Looking at Hyundai’s consistent launches, it is quite clear that the carmaker is in no mood to leave any stone unturned in the Indian market to take over number one position from Maruti Suzuki. While India was just appreciating the concept of i20 Crossover, the company has announced the launch of first compact SUV Creta in India. And if this too was not enough, the carmaker has again given hints for its upcoming facelift Santa-Fe in the country. The all new mid-life facelifted Santa Fe has been launched in South Korean market under the banner of Santa Fe ‘The Prime’ and the car is likely to be brought down in India next year with unveiling expected to be at 2016 Auto Expo. With a list of cosmetic changes and mechanical updates, the all new SUV will be carried down to India through CKD route.
The Santa Fe is Hyundai’s premium SUV and carries a balanced mixture of design, style, power and off-road capabilities. What this facelifted model has brought to customers is really a big thing to know, so let’s start with the outer profile of the car. The 2016 model comes with a newly designed bumper that is beautifully matched to the daytime LED running lights and fog lamps. Additionally, brand new Bi-xenon projectors headlamps with LED guide lights, high beam assistance and Dynamic Banding option have also been incorporated in the new car. While the side profile of the car has been kept largely unchanged, the rear side comes with a little makeover. The redesigned bumper housed with fog lamps and dual quad style exhaust along with fresh tail lights with new LED Graphics, have been endowed to the rear of new Hyundai SUV.
Moving to the interiors of the car, there are minute changes on dashboard. As per company officials, the quality has been kept on top of the list and every effort has been taken to work on the details inside the cabin. The car now features autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera and advanced cruise control. Apart from these, a new top quality JBL surround sound system has been fixed to give perfect sound effects matching with flamboyancy of the cabin.
On the power front, the new Santa Fe is carrying under its hood the same engine choices of 2.0 and 2.2-liter diesel engines as being offered on the current model. However in India, Santa Fe is only available with 2.2-litre power mill option, which is able to produce a peak power of 194.3bhp at 3800rpm with a maximum torque of 420Nm between 1800rpm – 2500rpm. In a bid to reduce CO2 emission and increase the mileage figures, the carmaker has slightly altered the engine in the new SUV. The engine is coupled either to a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Only the automatic trim is offered with AWD.
On the local development front, Hyundai will assemble the SUV at its Chennai plant. Speaking on the competition, the SUV segment in India is soon to witness fierce rivalry when Hyundai vehicle will reach in to the country along with new Skoda Snowman and next gen Tiguan that are also destined for Indian market next year.
Stay tuned for more updates on this newly launched facelifted Santa Fe and meanwhile keep your eyes focused on upcoming Creta sub compact SUV that will make its way in the country on coming 21July. The most awaited Creta is all set to take on the likes of rivals Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano and with the launch; a new chapter will be written in Hyundai’s Indian journey.