The All new 2012-12 Hyundai Santa Fe (ix45) has debuted at the New York Show. The Santa Fe now boast Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture” Design language. The third-generation crossover will be available in three versions: a five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and larger seven-passenger LWB Santa Fe.
The new Santa Fe long wheel base with a seven seater option will make it to the Indian market.
To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers have used a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails and wraparound taillights.These cues let people know immediately that Santa Fe is a Hyundai.
Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets as well as lower bumper, wheel arches and door trim in contrasting paints.
On the interiors the Santa Fe is equipped with heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all. Also new for 2013 – and standard on all Santa Fe models with cloth seating – is a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability.
Internationally the Santa Fe buyers will get an choice of a 2.4-litre petrol Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-litre GDI engine on the Sport variant, while the LWB will be equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine. The three engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.
The Indian version will however get the same engines a 2.4 litre diesel engine with a six speed manual or automatic gear box option.
We can expect the Santa Fe in India by mid of 2012. We hope this time Hyundai brings via the CKD route which will help bring the costs lower.
