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Sleek Sante Fe headed for SA

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Hyundai has revealed its all-new Santa Fe at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, a D-segment SUV re-styled inside and out and with enhanced features and new technology.

Though influenced by Hyundai’s design language (they call it fluidic sculpture), the third-generation Santa Fe has its own form called "storm edge" which claims to capture the strong and dynamic images created by nature as severe weather forms.

MORE ASSERTIVE

The Santa Fe, Hyundai says, has a more assertive presence than its predecessor; it's longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model though with the same 2700mm wheelbase. The models for SA are still be be settled but the European range has one petrol and two diesel engines - unchanged except for lower fuel consumption.

The 2.2 turbodiesel produces 147kW/431Nm, the two-litre 110kW/82Nm, the 2.4 petrol 142kW and drives two or all four wheels through a six-speed manual or an auto transmission.

The auto has two operating modes – full auto or sport.

LEGROOM INCREASED

Maximum towing capacity (for a fully laden vehicle) with a braked trailer is 2500 kg (manual transmission). The new model sports  cruise control, light- and rain-detecting lights and wipers and a parking assistance system. Front and second-row legroom have been increased by 38mm and 45mm respectively and boot space deepened by 37mm over the previous model to take 534 litres with the front five seats upright.

Hyundai’s adjustable steering will make its debut with normal, sport and comfort settings displayed on a 19cm LCD screen.

Safety systems include ABS, stability management, downhill speed control and a self-releasing handbrake. A lane-departure warning system alerts the driver should the car start to drift into an adjacent lane without the relevant indicator being activated. 

ACTIVE BONNET?

The new model is fitted with seven air bags as standard, including driver, passenger, side, curtain and driver’s knee.

The Sante Fe sports an active bonnet which helps mitigate a collision with a pedestrian. The bonnet rises to absorb the force of the collision and, thus, reduce the risk of injury.

Will the model arrive in SA? Hyundai’s Deon Sonnekus: “Our expected launch of the new Sante Fe in South Africa is early in 2013, during the first quarter. We cannot be more specific about a date, also not about pricing, although it will be most competitive as with all our models, offering excellent modern premium value and quality at the price."
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