All-new Hyundai Santa Fe launched in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: It was at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 when Hyundai first displayed the new Santa Fe. And it's today, that the automaker has finally commenced the car's sales in the country. The 4th-gen Santa Fe would be available in petrol and diesel options that come in both Executive and Premium trims.

Let's first discuss the new Santa Fe's price tag. First the petrol variants, the Executive one will cost RM 169,888, while the Premium trim will set you back by RM189,888. As for the diesel-powered trims, they are priced at RM 191,888 (for Executive) and RM 211,888 (for Premium). Note, the prices mentioned above are valid till June-end and include three-year/50,000 km free servicing, on-the-road without insurance, and five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

The models are similar across the lineup consisting of two powertrains. Speaking of which, there is a 2.2-litre Theta II MPi naturally-aspirated petrol mill that churns out a maximum power of 172 PS at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 225 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Transmitting power to the front wheels is a 6-speed automatic gearbox. On the other hand, is the diesel mill, i.e., a 2.2-litre R CRDi unit that develops 193 PS at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The turbodiesel engine is mated to a new 8-speed automatic along with an HTRAC variable all-wheel-drive system.

On the dimensions front, the 2019 Santa Fe is a bigger car compared to its predecessor. It measures 4,770 mm in length (80 mm longer), 1,890 mm in width (10 mm wider), and 1,680 mm in height. The wheelbase has also been increased by 65 mm and now reads 2,765 mm.

Executive model equipment list -

• Projector halogen headlights
• 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• Keyless entry & push-button start
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone climate control with ioniser
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Black leather upholstery
• Freestanding 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple
• CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Reverse camera

Premium model equipment list -

• Adaptive LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• LED fog lights
• 19-inch alloys
• Leather dashboard trim
• 8-way powered passenger seat with Toyota Camry-style shoulder buttons
• 7-inch Supervision instrument display
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Powered tailgate
• Burgundy interior color scheme with suede headlining (costing extra RM 2,000)

New Hyundai Santa Fe standard safety kit consists of six-airbags, ISOFIX second-row child seat anchors, stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and hill descent control. Features like blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) are part of the Premium variant specs package.