The updated 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has been revealed ahead of an Australian launch later this year.
Changes to the exterior include a front grille that extends across the entire width of the vehicle, a new bumper, restyled air intakes, slimmer LED headlights and LED Daytime
Running Lights (DRL) start at the top of the grille and cut through it to create unique T-shapes at each corner when lit.
Interestingly, the grille’s mesh pattern is determined by the trim level.
20-inch wheels are needed to fill the wheel arches which are wider to “accentuate the SUV’s rugged and powerful character.”
At the rear, the redesigned tail-lights get a new signature and there’s a slim light bar that runs across the hatch door.
On the inside, Hyundai says there is more space than the outgoing model and greater use of premium soft-touch materials.
The centre console sits high, giving the driver and front passenger the feeling of sitting in an armchair.
Hyundai has deployed a shift-by-wire system that allowed the designers to put buttons instead of the conventional shift knob.
Depending on the grade, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will be available, as will a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Built on the same platform as the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe will be available in some markets with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A hybrid option would give Hyundai the juice to take on the new Toyota Kluger.
Australia is likely to continue with the current 206kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Our market should be in line for the upgraded 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 148kW and 440Nm found in the latest Sorento. It’s matched with a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives all four wheels.
The new Santa Fe will arrive locally in the second half of 2020, full specifications and pricing information will be announced closer to the launch date.
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