2021 Hyundai Santa Fe teased, features a front-end makeover and a new platform

KUALA LUMPUR: The signs of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic are visible in the automotive industry, as halted production is resumed, car showrooms are open again, and sales numbers are rising. For this comeback, several automakers like Hyundai are also gearing up for the new launches. The South Korean automaker is ready to roll out a new 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and has also released its first glimpse.

The shadowy image of the revamped Santa Fe reveals a front-end makeover. The most significant change can be observed in the form of a new-look front grille, which is entirely different from the brand’s cascading design evolved over the past decade. Several new Hyundai models, including Sonata sedan, Elantra, and the facelifted i30 hatchback, have the same cascading pattern. 

The new grille provides a bold character to the SUV; its frame extends across the face and narrows down at each end to integrate with the driving lights. The teaser displays the two versions; the darker grille is the ‘standard’ while the lighter one is the ‘luxury’ look.

Another alteration comes in the form of revised split headlamps that features a T-shaped LED daytime running light. This again marked a big difference between the upcoming and outgoing iteration. The automaker described the new lighting signature as reflecting "Hyundai's new integrated vehicle architecture.”

Speaking about the platform, the upcoming Santa Fe will be the first model to ride on the new third-generation vehicle platform. It brings new possibilities in terms of drivetrains, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. According to Hyundai, the new platform will get benefits in terms of performance, safety, and handling.

The current Hyundai Santa Fe is available in certain markets, since the beginning of 2018, which makes it a bit surprising that automaker is revamping it so quickly and so thoroughly. In Malaysia, the fourth-generation Santa Fe was launched in May 2019, with a starting price of RM 169,888.

The 2021 Santa Fe is planned to launch initially in Europe in the coming September. 

Also read: Hyundai Santa Cruz could look like this!