India-bound 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) testing in Korea - Spied

18/03/2015 - 17:33 | ,  ,   | Shrawan Raja

A new e-4WD variant is reportedly joining the facelifted lineup.

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) has been photographed in Korea recently, ahead of its international introduction this year. While a model year update was brought into the Korean market with new features, it did not have appreciable cosmetic changes, which the facelift will cover.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe front (facelift) spied in Korea
The 2016 Santa Fe is seen getting new headlamps, bumpers, grille and exhaust.

Updates noticed in the spyshots include a Tucson inspired exhaust, recast front and rear bumpers, sharper chrome grille, new LED front and rear lights, and a new alloy wheel design.

An earlier report claimed that the Santa Fe would be the beneficiary of an e-4WD system that puts an electric motor on the rear axle of the car, while the gasoline engine will spin the front wheels. Additionally, a regenerative braking system would be added to enhance the efficiency, claimed the report.

Reports from Europe say that Hyundai would upgrade the engines/transmissions on the Santa Fe, for lower CO2 emissions and increased efficiency.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe front three quarter (facelift) spied in Korea
An e-4WD system with electric motors spinning the rear wheels is under development, said an earlier media report.

The Santa Fe was launched in India at the 2014 Auto Expo with power coming from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Averaging sales of about 125 units a month, the vehicle is assembled at the Chennai plant, and the same type of manufacturing should ensue when the facelift arrives in India.

Also read: Next generation 2017 Hyundai Verna starts testing in Korea

Rivals: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Ssangyong Rexton, Chevrolet Trailblazer
Expected Price: INR 26-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2015 in Korea, 2016 in India (speculated)

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) - Spyshot Gallery

[Spyshots from Santa Fe Club]

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