While Hyundai’s all new Santa Fe is garnering appreciation from around the globe, the Korean automaker is ready to bring out an even more practical version of the popular SUV.
Hyundai is prepping a seven seater version of the all new Santa Fe for 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Called the Grand Santa Fe, the SUV can be availed in both 6-seater and 7-seater configuration. Hyundai launched the new Santa Fe with a proper third row in the North American markets recently, and is now taking the model to Europe, a place where the Korean brand is doing exceptionally well.
To put the launch in perspective, it is longer (by 22.5 mm), taller (by 1 mm) and wider (by 0.5 mm) than its five seater sibling. The wheel base has also been extended by 10 mm.
The Grand Santa Fe can accommodate up to 7 passengers in a traditional 2+3+2 configuration. The boot space has also been boosted to 607 liters, an increase of 73 liters over the five-seat variant.
Its not just the dimension but also the design of the Grand Santa Fe has been tweaked to distinguish it from its smaller brother. The Grand Santa Fe features -
- A revised grille
- An updated front bumper
- Restyled fog lamps
- Restyled rear quarter
- Bespoke 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels
On the inside, it features
- A full-length panoramic sunroof
- Three-mode adjustable steering a.k.a Flex Steer system
- 4.3-inch touch screen
Only one engine option will be available on the Grand Santa Fe - a 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel - capable of developing 197 hp at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 421 Nm at 1,800 rpm. Gearshifts are taken care of by a six-speed automatic transmission.
The seven seat variant may sound perfect for India but sadly it is only available in an LHD configuration currently. This means that India will get smaller five seater.
Hyundai India has conducted all the initial research to launch the new Santa Fe in India. You can expect this gorgeous SUV in mid-2013.
