The second generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe shows us how the new Fluidic Sculpture design language adopted by the Korean carmaker looks on a car with large wheels that’s more sturdy than the ix35.
And looking at the model on display at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, we just cannot help but notice that the move implied getting rid of the whole Santa Fe concept as we know it: that rounded SUV that all in all was aesthetically quite pleasing and elegant has made room for a new generation that’s instantly recognizable as a Hyundai model of the new course.
The new Santa Fe is a far more aggressive and ‘manly’ car than the outgoing generation, equipped with better technology and highly efficient engines: on the diesel side there are a 2.
0L CRDi VGT diesel delivering 150 hp and a 2.
2 CRDi R developing a maximum power of 197 hp; on the petrol side instead we have just a 2.
4L delivering 192 hp.
The third-generation of the Santa Fe will be available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, selectable through a TOD system (Torque-on-Demand).
The Korean brand has also introduced the second body variant of i30 model, the three-door version, which – lack of doors aside – differs from the traditional i30 because of the black grille and renewed bumper, now housing circular fog lights combined with LED parking lights.
The rear section is characterized the black plastic stripe and redesigned rear fog light, and the alloy wheels are exclusive for this variant.
Interestingly enough, steering wheel, shift knob and armrests are finished in orange.
Check the two models out in our photo gallery, where you will find also more pics of the new Hyundai i20 WRC, the model we talked about yesterday that will mark Hyundai’s return in the World Rally Championship.