Hyundai Australia will add an Elite grade and a Highlander grade Hybrid variant to the large Santa Fe SUV family later this month.
The Santa Fe Hybrid all-wheel-drive combines a new 1.6-litre T-GDi engine and a 44.2kW electric motor, which draws power from a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.
The petrol/electric hybrid system delivers combined outputs of 169kW and 350Nm through a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission combined with all-wheel-drive.
According to Hyundai, the Santa Fe Hybrid produces more power than the 2.2 CRDi, greater torque than the 3.5 MPi (across a broader rev range), while using less fuel on the official combined cycle.
The hybrid powertrain is paired with a newly developed 6-speed automatic transmission designed to further enhance efficiency. It will be offered alongside continuing 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol 2WD and 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel AWD powertrains.
The Santa Fe Elite Hybrid will retail from $63,000 and the Highlander Hybrid will retail from $69,550.
Both wear machined-face 19-inch alloy wheels which provides a striking look to set them apart from their sibling models says the manufacturer.
“The addition of Santa Fe Hybrid, and a new six-seater option, brings renewed appeal in this latest evolution of our popular large SUV,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive Ted Lee says.
“The Santa Fe continues to deliver an combination of style, space, luxury and technology, and now offers the performance and efficiency of a hybrid powertrain,” he says.
A six-seater option is offered exclusively with the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander. It features second-row captain’s chairs that provide comfort as well as additional interior space, while making it easy to walk through to the third row.
