Hyundai Santa Fe 'Storm' to be launched at the Auto Expo

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Hyundai is all set to launch the third generation Santa Fe at the 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo in February with the deliveries expected to commence by the end of February.

The Korean automaker’s flagship SUV gets a fresh makeover and is sculpted on the lines of their ‘Storm Edge’ design language, a slightly modified and butch-looking version of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic’ theme. The front features a new hexagonal grille and angular headlamps with matching fog lamps. The side profile houses a sharp crease which runs along the length of the SUV. The car is based on a new platform, shared with the Hyundai i40. This same model has been launched in a few markets around the world and is offered there with two engine options. India, however, will be getting only the 195bhp, 2.2-litre turbo diesel, carried over from the current model. The engine has received upgrades in the form of third-generation common-rail diesel technology for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The current generation Santa Fe, being imported as a completely-built-unit, is quite expensive which has affected its sales. This time though, the Santa Fe will be locally assembled at the Chennai plant, and may even serve as an export base for Hyundai. The cqrmaker plans to lure in the customers by pricing the seven-seater competitively along with a number of features. We can expect it to be priced around Rs 22 lakh for the base two-wheel-drive version.

When launched, the Santa Fe will go up against the Chevrolet Captiva and the reigning segment-leader, the Toyota Fortuner. Along with the Santa Fe, Hyundai will also be showcasing the updated Elantra and a Grand i10-based sedan at the 2014 Auto Expo.