The Hyundai Santa Fe R has been launched on the Australian market featuring a new 2.2-liter diesel engine. The new diesel under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe R develops 145kW and 436Nm of torque which is 27% more than the previous unit. The manual gearbox version of the Hyundai Santa Fe R outputs 421Nm of torque. The SUV comes with new 6-speed transmissions that reduce the fuel consumption to 6.7 litres/100 km which is a 7% improvement.
The safety of the Hyundai Santa Fe R has also been improved including crash and rollover protection. The styling of the SUV has been revised while the interior is now more comfortable and newly designed.
The Hyundai Santa Fe R price for the Australian market starts at $37,990.
Hyundai Press Release:
Hyundai's successful Santa Fe 7-seat SUV steals a lead on its rivals through an array of technical and cosmetic upgrades for 2010.
Key among these is a new generation 'R' series Diesel engine which sets new standards of efficiency - resulting in dramatic gains in performance alongside significantly reduced fuel consumption. Power and torque climb a massive 27% to 145kW and 436Nm respectively (421Nm on manual), delivering effortless all-terrain capability, no matter what the load.
Combined with a choice of new 6-speed transmissions, the new 'R' series engine reduces Santa Fe's class-leading fuel consumption by a further 7% to 6.7 litres/100 km+ (manual) - with corresponding emissions reductions.
The new car made its Australian debut in the Global Green Challenge, a grueling six day drive over 3,000km between Darwin and Adelaide, during which the Santa Fe 'R' 6-speed manual proved easily capable of undercutting its official fuel consumption figure of 6.7 L/100km (7.5 l/100km for automatic)+.
"The latest Santa Fe builds on its renowned practicality and economy," said Hyundai Motor Company Australia's Sales and Marketing Director, Kevin McCann. "Packed with features that encompass the
gamut of driving desirables - performance, efficiency, comfort and five star safety - it undoubtedly sets new standards for value as an all-purpose 7-seat family SUV."
The new Santa Fe 'R' bristles with an array of new features including...
The all-new R-2.2 diesel engine, offering improved power and torque as well as reduced fuel consumption and CO? emissions.
A choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, once again designed to improve performance and efficiency.
Enhanced safety features, including improved crash and rollover protection, resulting in a five star ANCAP rating.
New styling cues.
Upgraded interior design and comfort.
Suspension which has been dynamically optimised for Australian road conditions.
Model range
Hyundai has reconfigured the specifications of the Santa Fe's three trim levels, in the process sharpening the competiveness of its value offering: SLX (from $37,990 MLP*), Elite ($43,990 MLP*) and Highlander ($48,490 MLP*).
Enhanced performance, improved efficiency
Developed by a team of 150 engineers at an investment cost of AUD227 million, the all-new R-2.2 turbo diesel engine is the latest generation of Hyundai's famously fuel-efficient range of Diesels. In 6-speed manual form it produces 145kW of peak power and 421Nm of torque, while maximum torque of 436Nm for the automatic version provides more than enough 'grunt' to tackle any task.
The 'R' engine benefits from being the third generation of Bosch's common rail system, whose piezo-electronic injectors deliver fuel at 1800 bar with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control. It also features an electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger and is managed by an advanced electronic control unit.
With a 16-valve dual overhead camshaft driven by an internal steel timing chain, the 'R' engine is also fitted with a highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation system with by-pass valve. CO? emissions have been reduced with all models falling below 200g/km (the 6-speed manual at 176g/km and the auto at 197g/km)+.
NVH is reduced by a lower balance shaft that has been encased in a stiffened crankcase housing for increased rigidity. Weight-saving features include a serpentine belt with isolation pulley, and the use of plastics in the head cover, intake manifold and oil filter housing.
Computational fluid dynamics, structural and thermal analysis were used to optimise the design, while computerised simulation of the die-casting process was used to achieve the optimum balance of both strength and low weight.
Over 500 prototype engines were built during the 42-month development period and subjected to a wide variety of performance and emission tests, endurance assessments, and NVH, cooling and lubrication studies. Finally the engine was installed in vehicles for exhaustive real world testing under all imaginable climatic conditions.
New 6-speed auto transmission
The new Santa Fe 'R' comes with the option of Hyundai's tried and tested 6-speed manual or a brand new 6-speed automatic with electronic sequential manual mode.
Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transaxle places Hyundai in an elite class of automotive manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed auto (after Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture), demonstrating Hyundai's advanced powertrain engineering capabilities. The strength of the design is that its unique layout makes it more compact and lighter than any other 6-speed currently available. Compared with the 5-speed transmission it replaces, fuel economy is improved and so is performance - seemingly contradictory goals. This is a result of closer spacings between gear ratios, made possible by the extra sixth gear.
The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a compact torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 12mm. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimise overall size.
Another example of engineering ingenuity is in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Because there are always slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next, causing fluctuations in hydraulic pressure that in turn affect shift precision and quality, the transaxle features cleverly calibrated adjustment screws that enable each of the eight valves to be set at the factory. This novel feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point, delivering fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rev range.
The unit is maintenance-free, filled with an automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle (hence there is no dipstick), reducing maintenance costs.
