Hyundai launches new Santa Fe

Larger, more elegant and more refined than its predecessor, the new Santa Fe sharpens Hyundai¡¦s competitiveness in the hotly-contested segment with third row seating plus an abundance of new comfort and convenience features.

Developed at cost of US$155 million (AED570 million) over a period of 26 months, Hyundai targets sales in excess of 200,000 Santa Fe units annually. The SUV is expected to be a hit among Middle East car enthusiasts who put a premium on impressive SUV performance with great value-for-money.

¡§Just like its predecessor which carved out a unique niche for itself, the 2006 Santa Fe blazes a new trail for Hyundai and will take our brand to the heights of refinement and confidence,¡¨ said Chairman and CEO Chung Mong-Koo.

¡§The Santa Fe has become a popular choice for SUV enthusiasts in the UAE, driving sales figures upwards, which led to an 82% sales growth for Hyundai brand in the year 2005 over the year before, being one of the highest sales growth figures in the country. The re-designed Santa Fe, with 3 rows and 7 seats is expected to push Hyundai¡¦s offensive in the highly competitive SUV segment¡¨

said Omar Baddar, the marketing manager of Juma Al Majid Est.

Santa Fe will be offered with a choice of gasoline engines: the 2.7-liter Mu (will be available immediately in the local market,ƒnand in the year 2007, the 3.3-literLambda (both V-6s featuring all-aluminum construction. The Mu adopts Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System to produce a peak output of 189ps @ 6000rpm and 25.3kg.m of maximum torque @ 4200rpm.

The 3.3 Lambda is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, while the 2.7 Mu comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment with a four-speed automatic being optional.

Santa Fe's new electronically-controlled 4-wheel drive system automatically routes power to the wheels that have the best traction. And the driver-selectable 4WD lock provides a continuous 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels during off-road situations.

Santa Fe's chassis was extensively revised to attain a more refined sedan-like ride, most immediately noticeable by rear seat passengers. The predecessor's double wishbone rear suspension was dropped in favor of a multi-link setup resulting in reduced noise and vibration. When the vehicle is fully loaded or pulling a trailer, an innovative self-leveling system automatically levels out the vehicle height without requiring external power. While carrying over the Macpherson strut front suspension, the caster angle was increased to improve stability while optimizing the overall strut geometry.

A nine- and ten-inch tandem booster provides ample braking power to the front and rear 16-inch discs with the front brakes being ventilated. An Anti-Lock Braking System is standard while an Electronic Stability Program further enhances safety.

In addition to the dual front airbags, Santa Fe is fitted with front seat side airbags plus curtain airbags which deploy along the entire length of the vehicle extending head protection to the third row passengers. A front passenger seat airbag cutoff switch enables the front passenger seat airbag to be deactivated in case a child seat is installed. Active headrests for the front seats are also new to the range as is a seat-mounted 3-point seat belt for the center seat passenger in the second row.

Supervision-illuminated gauge panel and dual zone climate controls for driver and front seat passenger bring a touch of luxury to the Santa Fe which second- and third-row passengers enjoy a new level of comfort thanks to a rear fan switch, B-pillar mounted adjustable vents and dual heating ducts which extend to the rear.

In a novel touch, third-row seats can be easily stowed away and fold flat into the floor. Other thoughtful design touches include power adjustable pedals, rain-sensing automatic wipers, trip computer, heated side mirrors plus a front windscreen de-icing system.

With today¡¦s Korean launch of the Santa Fe models destined for Europe and non-North American markets also go into production this month while production at the Montgomery, Alabama plant is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year.