Hyundai releases renderings of its all-new Santa Fe midsize cross/utility vehicle that will have its global debut next month at the New York International Auto Show.
The new model carries the auto maker’s “fluidic sculpture” philosophy a step further. Designers call the exterior styling “storm edge,” meaning it’s based on images that are seen when a storm is developing.
The all-new Santa Fe has a hexagonal grille, the new base design cue for the Hyundai family. The vehicle also features 2-tone paint and has wider front and rear bumpers.
This is the third-generation Santa Fe, which had its original world debut in Seoul in 2000. At the time, Hyundai engineers said the new vehicle’s quality was without parallel and their best achievement to date.
But many analysts were doubtful the original CUV’s rounded, yet boxy styling would take hold in overseas markets. They were proved wrong. It was an instant hit in North America and often has been in short supply.
The Santa Fe since has racked up global sales of 2.56 million units (1.95 million global, 680,000 domestic).
In the U.S., the Santa Fe is produced at the Kia Motors Mfg. America plant in West Point, GA, relieving capacity constraints at the Hyundai Motor Mfg. Alabama facility in Montgomery. The CUV was built in Alabama from 2006 to 2010, but shifted to Georgia for the ’11 model launch.
Hyundai says the Santa Fe badge will be used in all markets. Details about powertrains and launch dates likely will be revealed in New York.
