DM Santa Fe

HYUNDAI launched its third-generation seven-seat Santa Fe here in September 2012 to do battle with the big players in the competitive large-SUV market.

The previous model Santa Fe had trailed the homegrown Ford Territory, the Holden Captiva, Toyota Kluger and Jeep Grand Cherokee in sales, but the Korean car-maker upped the ante with version 3.0.

The 2012 Santa Fe was longer, wider, lower, 70kg lighter, and loaded with more safety equipment and standard features.

It was released only with all-wheel drive and was available in three trim levels, entry-level Active, mid-spec Elite and range-topping Highlander.

Active was powered by the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the i45 sedan, with an optional $3000 diesel producing 141kW of power and with a fuel consumption rating of 9.0L/100km.

It came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and rear-park assist, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 40:20:40-split second seat row that slides and reclines, along with a 50:50 flat-fold third row seating.

Elite and Highlander models were only available with a revised version of the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine from the previous model, rated at 145kW and 6.6L/100km.

Elite got 18-inch alloys, a seven-inch touchscreen satellite-navigation system, auto-dipping interior mirror, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled glovebox, leather and leatherette seats, and premium 10-speaker sound system.

The flagship Highlander added 19-inch alloys, heated front and second row seating, electrically adjustable front seats, Xenon HID headlights and a panoramic glass sunroof.