Two weeks ago, we revealed to you the engine options and specs of the refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe, which is more than just a cosmetic facelift. To be officially launched at KLIMS, the locally assembled seven-seat SUV will come with two engine options – a 2.4L Theta II petrol and the R-series 2.2L CRDi. The gasoline engined variant will cost RM158,888 while the diesel is priced at RM169,888. Prices are on the road including insurance.

As a recap, the Theta II is a Dual CVVT engine with 174 PS and 228 Nm of torque. This engines replaces the old 2.7L V6 unit in the Santa Fe and also does duties in the Tucson and Sonata. We also hear that it will power the new Kia Sorento that will debut at KLIMS, keep your eyes peeled for more on that.

But the big news for this car is the debut of the ‘R’ diesel engine, which packs a real punch – 197 PS and 442 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm to be exact. This commonrail with electronic variable geometry turbocharger (e-VGT) will be the mightiest oil burner in the market, beating even the Nissan “Mother Trucker” Navara’s 2.5L engine into submission.

The kit list is more comprehensive than before, too. Keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, electric driver’s seat, GPS system, reverse camera, Nappa leather seats and a sunroof are included. Other interior changes include the addition of carbon-fibre paneling, rearranged switches, chrome treatment and an organ type accelerator pedal. ESP is also standard on this 4WD (with lock button) SUV.

Hyundai-Sime Darby has released specs of the facelifted Santa Fe SUV, which will be officially launched at the KL International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010. As previously revealed on this site, the refreshed seven-seat SUV will not only come with fresh looks, but new drivetrains as well. Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic gearbox will feature here, as will the Theta II 2.4L petrol and the R-series 2.2L CRDi diesel.

Let’s start with the petrol. The old 2.7L V6 will be replaced by the Theta II 2.4L engine as found in the Tucson and Sonata. This Dual CVVT four-cylinder engine with variable intake system (VIS) makes 174 PS and 228 Nm, which is not too much of a deficit on the V6 (188 PS/248 Nm at 4,000 rpm) considering it has two less cylinders and is 300 cc smaller. You save on road tax as well.

On the diesel front, the 2.2 R diesel engine is a big improvement over the current 2.2, which is already a decent performer. This commonrail engine with electronic variable geometry turbocharger (e-VGT) puts out a mighty 197 PS and 442 Nm (at 1,800-2,500 rpm) which is a substantial 47 PS and 107 Nm more than the current car. These figures are miles ahead of diesel powered seven-seat SUV rivals in Malaysia, as well as the 174 PS/403 Nm of the “Mother Trucker” Nissan Navara 2.5, the most powerful pick-up in town.

The equipment list is more comprehensive than before. Keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, electric driver’s seat, GPS system, reverse camera, Nappa leather seats and a sunroof are included. Other interior changes include the addition of carbon-fibre paneling (hope it’s not too tacky), relocation of switches, chrome treatment and an organ type accelerator pedal. ESP is also standard on this 4WD (with lock button) SUV.

Prices will be announced at the launch, but our sources say that there won’t be much change in the diesel’s price despite the improvements, making it a very attractive proposition, while the petrol should be priced below RM160K.

Currently, the 2.2 CRDi is priced at RM165,358.50 while the 2.7 V6 costs RM163,827.60 (OTR excluding insurance). It is locally assembled at Inokom’s Kulim plant, so will the facelifted car.

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010 will be happening next month from 3-12 December, and participants are working hard to ready their display at the Putra World Trade Centre. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will have a mixture of concepts and production vehicles at their stand, we have learned. The company has arranged for the ix-Metro concept, Genesis Coupe 2.0T, new Avante and the facelifted Santa Fe SUV with a powerful R-series diesel engine to be on display.

The latter two in that list will be on our roads. The Santa Fe, one of the most underrated SUVs on sale today in my opinion, gets minor aesthetic updates but the big news is in the hood. The seven-seater’s petrol option is no longer the old tech 2.7L V6, but the 2.4-litre Theta II engine as found in the current Sonata and Tucson. The new R-series CRDi engine puts out 442 Nm of torque, a whopping 107 Nm more than the current 2.2-litre although capacity is unchanged. All will be paired to six-speed auto gearboxes. This car should be launched at KLIMS.

As for the new Avante, it won’t be a launch, but a preview of Hyundai’s Civic fighter. Visitors can touch, feel and see the “Wind Craft” design of the new car, then decide if it’s worth the wait. Hyundai tells us that this will be the first time the Avante is put on display in an exhibition outside of Korea. It’s on sale now domestically but global sales will only start in 2011.

No motor show is complete without concepts, even if we cannot expect KLIMS to feature the latest from Geneva, Paris or Tokyo. The ix-Metro made its debut at Frankfurt 2009 as a “Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment”. More news coming as it flows our way. Are you looking forward to KLIMS?