The all-new fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, with its eye-catching new exterior and efficient hybrid engine option, has been officially launched by Hyundai Motors Indonesia. And while we will have to wait a while, we can expect it too in Malaysia by next year.
Indonesia will get two trim levels—the Prime and the more expensive Calligraphy. The Prime 2.5 GDi costs IDR 699 million (about RM194k), while the Calligraphy 1.6T-GDi HEV costs IDR 869 million (about RM241k).
The new model will be offered with either a 194-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox, or a 235-hp 1.6-litre hybrid, which replaces the outgoing turbodiesel model.
With its unique pixelated headlights and taillights, the fifth-generation Santa Fe adopts a new boxy style. The previous generation model, which was only recently given a makeover in Malaysia, stands in sharp contrast to this contemporary and futuristic design language.
There are two interior seating options for the Indonesian Hyundai Santa Fe: the seven-seater (Prime) and the six-seater (Calligraphy), the latter of which has captain seats. Both models have leather seats and a panoramic curved display that, like BMW, seamlessly combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster and an infotainment touchscreen under one sheet of glass.
Hyundai Bluelink, which is an addition to the new Santa Fe’s technological offerings, enables owners to remotely control a number of car systems, such as seat heating and ventilation, via a smartphone app. Additionally supported are over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades.
The Calligraphy version, which is the highest trim level, comes equipped with a 17-speaker Bose premium sound system, a UV-C steriliser glove box, dual wireless charging pads, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Safety-wise, only the Calligraphy variants get the full suite of Hyundai’s advanced driving assistant system (ADAS), known as Hyundai Smartsense which features forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA), blind-spot view monitor (BVM), lane keeping assist (LKA).
CARLIST THOUGHTS
At present, Hyundai Malaysia is remaining silent as to when and whether Malaysia will also welcome the new Sante Fe. But given that the model is on sale here now, albeit a facelifted model of the current generation, we can expect the new version by next year.