Fourth generation Hyundai Santa Fe to debut in February

Hyundai Motors has released a teaser image of the new Santa Fe SUV.

Hyundai debuted the first-generation Santa Fe SUV globally in 2001, whose production ceased in 2006. The second-generation model was introduced in 2007, which was launched in India in 2010. The second-generation model was then replaced by an all-new model that came to India in 2014. However, due to lack of demand for the Santa Fe in the Indian market and its high price tag, owing to the fact that it was brought in through the CBU route, Hyundai discontinued the Santa Fe in India around September 2017.

The current generation of the Santa Fe is expected to continue its production run in other markets till 2019. But in February 2018, Hyundai is all set to reveal the all-new fourth generation of the Santa Fe, which will make its official public debut at the 88th Geneva Motor Show in March.

At the moment, Hyundai has only released a teaser image of the vehicle and a very little detail about the new SUV. Hyundai has stated that the new-generation Santa Fe will be offered with Hyundai’s comprehensive package of the latest active safety features under the ‘Smart Sense’ technology umbrella. It will also feature Rear Occupant Alert, which monitors the rear seats to detect passengers and alerts the driver when leaving the car. Additionally, it will feature Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, which has now been integrated with automated braking function. This will help make reversing out of narrow parking spots and areas with limited visibility much easier and safer, for it will alert the driver of oncoming traffic and apply the brakes automatically.

The question remains if Hyundai Motor India will launch the Santa Fe in our market. It seems unlikely at this point, but the rapidly growing demand for SUVs in our market does make a good case for it. However, to remain competitive against the likes of the dominating Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour, the pricing of the Santa Fe will be the key.