All-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe launched
The all-new third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, assembled in Kulim and consequently wearing an Inokom badge, was officially launched today for the Malaysian market. Offered with a choice of two engines, each with a further option of two trim levels, the seven-seater Santa Fe sports Hyundai’s new ‘Storm Edge’ design language that will gradually supersede the current generation ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ designs.
An all-new platform underpins the new DM Santa Fe, featuring increased usage of high tensile steel in its make up; enabling weight reduction and a 16% increase in the vehicle’s torsional rigidity. Added strength has been engineered to critical load bearing members by the usage of new hot stamping and roll-forming methods when crafting the body structure.
Despite the all-new architecture, however, both engines powering the new Santa Fe are carried over from its predecessor in mildly retuned formats. Basic engine on offer is the 2.4-litre Theta II MPI petrol unit shared with the Sonata, whilst the 2.2-litre R turbodiesel is offered as the more upmarket alternative.
Both engines are interestingly quoted with more power but less torque than before. The 2.4 goes from 172hp and 228Nm to 174hp and 227Nm, whilst the 2.2 R now dishes out 194hp and 436Nm compared to the previous model’s 193hp and 442Nm. The differences appear marginal on paper, and both engines offered with Hyundai’s in-house developed 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. Active on-demand four-wheel is also standard for now, although some overseas markets are offered with a cheaper FWD option.
The two engines are each offered with a choice of Elegance or Executive trim levels, bringing the total number of variants to four. Equipment levels are typically generous for all variants with auto headlights, leather seats, electric driver seat adjust, and keyless entry with start/stop button. The more expensive Executive models add sunroof, HIDs, bigger rims, cornering lights, and LED tail lamps. A multimedia touchscreen unit with GPS and reverse camera is standard for the Executive model and costs an extra RM4,500 with the Elegance.
In order to meet the Government’s tightening requirements in automobile safety, the Malaysia-spec Santa Fe is ordered with the same specification package as its European counterparts. As a result, our versions of the Santa Fe have their indicator stalks on the left side and are also equipped with rear fog lights plus a very comprehensive suite of electronic driver aids such as traction control, stability control, hill start assist, and downhill brake control as standard for all variants.
Prices for the all-new Santa Fe starts at RM163,888 for the 2.4 Elegance model going all the way to RM189,999 for the 2.2 CRDi Executive. In between, the 2.4 Executive and 2.2 CRDi Elegance models are priced at RM177,888 and RM176,888 respectively, all prices on the road with insurance (speak to your dealers about replacing the Inokom badge with Hyundai’s). After sales, the Santa Fe is covered by Hyundai’s Safe Drive 24/7 roadside assist and a 5-year / 300,000km warranty.
Leader Card – VIP Privileges for Santa Fe owners
Introduced together with the new Santa Fe is the Hyundai Leader Card, which is for the moment offered exclusively to Santa Fe owners giving them access to various VIP privileges ranging from luxury concierge services to personalized medical assistance. Membership benefits include special rates to selected luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants plus priority service from senior technicians at Hyundai service centres.
