The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe has made its debut at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018), a few months after the fourth-generation model was spotted out in the wild. Bookings are now open for the Santa Fe, with prices starting from an estimated RM188k onwards, inclusive of a five-year/300,000 km warranty and three-year/50,000 km free service.
In its latest iteration, the seven-seat SUV gets a complete design overhaul that brings it up to speed with the latest Hyundai models. Up front, you’ll see hints of the Kona compact SUV, starting with the slim LED daytime running lights that sit above the primary LED headlamps. The brand’s ‘Cascading Grille’ makes a return as well, although it is now larger and features a more prominent inlay.
Along the sides, the Santa Fe boasts a strong shoulder line that links the front and rear lighting units, while creased door sections provide a sense of depth. The profile remains largely familiar, although the windows have been reshaped accordingly.
Around back, you’ll find the Santa Fe’s new taillights that comes with intricate, C-shaped graphics within them that give a “3D look.” There’s also a bolder lower apron with larger “skid plates,” fog and reverse lamps, as well as twin trapezoidal-shaped exhaust tips.
Like the exterior, the cabin is completely redesigned and bears resemblance to the Kona as well. Dominating the dashboard is a free-standing, seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto support) that sits above angular air-con vents, switchgear for the dual-zone climate control system (with rear vents) and Qi-standard wireless charger.
Unlike the third-gen model, the two cupholders on the centre console are now positioned beside the gear lever. There’s also a greater emphasis on creating a luxurious atmosphere on the inside, which is why there is greater use of premium materials and the addition of nifty design touches.
For the second row seats, they split in a 60:40 fashion, which can be done manually or via buttons found in the boot; they can also be slid forwards and back. Meanwhile, the rearmost seats also fold flat, and with both the second and third rows folded down, you’ll get rather flat cargo floor.
In terms of equipment, you’ll get a seven-inch digital display within the instrument cluster (flanked by analogue dials), leather upholstery, an around-view monitor, hill descent control, blind spot monitor, powered front seats (lumbar support for the driver), cruise control, keyless entry and start, along with 19-inch wheels.
Engine-wise, the Santa Fe is available with a choice of petrol and diesel mills, similar to the outgoing model. The former is a 2.4 litre Theta II MPi four-cylinder unit, while the oil burner is the 2.2 R CRDi – output figures are 172 PS/225 Nm and 193 PS/440 Nm, respectively. The petrol engine is linked to six-speed auto, with drive going to the front wheels, while the diesel gets a new eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D AWD
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4
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Well, hello there Mazda front.
Doesn’t look anything like Mazda front. You should find Datuk Doctor and have a check up.
It’s you who should get your eyes checked. John was correct in his view, just look at the chrome bar that crosses under the headlights. This is a Mazda USP that they copied.
Hyundai, I’m so disappointed, you should sack your designers.
ermmm actually the headlights ur talking about are led daylights, its headlights and signal lights are below the chrome bar so u cant say they r the same
Just buy Kia Sorento cause Kia design looks more nicer than this new fugly Hyundai Santa Fe.
No more Volvo XC90 lookalike.
X70 booth will be empty after pipu see this
This same person come from Hyundai Salesman, Perodua Salesman and Toyota Salesman
So Hyundai went from copying Audi to copying Mazda now?
Hmmm, I drove a Starex with that engine before. It was the best part of the vehicle and even with a full load was keeping up well with a Range Rover Sport from KL to Ipoh. I tailed that car for an hour. The engine’s power and torque is amazing.
Perhaps I should trade in my lacklustre Accord 2.4 for this.
upgrade to X70 SUV maybe
Haha, thanks for the joke. It was really funny. Appreciate it.
What ? Accord ? Pipu thought you drive a luxury car based on your snobbish comments. Sembang je kencang rupanya. Puikkkk!!!!!
How’s that an upgrade?
This new Santa Fe is the most gorgeous car in the KLIMS. The car design was way better than current Santa Fe and it is not far from Lexus.
Price wise. It will really be uncompetitive to compete with the Cr-v and cx-5. Good luck.
Nevertheless the interior design is great plus the material used are good as well.
Exterior is good, brave new design.
Santa Fe is D-segment SUV, 7 seater. So is not in the same segment as CR-V (down to earth but very average and boring family car) and CX-5 (my favorite styling, but inside cramp like hell and can’t even sit 5 comfortably.
I really like the exterior design of this new SF. But inside, somehow did someone messed up the localization of leather trim? What’s with the diarrhea color dark brown leather for the 2.2? The other color is much nicer and I hope they will offer both color trims for both engine variants. Because I wan the 2.2 diesel, and I want the other lighter, younger, and modern color trim.
Anyway, great job to Hyundai. This car is already around Korea and USA for some time already. Read up some reviews and understand this car is beyond the standard T and H junks.
Bring the 2.0 Turbo it will sell like a hotcake