New Hyundai 7-seater SUV launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Hyundai has officially launched the next-gen Santa Fe in South Africa, adding another seven-seater SUV to its roster.

The new Santa Fe is available in a single Elite specification with a hybrid powerplant, and prices start at R1,249,900.

This includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 6-year/90,000km service plan, and an 8-year/160,000km hybrid battery warranty.

Engine

The Santa Fe is the first Hyundai in South Africa to feature a hybrid drivetrain, combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor that can produce 44kW and 264Nm.

By itself, the combustion engine generates 132kW and 265Nm, but this goes all the way up to 175kW and 367Nm once the e-motor is factored in.

This power is then transmitted to all four wheels via an active “on-demand” all-wheel-drive system, which links to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Aside from the generous power stat, the benefit of the hybrid system is improved fuel consumption, as the large SUV consumes a reasonable 7.5l/100km.

The e-motor is powered by a 49kW battery, which is recharged by the SUV’s regenerative brakes.

Also worth noting is that the Hyundai comes with three driving modes for Eco, Sport and My Drive, which adjusts its settings to match your driving style.

Furthermore, there are three terrain modes for Sand, Mud, and Snow, which maximize traction in response to road conditions.

Features

The next-gen Santa Fe is rocking an entirely new design that starts with a set of H-shaped automatic headlights and taillights.

The body has been re-imagined with a blockier aesthetic similar to many other SUVs that have hit the market in recent years, measuring 4,830mm long with a 2,815mm wheelbase.

It also has a new set of 20-inch alloy rims, roof rails, and a sleek grille with a horizontal daytime running light bar.

Inside, you’ll find a large multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and a new gearshift spoke.

The dashboard is adorned with a large dual curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch monitors for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system – the latter of which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other equipment on the premium SUV includes keyless entry and start, two wireless charging pads, a dual sunroof, sun shades for the rear windows, a bi-directional centre console that rear passengers can access, dual-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Bose stereo with a subwoofer, and an electric tailgate.

The seven seats are covered in leather, and the front chairs are electronically adjustable with heating and ventilation functions.

When all three rows are up, the Hyundai can take 628 litres of luggage, which increases to 711 litres when the back bench is folded.

With two rows folded, the Santa Fe can take an impressive 1,949 litres.

Finally, the new model comes with an extensive driver assistance and safety suite with Smart Cruise Control, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist, tyre pressure monitoring, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and a safe exit warning for passengers.

Hyundai Santa Fe