The new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger than before, and now even more lounge-like on the inside

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Photos: Clifford Chow

DUSIT THANI LAGUNA SINGAPORE

Komoco Motors unveils the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe today at Dusit Thani Laguna. Design for their people-carrying SUV, which is larger both inside and out, than the car it replaces, began unusually from the rear of the car, where it features a tall-upright tailgate. Hyundai’s approach for their new Santa Fe stems from the idea of facilitating the enjoyment of the outdoors. 

The straight-line clean sculpting from the side, together with bold-angular wheel arches, which house 20-inch wheels, impart a certain ruggedness, which you would expect out of more serious off-roading SUVs. Under the hood however, the Santa Fe tells a different story - one of efficiency. The 1.6-litre SmartStream Gamma III turbocharged hybridised powertrain is similar to that of the previous car. While power at 215hp is down by 15hp, torque has significantly increased from 265Nm to 367Nm (all figures combined output). Drive is supplied to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

“Since the first-generation SANTA FE’s debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “The All-New Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which encompasses the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will establish an unrivalled presence in the mid-sized SUV market.”

The H-shaped theme on the head and tail lights continue within the interior, with the light design applied to the dashboard, air vents, seat stitching and even behind the seats. To further enhance the overall appearance, the new Santa Fe is now equipped with two wireless mobile device chargers, and it now even comes with its very own UV-C Sterilisation Tray; great for sterilising small objects… think baby toys, before handing them over to a toddler. The dashboard features a single-piece Panoramic Curved Display, which houses its 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system.

The 7 seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 layout, and thanks to the longer wheelbase, Hyundai says that the new Santa Fe has the best interior space in its class. With the third row folded, the SUV offers 628-litres of cargo space, and in “full cargo mode”, where both second and third rows are lowered, the Santa Fe provides up-to 1,949-litres… great for that IKEA run. Speaking of cargo, the Santa Fe features Hidden-type Assist Handles, which make for easier access to items stored on the roof.

“The 2024 SANTA FE SUV represents Hyundai’s foray into refined styling and upscaled tastes,” said Mr Teo Hock Seng, Executive Chairman of Komoco Motors Pte Ltd. “This model proves that Hyundai is able to meld impressive design with practicality, while retaining the heart of creating reliable and safe cars that are environmentally friendly.”

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Speaking of environmentally friendly, interior materials used in the new Hyundai Santa Fe are eco-friendly. Furthermore the leatherette seats are made of materials which are certified as Class 1 in Europe, which means that they are safe for infants up to 3 years of age.

The new Santa Fe is available in two trims, the Santa Fe TurboHybrid and Santa Fe TurboHybrid Calligraphy. And you can have them in eight exterior colours, that include Terracotta Orange Solid, and Earthly Brass Matte (which is the car in the pictures), and three interior shades.

At the time of publishing, the Santa Fe TurboHybrid Calligraphy retails for $277,999 with COE. However, there is no pricing yet for the lower-spec car.

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