After earlier revealing just a pair of images of its new Santa Fe, Hyundai has now officially unveiled the fourth-generation version of its large SUV.
Set to debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is set to go into production from the second quarter of 2018. No word yet on timing of plans for local introduction.
Now measuring 4 770 mm long and 1 890 mm wide, with a longer wheelbase of 2 765 mm, Hyundai says the new Santa Fe offers even more interior space than before. The Korean brand furthermore claims that visibility to the rear is improved by a larger (by 41 percent) rear quarter glass.
In the second row, legroom has been increased by 38 mm, while the seats themselves are sited 18 mm higher. A new one-touch folding function improves access to the third row, where headroom has been increased by 22 mm.
The new Santa Fe also features a variable torque control system Hyundai calls “HTRAC”, which the brand promises “enables agile handling and better torque application depending on the wheel grip and the speed of vehicle”.
A new, in-house-designed eight-speed automatic transmission is introduced with the fourth-generation Santa Fe, while petrol engine options (depending on market, of course) include a naturally aspirated 2,4-litre, a turbocharged 2,0-litre and a naturally aspirated 3,5-litre. Diesel options come in the form of a 2,0-litre and a 2,2-litre.
Hyundai says changes to the Santa Fe’s suspension and steering serve to “improve responsiveness and vehicle stability” while also enhancing comfort and quietness. An optional self-load-levelling suspension will also be offered in some markets.
Three infotainment systems will be available. An optional eight-inch arrangement integrates all navigation, media and connectivity features (and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), while a seven-inch set-up sits in the mid-range. A basic audio system (with a five-inch monochrome TFT screen) comes standard. Additionally, there is a new seven?inch TFT colour display information screen sited in the centre of the instrument cluster.
Other highlights include a new head-up display, wireless inductive smartphone charging and the latest Hyundai “SmartSense” active safety and driving assistance features, from blind-spot collision warning and lane-keeping assist to safety exit assist and the industry-first rear occupant alert (which monitors the rear seats and alerts the driver that there are still passengers back there when leaving the car).
