Auto Expo 2014: Hyundai launches new Santa Fe SUV at Rs 26.3 lakh

Greater Noida: India's second largest carmaker, Hyundai Motor India, today rolled out its much-awaited Santa Fe sports utility vehicle at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. The newly launched model will take on Maruti Suzuki SX4, Honda Amaze and the yesterday's Ford Figo compact concept sedan.The new Santa Fe looks sportier and aggressive than its predecessor as it is based on Hyundai's most popular Fluidic-derived Strom edge design philosophy. The new vehicle will be available in three variants with prices starting at Rs. 26.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).The new Santa Fe is powered by the 3rd Generation 2.2-litre CRDi engine that comes equipped with the e-VGT turbocharger. The vehicle comes with Hyundai's 'R' series engine which delivers 197bhp@3,800rpm of maximum power and a torque of 42.9kgm@1800-2500 rpm on the manual transmission variant and 44.5kgm@1800-2500 rpm on the automatic. Hyundai is claiming that the vehicle can deliver a high mileage of 14.74 kmpl for the MT and 13.01kmpl for the AT.The new Santa Fe embodies the 'Storm Edge design philosophy' derived from Hyundai's Fluidic design philosophy. As a result the new Santa Fe looks sportier and stylish than before. The front fascia has a three-bar hexagonal front grille which is complemented with healamps with LED daytime running lights integrated within. The headlamp cluster features HID LED Lamps and fog lamps with cornering function.The sharper lines on the outside make the vehicle look bigger as compared to its previous version. But the carmaker has kept the wheelbase (2700 mm) same. The 2014 Sante Fe will be longer and wider than the outgoing model. The new model measures 4690mm long, 1880mm wide, 1690mm high.The new Santa Fe will be offered in a two wheel drive variant that will get a 6 speed manual as well as a 6 speed automatic transmission. The all wheel drive version will only be available with the automatic gearbox.On the inside, you'll find the same cabin space and comfort, but it now offers more features and looks more up-market. Overall, the level of quality maintained inside the cabin is one of the best we have seen in Hyundai models. The Santa Fe will be produced in India at the company's Chennai plant, and prices are Rs 26.3 lakh for the 2WD Manual, Rs 27.33 lakh for the 2WD Auto and Rs 29.25 lakh for the 4WD Auto (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).Hyundai Santa Fe Technical Specification:Engine : 2199cc, 4 cyl, common-rail, turbo-dieselPower : 194bhp@3800rpmTorque : 44.45kgm@1800-2500rpmTransmission : 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto (2WD); 6-speed Auto (AWD)Length : 4690mm Width : 1880mm Height : 1690mm Wheelbase : 2700mm Kerb weight : 2001kg Fuel tank : 64 litres