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.
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4 commentsAnother good one! Jose! We need to talk soon about you and Erick joining our project soon :)
If you go to the picture linked, there is a picture recently snapped by Motor Trend in HKAG's Namyang facility. Parked there is an unfamiliar CUV. Could it be the New Rondo? New Santa Fe? Maybe post it and see what others think.....
New Santa Fe for Europe too? I think that unless Hyundai makes good advertisement and puts good prices it won't be the worth enough to sell it in Europe; but in the other hand, I'm sure that it'll be well sold in USA.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is ranked fourteen of twenty mid-sized SUV to match features, price, and safety ratings.