by Cameron Bird
The third generation Hyundai Santa Fe has been unveiled this month at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, and Hyundai promises several improvements and additions to the popular SUV.
An initial look at the new Santa Fe reveals its new ‘Storm Edge’ design concept, which presents a more masculine and aggressive appearance than its predecessors.
The towcar will also feature a hexagonal-shaped grille finished with dark chrome, which will be accompanied by large, tear-drop headlights above the bumper that will be matched in shape by fog lights below.
The new Santa Fe is longer, lower, and wider than previous models and the new body shape hints at its added strength and power, with the imposing front-end and muscular flanks.
Click here to see more images of the new Hyundai Santa Fe
Upgraded Engine
Offering three different engines, two diesel and one petrol, the range-topping diesel engine remains the 2.2-litre Hyundai model with variable geometry turbo that Santa Fe owners will already be familiar with. This all-aluminium beast generates around 197bhp, and its CO? emissions have been drastically reduced.
There is also a smaller 2.0-litre diesel engine available which can generate 148bhp, significantly less than the larger model, and also emits slightly more CO2. This suggests that the larger diesel engine will most likely be more expensive option, although the prices have not been released at this time. The third engine model is a 2.4-litre petrol version, with 194bhp.
The kerbweight for the new Santa Fe was not released at the auto show, but the
previous version carried a 1,946kg kerbweight. Hyundai claimed its maximum tow weight was 2,000kg, but according to the Caravan Club’s 85per cent rule, the tow weight for the older Santa Fe was only 1,654kg. Either way, the new Santa Fe is bigger and more powerful, and should be able to tow some seriously heavy-duty caravans.
New safety features
The new Santa Fe also has several new safety features, which include a lane-departure warning system, an automatic cruise-control system which monitors traffic in front of it through radar, and safety systems like ABS and vehicle stability management.
This towcar also provides drivers with improved visibility with high-intensity HID Xenon headlights which switch on automatically if conditions require them.
As a result, Hyundai expects the Santa Fe to follow in the footsteps of recent Hyundai models and attain a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to launch in late 2012, and more details on this powerful new towcar will be revealed as the year progresses.
