In its latest form, the popular D-segment SUV is re-styledinside and out, fitted with enhanced features and new technology, and poweredby re-tuned engines with improved efficiency – ensuring that it will offerEuropean buyers a visually-appealing, sophisticated lifestyle vehicle when itgoes on sale in late summer.
Hyundai is keeping the name, Santa Fe, continuing theheritage of the car manufacturer’s well-established SUV model as it enters itsthird generation. The Santa Fe has achieved worldwide cumulative sales ofalmost 2,56 million units, and more than 350.000 in Europe, since its 2000debut.
Hyundai expects this new-generation model to continue thecompany’s strong performance in the SUV market, and to capture more than 5%share of its market segment in Europe during its first full year on sale in2013.
Influenced by Hyundai’s form language, Fluidic Sculpture,the third-generation Santa Fe adopts its own design concept called ‘StormEdge’, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature duringthe formation of a storm.
Featuring sophisticated and refined lines, which are inharmony with its bold and voluminous surfaces, New Generation Santa Fe presentsa more masculine, more aggressive and more characterful SUV appearance than itspredecessor.
Three powertrain options will be available to Europeanbuyers, including a new, super-efficient, Euro 6- compliant 2,0-litre ‘R’ VGTdiesel engine. Producing 150ps, this powerplant emits just 155g/km of CO2. The2,2-litre diesel unit has been tuned for greater efficiency, making it one ofthe cleanest offerings in the segment with CO2 emissions of only 145 g/km.
To ensure the newcomer is best suited to the tastes ofEuropean drivers, extensive development work has been completed for theEuropean-specification model. This includes modifications to the steering,suspension and brakes, as well as changes to the car’s set-up to aid tohigh-speed stability and towing ability.
As with all newly-launched models in Europe, the NewGeneration Santa Fe will come with Hyundai’s industry-best customer carepackage, Five Year Triple Care – comprising a five-year unlimited warranty,five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.
Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, AllanRushforth, commented, “The original Santa Fe has maintained strong salesyear-on-year across Europe, thanks to its combination of quality, practicalityand value. Now, New Generation Santa Fe retains the earlier model’s keystrengths – practicality, roominess and dependability – while also offeringconsumers much more.
“With its fresh exterior styling, more efficient engines,greater comfort and improved quality, New Generation Santa Fe is a trulyattractive proposition that will build on the successes of the previous modelby broadening its emotional appeal.”
The company expects the New Generation Santa Fe to appeal tonew consumers from a wider demographic range – including some owners ofpremium-brand SUVs.
Source: automotivetv.net