Hyundai Launches All New Santa Fe In Australia

Hyundai’s product onslaught continues with the introduction of the all new Hyundai Santa Fe. Penned under the guidance of Hyundai’s North American Design Centre in Irvine, California, the large SUV showcases the next evolution of the company’s ‘Fluidic Design’, called Storm Edge.

Featuring a sleek new body and the company’s signature hexagonal grille, the third-generation Santa Fe retains its $36,990 starting price. The previous generation’s front-wheel drive, petrol V6 arrangement has been replaced with a four-wheel drive, four-cylinder layout. The range tops out with the Santa Fe Highlander diesel at $49,990, a $1,500 increase compared to the previous model.

The new 2.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine produces 141kW of power and 242Nm of torque. This is down 63kW and 93Nm on the outgoing model’s 3.5-litre V6, but it is around seven percent more fuel efficient, using 9.0L/100km combined.

Meanwhile, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine carries over unchanged. It produces 145kW of power and 421Nm of torque when teamed with the 6-speed manual, and 436Nm if mated with the 6-speed auto.

The new Santa Fe is available in three trim levels – Active, Elite and Highlander; the latter two available only in diesel and paired with an automatic transmission. All variants get seven airbags as standard, as well as Electronic Stability Control with Hill-start Assist and Downhill Brake Control.

The entry level Active brings 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare), roof rails, auto headlights, reverse parking sensors and rear view camera, a six-speaker sound system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, USB input and Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming.

The Elite adds 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome radiator grille, stainless steel scuff plates, heated and folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, push-button start with proximity key, climate control, leather seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic information and a premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier.

The top spec Highlander scores 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, xenon headlights and LED tail-lights, auto-dipping side mirrors and electric heated seats with memory on driver’s side.

Like all new Hyundais, the Santa Fe comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and three year capped-price servicing programme.

Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review here.