Maybe to debut at the 2012 Detroit Autoshow, the newest korean automaker SUV, the 2013 Santa Fe, was caught for the first time in Europe, at the Hyundai-Kia European Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Which will probably named ix45 in Europe, the new Hyundai’s SUV is come to cover a space in the popular mid-size crossover segment with a modern proposal, on both continents. Actually, Hyundai sold the old Santa Fe and Veracruz/ix55 in those markets.
Altrought with different names, the European and North American ix45/Santa Fe will share the same basic styling with some minor trim variations and mechanical hardware. The European specification includes a Santa Fe with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and four-cylinder diesel unit, with a six manual/automatic transmission available. The US-spec version includes at first the known 2.4 Theta II GDi with 201 horsepower, used in many models of the Hyundai-Kia Group.
While still under heavy camouflage, it’s obvious that the next generation Santa Fe will feature a modern look heavily influenced by the latest Tuscon/iX35 and i40. The same goes for the interior that sports a double binnacle design for the instrument panel, a color LCD screen sits in the radio display and the climate control system is a series of knobs and buttons that look more futuristic. Silver-painted trim is evident throughout.
