Hyundai, having teased us with a partial image last week, has now shown off the new Santa Fe SUV in full. The new Santa Fe delivers on the promise of that teaser image - check out that full-width grille, with the T-shaped LED headlights - and also will be coming to the market with a choice of diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
20th anniversary of the original
It's actually the 20th anniversary of the first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe this year, and it has - over five generations now - proven itself to be one of the most consistently desirable models in Hyundai's lineup.
"We modernised the New Santa Fe with premium features and appealing aesthetics that are sure to add value," said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Hyundai Design Center. "The bold lines that extend from one side to the other and from front to back give Santa Fe a rugged yet refined look that SUV customers want. Besides, we have added numerous features and functions to create a truly family-focused SUV that is a pleasure to drive."
Electrified powertrain
"With the range of new features, the new Santa Fe further progresses as a premium vehicle," says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. "It once again shows that we are listening to our customers and are constantly providing the latest features to serve their needs. This is also the case regarding our powertrain line-up. With the introduction of our new Santa Fe, our whole SUV line-up will be available with electrified versions ranging from hybrid solutions to fuel cell."
On the styling front, as well as the big grille, there's also a distinct 'bash plate' under the nose and, down the sides, optional 20-inch wheels. At the rear, the arrowhead-shaped tail lights are connected by a central red bar.
Inside, thanks to using Hyundai's new-generation SUV platform (also shared with the new Kia Sorento) there's more space than you'd find in the outgoing generation. The cockpit looks really classy, with a big central touchscreen, a push-button automatic gearbox selector and - for the first time on a Santa Fe - a Terrain Mode selector to allow you to tweak the Santa Fe's settings for different weather and surface conditions. There's also a rather classy-looking set of fully digital instruments.
Safety and stability improvements
That new platform also brings with it improved safety credentials, as well as dynamic improvements and better aerodynamics. Hyundai says that the aero package, including improve airflow through the engine bay, actually help with high-speed stability, and that the car's centre of gravity has been lowered.
Hyundai's staying schtum on the engine lineup for now, but the Santa Fe will most likely mirror its cousin, the Kia Sorento in that regard, which means it will come with a 2.2-litre diesel and two hybrids - one conventional, one plug-in - based around the company's 1.6-litre petrol engine.