Following the official establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), now a principal-led operation under Hyundai Motor Corporation (HMC), the Korean carmaker is making its presence felt immediately by previewing the all-new fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia, ahead of its launch on the second of July.
As an all-new model, the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe carries a drastically different design approach compared to the current model we have here in Malaysia, with a retro-futuristic look akin to many of the marque’s latest models such as the Ioniq 5 and Staria.
The overall shape carries a boxy and rugged look with a long rear overhang reminiscent of SUVs like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser. Hyundai calls this a “lifestyle-based” design that’s made to maximise rear cargo capacity and better accommodate outdoor and urban activities.
The car sports a longer wheelbase than before and rides on 21-inch wheels, surrounded by sharply defined wheel arches that complete the “adventurous SUV” look. The headlights and taillights are now presented with a pixelated “H” shaped design to complement that retro-inspired design.
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HMY has not revealed the car’s interior just yet, as the preview model is likely a regional model, and may not reflect our Malaysian specifications. Nevertheless, it will carry a much more modern overall design compared to the fourth-generation model, with straight lines to give it a more minimalist, yet rugged and muscular appearance.
Atop the dashboard are the dual 12.3-inch displays, one for the infotainment system and another for the digital instrument cluster. A separate touch panel is found lower on the centre console, responsible for climate control operations.
Internationally, the software suite will also come with Hyundai Bluelink, allowing owners to remotely control various vehicle functions via their smartphone, while also supporting over-the-air (OTA) updates. The feature is traditionally omitted on Hyundai cars here in Malaysia, although with HMY’s direct involvement, this could soon change.
The all-new fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is available globally in both six- and seven-seater configurations. Higher-end variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe adds on several creature comfort niceties, including dual wireless phone chargers, ventilated seats, UV-C steriliser glove box, and a 17-speaker Bose premium sound system.
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HMY has confirmed that they will be offering the Santa Fe with three variants, namely the Prime, Prestige, and Calligraphy, the latter of which being the flagship.
The Prime and Prestige variants will be offered as hybrids, powered by the existing 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce a combined output of 235 hp and 367 Nm, sent through a six-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels only.
The Calligraphy, pictured here, will come equipped with the new 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, a first for the model here in Malaysia. The new mill produces 281 hp and 422 Nm, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with power sent to all four wheels.
Alongside the all-new fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, HMY has also previewed the newly facelifted Tucson and the Staria in a new “Prestige” trim at a media event today. Official pricing for the new Hyundai Santa Fe has yet to be announced, so stay tuned for updates during the official launch.
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