The new car is codenamed DM internally, but insiders have confirmed it will keep the Santa Fe name. It is expected to target improvements in refinement, design and practicality over the current model. The new car is longer, wider and lower but sits on the same wheelbase as its predecessor. The first and second of three seat rows will offer considerably more knee room and boot space will be bigger. Hyundai will announce full technical details at the show.
The new Santa Fe will go on sale in the UK in the last quarter of 2012, with prices expected to start at around £25k. The existing model currently starts close to £20k.
All UK models will be four-wheel drive. Engine choices are yet to be finalised, but it is expected that the 2.4-litre petrol engine won’t be coming to the UK. The same goes for the smallest (2.0-litre) diesel, as the 2.2-litre unit has lower CO2 output.
Europe-wide volume is conservatively estimated at 20,000, five percent of sector volume.
The deliberate move upmarket is supported by sleeker styling. The all-new Santa Fe is based on Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language like the Hyundai i40 D-segment saloon and estate. The Santa Fe evolves this with a new design concept called Storm Edge, which Hyundai says “captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm”.
Hyundai’s SUV carries sharper lines in profile than previous models, and the front has a more aggressive look. The now-trademark hexagonal grille has been incorporated and the images appear to show lower bumper extensions for a more rugged appearance. European-spec cars will benefit from plusher interior trim materials.
It is expected that the Santa Fe previews a new look which will form the basis for other SUVs from the Korean marque.
Hyundai has sold around 2.56m examples of the Santa Fe since it launched in 2000.
