All-new Hyundai Santa Fe shown ahead of debut, 8-speed auto with more tech

Hyundai Santa Fe


After teasing the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in a series of sketches, the Korean carmaker has just unveiled the first images of the all-new SUV. Besides the swanky new look, the Santa Fe also comes with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, new in-car connectivity functions and a range of engine options.

Visually, the Santa Fe gets Hyundai’s SUV-family identity like the Kona and Nexo – Cascading grille, twin headlights and powerful stance. As the flagship model in Hyundai’s SUV line up, the Santa Fe gets bolder body lines to give it a more athletic appearance. Dimension wise, you are looking at a larger car compared to the outgoing model, measuring at 4,770 mm (+80 mm) in length and 1,890 mm (+10 mm) in width as well as a longer wheelbase.

Inside, the Santa Fe gets the similar connectivity technology as the refreshed Optima K5. Features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard issue, but the infotainment system has an AI server-based speech recognition system powered by Kakao i which allows drivers to use intuitive voice commands to operate the infotainment system.

Customers can choose from three engine choices – a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 2.2-litre turbodiesel and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol. All engine choices are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All variants of the Santa Fe will get an R-Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) that offers improved steering responsive, steering feel and overall driving performance. Four-wheel drive with HTRAC system is standard across the board.

In its home market, the new Santa Fe will come with the full range of SmartSense Technology that bundles Hyundai’s latest active safety features such as Frontal Collision Avoidance (FCA) and Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Assistance (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Alert Warning (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

It will also be the first Hyundai model to come equipped with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist that not only warns the driver if a vehicle is approaching from the side but also applies the brakes automatically when needed to prevent a collision. Another new feature is Safety Exist Assist that temporarily locks the doors if a vehicle is approaching from behind to prevent the passengers from harm when exiting the car.

In Korea, prices for the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe starts from ₩28.15 million (RM101k) to ₩36.65 million (RM132k). The new SUV will make its global debut at the upcoming 2018 Geneva International Motor Show in March where full details of the car will be released.