Hyundai has pulled the covers off the all-new, third generation, Santa Fe SUV at yesterday's (April 4) New York Auto Show. In naming the new car Hyundai chose to retain what is one of its best known nametags rather than reverting to its current 'i' convention.
What the Santa Fe does share with the i30 and i40 is Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language though it does gain its own twist called 'Storm Edge' said to be inspired by the 'strong and dynamic lines created during the formation of a storm.' The seven-seat SUV is expected to hit Irish showrooms by the end of the year and promises to offer better refinement, space, on-road manners and running costs compared to the current model.
Three engines - a 2.4-litre petrol, the current 2.2-litre diesel and a new 2.0-litre diesel - will be offered to European markets but the petrol version is unlikely to be offered to Irish buyers.
Hill descent control will be offered as standard, as too will Hyundai's Flexsteer system that allows the driver to choose between three steering settings - Normal, Sport and Comfort - depending on conditions. The Santa Fe will run in front-wheel drive mode the majority of the time to offer better fuel economy, but should the sensors detect slippage up to 50 per cent of available torque will be sent to the rear wheels.