We've just shown you two images of the next generation Santa Fe/ix45 with absolutely no camouflage. Shoeb has prepared a rendering to provide you an impression of the side profile.
The ix45 breaks cover at the New York Motor Show about three months from now replacing the model running since April 2006.
The Santa Fe has gained a strong fan following in the US. Hyundai manufactures this three-row SUV in Alabama alongside the Sonata.
Shortly after its launch in India back in 2010, Hyundai began assembly of the Santa Fe at its Chennai plant. Once the new model breaks cover, it is only a matter of time before the ix45 takes over at Sriperumbdur. The same 2.2-liter CRDI engine could be carried forward to the replacement. Even Hyundai will admit that the restyled ix45 has a better chance of invading the Fortuner's fort.
Hyundai has used the Santa Fe platform to display hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. These were purely experimental and were not introduced in any of the markets. Hyundai could get serious about commercializing a hybrid variant on the ix45 platform in the coming years.
