SPY PICS: New Hyundai Santa Fe revealed

Exclusive photographs obtained inside the headquarters of Hyundai Australia have revealed details of an as yet unannounced update to the Santa Fe large SUV launching late in 2015.

While there has been speculation the update will bring the Santa Fe in line with Hyundai’s latest corporate look, which has been introduced with the i30 update launched this month and will also feature on the vital new-generation Tucson medium SUV that goes on sale in July, motoring.com.au understands it will be limited to front and rear bumpers and lights.

What appears to be a Santa Fe SR in these shot clearly retains the current grille.

And while the Tucson will bring significant technical updates and eventually a hybrid version, motoring.com.au understands the Santa Fe update will not boast any important drivetrains changes.

However, the photographer who shot this car reported spotting a radar sensor under the camouflage, which could mean active cruise and other safety gear like autonomous braking joining the lineup.

Hyunda won’t confirm any of that saying final specs have not been decided, but it is significant AEB is being fast-tracked into the freshly-launched Sonata before the end of the year.

The disguised Santa Fe’s black alloy wheels suggest this might be a new generation SR. A new headlight array with a round rather than square projector is also identifiable.

The Santa Fe range was upgraded for 2015 with lane departure warning and smart parking assist.

The current generation seven-seat Santa Fe lineup, which launched in late 2012, starts with the 2.4-litre Active 2.4-litre petrol model at $38,490 and progresses through three 2.2-litre turbo-diesels – the $41,490 Active, $48,490 Elite and $53,240 Highlander.

Hyundai still has ground to make up in the Large SUV segment, selling 6532 Santa Fes in 2014, compared to 16,582 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 16,112 Toyota Prados, 11,484 Toyota Klugers, 10.159 Holden Captiva 7s and 9828 Ford Territorys.