Hyundai has released design sketches of its next Santa Fe, which previews the upcoming flagship SUV before its official debut at the 2018 Geneva motor show. The Korean brand had previously released a teaser image, which provided hints to the SUV’s silhouette as seen from the side.
Based on the sketches, the fourth-gen Santa Fe looks to have undergone significant style-based changes with the front taking inspiration from the Kona, a new mesh design for the grille, new LED daytime running lights and a skid plate below the front bumper.
From the sketch, the sides of the SUV feature flared wheel arches (which may be toned down for the production model) while the rear sports thin LED tail-lamps and a skid plate below the rear bumper. Changes to the interior have yet to be revealed.
While neither powertrain details nor equipment details have yet been revealed, a rear occupant alert system and an upgraded rear-cross traffic alert system will feature on the new Santa Fe. More details will emerge closer to the date of unveil at the Geneva motor show.
In India, Hyundai used to retail the third-gen Santa Fe until September 2017, when the seven-seater SUV was dropped from its India line-up, citing poor sales. This Toyota Fortuner rival carried a price tag between Rs 32.37 lakh and Rs 36.08 lakh (on-road, Delhi). It was available with a 197hp/421Nm, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. 4WD was an optional extra on the automatic version.
If Hyundai decides to bring the new, fourth-gen Santa Fe to India, it will compete against the likes of the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Korean manufacturer is currently gearing up for the Auto Expo 2018, where its stand will have the i20 facelift (with a CVT automatic), the Ioniq EV sedan and the Kona electric SUV on display.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
