Santa Fe steps up

HYUNDAI has released a revised version of its Santa Fe medium SUV model line-up, featuring cosmetic and safety upgrades.

The new range will comprise one all-wheel drive variant powered by the existing 138kW/248Nm 2.7-litre petrol V6 (entry-level SX trim only) and three AWD drive variants powered by a carryover 114kW/34Nm 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel four-cylinder, which Hyundai says makes the Santa Fe Australia’s most fuel-efficient medium SUV.

The 2007 Santa Fe 3.3 2WD will continue at run-out pricing until upgraded versions arrive in the fourth quarter.

While the single-model 2.7 SX will be available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, the three-tier 2.2 CRDi version will come in SX, SLX and Elite trim levels – the latter two exclusively with seven seats and a five-speed auto.

The 2008 Santa Fe will be differentiated via a new chrome-finished grille and entry-level SX versions gain electronic stability control (ESC) including traction control, full-length side curtain airbags and front side (thorax) airbags.

The changes will make the potentially life-saving safety features standard across the entire Santa Fe range following the Korean brand’s employment of stability control as a key marketing campaign. Other Hyundai SUVs including the Terracan, however, continue to be unavailable with ESC.

In addition, the five-seater Santa Fe SX will continue to offer standard features including twin front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system and a roof rack system with “one-touch” sliding bars.

The mid-range Santa Fe SLX will gain a dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning system with external temperature display as standard, and continues to add to the SX grade a folding third-row seat, cool box, “parent” mirror, front foglights, mesh sports seat fabric, a trip computer and heated door mirrors.

The top-shelf Santa Fe Elite will continue unchanged, adding powered front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights-on, door and boot chrome inserts, an electro-chromatic interior mirror with integrated digital compass, an electric glass sunroof, six-CD in-dash audio system and seven speakers, leather seat facings, a rear spoiler and stainless steel scuff plates.

Two new metallic exterior colours will be available for the enhanced Santa Fe - Blue Titanium and Gun Metal, and the Santa Fe’s interior colour theme will be “Espresso Black”.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe pricing:
2.7 V6 AWD SX 5-seat	$33,990
2.7 V6 AWD SX 5-seat (a)	$35,990
2.2 CRDi AWD SX 5-seat	$36,990
2.2 CRDi AWD SX 5-seat (a)	$38,990
2.2 CRDi AWD SLX 7-seat (a)	$41,990
2.2 CRDi AWD Elite 7-seat (a)	$46,990
Metallic/mica paint	$375