All-new Hyundai Santa Fe details released

Meet the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, which has broken cover today in South Korea after several images of the new SUV were leaked.

Taking aim at the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Kluger, Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Sorento, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has more interior space, more functionality and more technology than before – including a world-first rear occupant alert that tells you if you've left the kids in the back seats.

Backed by Hyundai's five-year warranty and pitched at family buyers, the new seven-seat Santa Fe SUV rides on a new platform that shares architecture with the new Kia Sorento and presents a more extravagant interior fitout than previously.

Top-range Santa Fe vehicles get leather everything, a head-up display, digital instrument panel, powered seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phone charging.

Regular models will get a 7.0-inch screen and alloy wheels but detailed specifications and model grades have not yet been confirmed.

Pricing for the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe hasn't been locked-in either but Hyundai execs have told motoring.com.au to expect a cost increase over the current Santa Fe, which currently kicks off in Australia from $40,990 for the petrol V6 automatic.

The V6 will be axed locally and new petrol engines will arrive at a later date for the new fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe. This means the new SUV will be available initially only with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel when it arrives in Australia in July (2018).

Hyundai's 2.4-litre petrol engine (136kW/240Nm) is eventually expected to be offered as a more affordable model in future but it's arrival date in Australia is still in limbo. There is also a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel model available in Europe, but not here.

The mildly updated 2.2-litre diesel engine pumps out 144kW and 436Nm and now meets stricter European emissions regulations. It's paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and drives all four wheels.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe's all-wheel drive system is a bit smarter than the previous setup and can apportion up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the rear axle in Sport model. Slot it into Eco mode and the Santa Fe becomes front-drive only, saving fuel. The all-wheel drive system system also gets a new name: HTRAC.

Like most Hyundai's sold in this country, the Santa Fe is currently undergoing local testing in Australia and will get a unique suspension tune to suit Aussie roads.

In the meantime, Hyundai has updated the power steering system to improve input responsiveness and there's an optional automatic load-leveling suspension system too.

Hyundai has also upped the ante in terms of safety and driver assistance features, with the abovementioned rear occupant alert designed to remind busy drivers of children left in the back seats.

Six airbags are joined by autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, which is expected to be standard. Rdar cruise control, lane warning/keeping assist and a self-braking reversing camera that detect approaching cars are also on the cards.

Like high-end Audi cars, there's also an feature that warns occupants not to open their door if it detects a vehicle or bicycle approaching from behind.

More interior room is promised with an extra 38mm of second row legroom, while headroom has been boosted 22mm for third row occupants.

The boot has grown in size by 40 litres, now offering 625 litres, although that reduces significantly when the third row seats are in use.

Measuring 4770mm long, 1890mm wide and 1680mm high, the new model is 70mm longer, 10mm wider and 10mm taller than the current model. The new model rides on a 2765mm wheelbase, 65mm longer than the car it replaces.

Stay tuned for our first drive of the new Hyundai Santa Fe.

Read more: New Hyundai Santa Fe leaked