Christmas comes early for Santa Fe fans

Hyundai has revealed first details of its new Santa Fe, including new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the first time. It is set to go on sale in the autumn.

Big grille will divide opinions.

Besides a bold (or possibly divisive) new exterior look, the new Santa Fe interior now provides more space than the previous model. Hyundai also claims it has quality which will take it further upmarket to rival premium brands such as BMW and Land Rover.

Hyundai say the heavy bits of the Santa Fe are mounted low in the car to improve stability

Following the success of Hyundai’s smaller electrified Kona SUV, the new Santa Fe will get impressive-sounding EV technology. It will be the first Hyundai in Europe to get a new ‘Smartstream’ hybrid and plug-in hybrid set up. 

Plug-in hybrid should be capable of 40+ miles on a charge

Although official details are sketchy, this PHEV system is expected to use a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 16.6 kWh battery, giving an electric only range which will crack the crucial 40-mile barrier. This would give it lower company car tax rate than best-selling rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

There is no full-electric version planned however. 

Interior is said to rival the posh brands for quality