The short-wheelbase Santa Fe Sport.
The 2012 New York Auto Show is delivering more than a few surprises – notably including Hyundai’s unexpected announcement that it is launching not one but two new versions of the 2013 Santa Fe crossover.
The Santa Fe is one of the most important models in the Korean carmaker’s line-up. An earlier generation signaled the start of Hyundai’s dramatic transformation from econobox maker into a high-quality, stylish brand. But today, it’s a critical entry into one of the U.S. market’s fastest growing segments.
The challenge, said Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik, was meeting the needs of both young buyers and empty-nesters who might need just a 2-row crossover-utility vehicle, as well as growing families who want a 3-row CUV with seating for up to seven.
Rather than try to squeeze in the extra seats – as it done previously – Hyundai decided to produce the long-wheelbase Santa Fe and shorter Santa Fe Sport.
The 3-row, long-wheelbase version of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Both versions continue the maker’s trend towards delivering more stylish products – based on the Fluidic Sculpture design language used on the most recent Sonata and Elantra models – that are also more lavishly equipped.
That includes the maker’s latest infotainment system – complete with Bluetooth and today’s seemingly requisite link to Pandora radio – such niceties as a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats, and an extensive array of high-tech safety gear. That list includes a rearview camera, Hill Start Assist and more.
There’s also Active Steering Assist and Torque Vectoring Control on the all-wheel-drive package. That system shifts torque from wheel to wheel, not only improving traction on slick surfaces but using torque to help steer through turns.
There are new electroluminescent gauges and a big 8-inch LCD display screen capping the center stack.
Meanwhile, the maker’s new concierge system – similar in concept to General Motors’ OnStar – will allow remote engine starting through a smartphone app that can also help track the vehicle if stolen.
The Santa Fe Sport will be offered with naturally aspirated or turbocharged 4-cylinder engine options.
The new Santa Fe continues Hyundai’s push for better mileage – the maker now claiming to have the nation’s most fuel-efficient fleet with five models getting better than 40 mpg on the Highway. The base Santa Fe Sport, with its 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four manages 33 mpg, a solid number for a crossover of its size.
Give some of the credit to Hyundai’s effort to trim fat from the new Santa Fe line – the incoming 2013 Sport model 266 pounds lighter than the outgoing CUV.
The Sport 2.0T gets a more powerful 264-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that still manages 31 mpg on the Highway.
The two-row Santa Fe Sport will reach Hyundai showrooms in the U.S. by late Summer, according to Krafcik, with the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe set to follow next January.
That model will share the same 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 found in the maker’s latest Azera sedan – and will be mated to the same 6-speed automatic used by the Sport. All variants will be available in front or all-wheel-drive.
The longer version can be ordered with a sliding center row or a pair of mid-row captain’s chairs for those who don’t mind sacrificing a seat. It will also get a new power liftgate and blind spot detection.