Hyundai prices new Santa Fe

Hyundai has quietly released its striking new third-generation Santa Fe before its official launch in mid-September, with first stocks now available in showrooms priced from the same $36,990 as before.

However, as we revealed last month, the Korean brand’s new large crossover wagon is no longer available with a petrol V6 or in front-wheel drive configuration, with the sub-$37,000 starting price applying to a downsized 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol version of the new AWD-only line-up.

As such, the MkIII Santa Fe arrives as a condensed six-variant model range with two engines, two transmissions and three specification levels, although only the carryover 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is available in mid-range and top-shelf equipment levels. The new all-AWD, all-seven-seat, all-four-cylinder Sante Fe range opens with the Active 2.4 GDi, which costs $36,990 plus on-road costs with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Active 2.2 CRDi diesel adds $3000 to that price at $39,990 plus ORCs, while six-speed automatic adds a further $2000 the price of both models. Previously, the 2WD 3.5-litre petrol V6-powered SLX variant opened the outgoing Santa Fe range at $36,990, while the base SLX diesel manual (with AWD) was priced at $37,990.

The four Active variants are joined in the new Santa Fe range by just two other model grades - Elite and Highlander – fitted exclusively with an automatic diesel powertrain. The mid-range Elite 2.2 CRDi is priced at $45,990 ($2000 more than before) and the flagship Highlander 2.2 CRDi costs $49,990 (up $1500), while metallic paint adds $595 to the price of all models.

The new Santa Fe was designed at Hyundai’s Californian design studio and wears the Korean company’s new ‘Storm Edge’ styling language. Slightly larger in all directions, it also rides on a bespoke suspension tune following suitability testing in Australia.

Mechanically, the new Santa Fe’s R-Series diesel engine produces the same 145kW/436Nm (421Nm in manual form) as before and returns combined fuel consumption as low as 6.6L/100km. A version of the Theta II 2.4-litre GDi petrol engine seen in the mid-size i45 sedan develops 141kW/242Nm and consumes 9.0L/100km with both transmissions.

Standard safety features for all models include seven airbags, electronic stability control (VSC), ABS brakes with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist and downhill brake control. The new Santa Fe also introduces Hyundai’s new Advanced Traction Cornering Control system and, like the new i30 hatchback, features a new Flex Steer electric power steering system with three modes – comfort, normal and sport.

Standard equipment for all Active models will include 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and seven seats with a sliding and reclining second row and 50/50-split flat-folding third row seats.

Elite variants add 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror with compass, rain-sensing wipers, part-leather seat trim and a 10-speaker sound system.

The Highlander flagship rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and features heated front and second row seats, power-adjustable front seats, Xenon headlights and a panoramic glass sunroof.

As with all new Hyundais the Santa Fe comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, but also adds three years of Navteq map updates, up to seven years of free roadside assist and three years of capped-price servicing.

Watch this space for our first Australian drive following the local launch on September 12.

2012 Sante Fe pricing (excluding on-road costs):
2.4 GDi Active manual - $36,990
2.4 GDi Active auto - $38,990
2.2 CRDi Active manual - $39,990
2.2 CRDi Active auto - $41,990
2.2 CRDi Elite auto - $45,990
2.2 CRDi Highlander auto - $49,990

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