Hyundai aims to win conquest buyers with fresh Sante Fe
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FRANKFURT -- Hyundai hopes a more emotionally appealing and bolder look for its latest Sante Fe will help boost the model's sales in Europe.
The automaker aims to capture 5 percent of the region's market for large SUVs with the third-generation Sante Fe, which is currently being rolled out in European markets.
Hyundai believes the Sante Fe's fresh design and improved levels of standard technology will attract new customers to the brand, said Tony Whitehorn, head of the automaker's UK division.
The Sante Fe's length (4690mm) and wheelbase (2700mm) are almost unchanged from the outgoing generation but the overall height is lowered to give the SUV a sleeker look.
Inside there are five- or seven-seat options as well as 11mm more headroom for front-row occupants and 45mm more legroom for rear passengers. Cargo capacity is generous at between 534 and 1,680 liters. A large optional panoramic roof is one of the most important updates.
Buyers in most European markets have a choice of two turbocharged diesel engines and a gasoline engine.
FAST FACTS
New technology: First Hyundai equipped with a system that raises the hood by 60mm in a pedestrian collision to help minimize head injuries.
What's good: Value for money; rear visibility: low fuel consumption (5.9 liters per 100km for the 2.2-liter 2wd diesel).
What's bad: Noisy engine; the new model cannot tackle offroad inclines as steep as the outgoing vehicle because of a stretched front overhang.
THE BASICS
Launch date: September (Germany)
Base price: 29,990 euros (Germany)
Where built: Ulsan, Korea
Main rivals: Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chevrolet Captiva
You can reach Joaquim Oliveira at autonews@crain.com.
