New higher-spec variants of Hyundai Santa Fe launched

New higher-spec variants of Hyundai Santa Fe launched

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Even in its standard form of kit, the Hyundai Santa Fe is not what we would call a skimpily equipped vehicle, especially not for the money that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor (HSDM) is asking for it – RM158,888 for the 2.4 petrol and RM169,888 for the 2.2 CRDi diesel, with insurance. Toys at your disposal include a 6-speed automatic transmission, keyless entry, sunroof, and traction control among many others.

Amazing then, that HSDM has found room to plonk in even more kit into the Santa Fe’s already impressive value for money package with the launching a new Premium trim level available both petrol and diesel variants. From the outside, these new variants can be identified by its redesigned front grille, black glossy fog lamp grilles, front and back skid plates, a chrome tailgate garnish, and newly-designed 18″ wheels (up from 17″).

The most crucial upgrade to the Santa Fe Premium, however, is the addition of Downhill Brake Control (DBC) to its arsenal of goodies. Activated at the push of a button, the DBC uses a Hydro-Electronic Control unit which takes measurements of wheel speed, steering angle, and acceleration to maintain descent speed without needing manual operation of the brakes.

“The extended line-up of the Santa Fe reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, bringing you the best in its class of vehicle offering. With ‘New Thinking.New Possibilities’, we strive to offer features and quality beyond the expectations of our customers,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of HSDM.

Things are unchanged under the hood, with the 2.4-litre Theta-II petrol and 2.2 ‘R’ diesel engines available for selection. The Theta-II, currently flooding our roads in a raft of Hyundai and Kia models, produces 172hp and 228Nm for its application here in the Santa Fe. Of course, the recommended motor of choice would be the R turbodiesel engine with a monstrous 194hp and 442Nm at its disposal.

The Santa Fe premium variant will be available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms starting the 7th October 2011 and also at Hyundai’s roadshows (North Court, Mid Valley and The Oval, One Utama) from the 12th – 16th October 2011. On-the-road prices with insurance for the new variants are RM161,888 for the petrol model and RM173,888 for the diesel.

We have just reviewed the standard-spec version of the Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi. Stay tuned for our review to come soon.

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