It's no 'poor man's Defender': New Hyundai Santa Fe lands in SA, with hybrid power
The new Hyundai Santa Fe is now available in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Flaunting a boxy new look that's a far cry from its curvy predecessors, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has landed in South Africa.
While some speak of Land Rover inspiration in the design, it's not quite a 'poor man's Defender', with Hyundai announcing a price tag of R1,249,000 for the single derivative on offer, the Hybrid Elite AWD.
This makes the new, and somewhat lavishly appointed, SUV more expensive than the larger Palisade 2.2D, which costs R1,204,500. Yet it's not the most costly Hyundai on offer as the range-topping Staria retails at R1,263,900.
The new Santa Fe is Hyundai's first hybrid product to be offered locally, with the drivetrain combining a 132kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a 44kW electric motor for total system outputs of 175kW and 367Nm.
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Boxy new design is a far cry from its predecessor.
Image: Supplied
Although some might miss the diesel option, there is some consolation in the hybrid model's claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 litres per 100km. Customers can also adjust the level of regenerative braking.
At 4,830mm, the new Santa Fe is 45mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by 50mm, increasing space for second and third-row occupants.
In keeping with its bolder stance, 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
Interior features include a dual-screen infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose sound system, 360-View Monitor, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane-Follow Assist.
The seats are upholstered in a synthetic leather called H-Tex, with seat heating for the first two rows and ventilation for the front perches.
Squared off design theme continues inside.
Image: Supplied
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