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• The Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is currently in its fourth-generation since it debuted locally in 2000.
• It employs a 2.2-litre VGT engine that produces 148kW and 441Nm.
• Customers can choose from a range of six body colours.
• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24.
Hyundai has officially launched its new Santa Fe SUV in South Africa. The model was first introduced in 2000 and has undergone refinement across its four generations.
The refreshed Santa Fe comes in two trim levels - Executive 4x2 and Elite 4x4, with the latter being the top-specced model featuring HTRAC all-wheel-drive.
Like its predecessor, it also uses a 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 148kW and 441Nm, mated to an eight-speed Dual Clutch transmission. - compared to the older model's 145kW and 436Nm. At the same time, things are kept relatively the same under the bonnet, and it's in other areas where the new model comes out trumps.
On the outside, it comes in a range of six funky body colours - White Cream, Typhoon Silver, Lagoon Blue, Phantom Black, Taiga Brown and Magnetic Force.
Pricing starts from R769 500 for the Executive, while the top of the range Elite retails for R869 500.
Overall refinement
One of the most attractive exterior features is the chrome-finished wide cascading grille and T-shaped daytime running lights. The side mirror indicator and paddle lamp, along with the panoramic sunroof and new 18 on the Executive or 19 and 2-inch wheel options for the Elite trim level, are some of the standout additions.
The current derivative is bigger than the previous model, with second-row passengers benefitting from more legroom (1 060mm) and increased cargo space that has a capacity of 634-litres with the third-row seats folded flat.
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The interior comes equipped with full leather all around, while a new floating centre console houses tech features like drive mode select (on Elite models) and an 8-inch infotainment screen. It also provides hands-free convenience with Bluetooth connection to a cell phone and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The Elite also comes with a 12.3-inch LCD Super Vision Instrument Cluster, while both derivatives have paddle gear shift levers on the steering wheel for manual shifting.
The Santa Fe is filled with safety and security features like ABS, EBD, ESP, Vehicle Stability Management, Safe Exit Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning. Also, front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger and a curtain airbag are offered.
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Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa: "The Santa Fe was Hyundai's first SUV, and it still is the flagship model in our local model line-up. The continuing improvements the Santa Fe has undergone over the past two decades demonstrate Hyundai's commitment to developing quality products with the latest features for its customers, as is evident from this latest upgrade."
It comes with the brand's seven-year or 200 000km manufacturer warranty, six-year or 90 000km service plan and seven-year or 150 000km roadside assistance.
