2013 Hyundai Grand Santa Fe set for Geneva debut

At the 2013 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, Hyundai will unveil its Grand Santa Fe – the company’s E-segment extended wheelbase SUV.

Joining the already-successful New Generation Santa Fe, the new model further demonstrates Hyundai’s SUV expertise and heritage. To meet the region’s demand for a long wheelbase version, Grand Santa Fe was designed alongside the regular model from the earliest stages. This approach has ensured that the eye-catching design, influenced by the company’s ‘Storm Edge’ form language, is successfully applied to both models.

Grand Santa Fe was first seen at the 2012 New York International Show, but a European variant has been developed specially for the region. The ride and handling characteristics have been adjusted to deliver a more damped, responsive driving experience expected by European buyers.

Grand Santa Fe is taller (+ 10 mm), wider (+ 5 mm) and longer (+ 225 mm) due to an enlarged wheelbase (+100 mm) and now also yields a best-in-class 607-litre cargo capacity. The larger model also offers either a six- or seven-seat configuration, giving passengers space and comfort on even the longest journeys.

The newcomer to Europe features design differentiation over New Generation Santa Fe; notably a re-shaped grille, fog lamps and front bumper, and larger re-styled rear quarter. Grand Santa Fe rides on bespoke 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

A single and carefully-matched powertrain is offered - the powerful Euro5-compliant, 2,2-litre ‘R’ VGT diesel engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it produces 197 ps, while emitting only 192 g/km of CO2 on the European combined cycle.

Hyundai has also fitted the cabin with a high standard of specification – including the company’s three-mode steering system, FLEX STEER, a 4,3-inch TFT Supervision Cluster and a vehicle-length panoramic sunroof with no centre beam –offering a more pleasurable environment for long journeys.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The addition of Grand Santa Fe to the Hyundai portfolio will help meet the rising demand for E-segment SUV models in Europe. Grand Santa Fe upholds the company’s tradition of offering high levels of quality and standard specification, without the premium price. A powerful-yet-efficient engine, European-tuned chassis and the ability to accommodate people and luggage makes Grand Santa Fe the ideal choice for large families.”

The Hyundai press conference takes place at 11:30 CET on Tuesday 5 March. Hyundai’s booth is located in Hall 1, stand number 1040.