe and North America by the end of this year. Like we said earlier, India is set to get the new Santa Fe sometime next year. Whether Hyundai will assemble the new Santa Fe in India, or import it fully as it does the current model, hasn’t been decided, but Hyundai’s Indian officials have confirmed that the new Santa Fe is definitely on the cards for an India market launch in 2013.