Developed over a four year period, the new 6-speed automatic is 12kg lighter than the 5-speed it replaces. It is also 41mm shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts - again reducing costs and increasing durability.
Reduced fuel consumption and emissions
The real benefits come in terms of fuel efficiency. For the manual, the averaged figure over city and country combined driving is 6.7L/100km, with 7.5L/100km for the automatic+. On the open road extra cycle, this can drop to 5.7L/100km (manual) and 6.3L/100km (automatic)+.
Fuel economy has also been maximised with the addition of a new alternator management system, eliminating drag on the engine. The 'Power Regulation' is controlled by the engine computer modulating the alternator field coil current under certain operating conditions.
With the 6-speed manual gearbox, the 'ECO' coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. An icon on the LCD tripmeter screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. Other fuel-saving innovations include the fitment of a rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.
5 star safety
The Santa Fe comes complete with a full suite of safety features, both active and passive, which have lifted its crash performance to the maximum 5* rating in the ANCAP assessment program. Standard on all models is ESP Stability Control, which includes Hyundai's Traction Control System (TCS).
Driver and front passenger airbags, dual side front (thorax) airbags and front and rear passenger side curtain airbags (which extend to the third row) are standard across all three grades of the new Santa Fe.
Rollover sensors are a new feature on all models which, should the vehicle be at risk of overturning, trigger the side and curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners.
Other standard safety features include Rear Park Assist, front active head rests and 3 point retractable seat belts for all occupants, including the third row. The Santa Fe also features a driver's side safety window that retracts if an obstacle is detected.
A reversing camera, built into the rear garnish with the image displayed on an LCD colour display integrated into the driver's rear-view mirror, also comes standard on the top-of-the-range Highlander.
New design - inside and out
The Santa Fe 'R' series is distinguished by several external styling enhancements. A new radiator grille with a flying chrome wing (also featured on the i30) replaces the two-slat matt black grille of the predecessor. Front and rear bumpers, headlamps, fog lamps and rear combination lights have also been revised. New wheel designs mean 17" alloy wheels on the SLX and Elite, and 18" alloys are standard on the Highlander. Revised side sill mouldings, sportier exhaust tips and streamlined roof racks provide the finishing touches.
In the interior there are carbon graphite style accents and aluminium effect finishes throughout the cabin plus a new 'supervision' instrument cluster on Elite and Highlander models. Black leather trim is standard on the Highlander model.
All Santa Fe 'R' models feature a USB audio input with iPod® compatibility, cruise control and steering wheel mounted controls and heated outside mirrors.
The Elite version adds push button start and proximity key, driver's side power seat adjustment, a fold-down conversation mirror as well as auto dusk sensing headlights and dual zone climate control air conditioning. Passengers in the third row also get their own air conditioning vents and fan speed control.
In addition, the Highlander accommodates both front seat occupants with electric seats, and also adds electro-chromatic rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers, power seats for both driver and passenger and an electric glass sunroof as standard.
Seven seats are fitted on all grades of the Santa Fe making flexibility a key feature, as the second row of seats has a 60/40 split fold function and the third row a 50/50 split fold. The second row 'kerbside' seat can also tumble forward to allow easier access to the third row.
A great feature for the family road trip is the air conditioned cool box on Elite and Highlander and there is also a convenient storage recess in the rear cargo area.
Accessories
Owners can opt to further tailor the Santa Fe to their needs with a wide range of Genuine Hyundai Accessories to keep connected, entertained and protected.
Roof-mounted DVD entertainment is available to keep the kids engaged on road trips. It also plays audio CDs or MP3 compilation CDRs and is also Sony PlayStation® and Nintendo console-compatible. The Bluetooth® Phone Kit enables the driver to connect a Bluetooth® enabled phone, and at the touch of a button, talk to family and friends wirelessly, through the car's audio system.
There is also a direct connection for iPod® that allows you to plays all music directly from an iPod® through the vehicle's sound system, adjustable through either steering wheel or conventional controls.
To help parking in tight spaces, Front Park Assist is available, emitting an ultrasonic signal to alert the driver of approaching objects - which may be outside the field of vision.
And when you need to carry a range of lifestyle equipment, such as a snowboard, skis, bikes or kayak, there are the Whispbar™ Quiet roof racks, which are quick and easy to fit and remove.
New Santa Fe - powertrain highlights:
2.2 CRDi turbo Diesel (3rd generation common rail with piezo electric injectors)
145kW of peak power @ 3,800rpm
421Nm peak torque @ 1,800 to 2,500rpm for 6-speed manual
436Nm peak torque @ 1,800 to 2,500rpm for 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption+ 6.7 litres/100 km (man), 7.5 litres/100 km (auto)
CO2 emissions+176g/km (man), 197g/km (auto)
Towing capacity
Braked - 2,000kg
Unbraked - 750kg
New Santa Fe range - manufacturer's list prices:
New Santa Fe 7 seat SLX R-2.2 turbo Diesel 6-speed manual $37,990 MLP*
New Santa Fe 7 seat SLX R-2.2 turbo Diesel 6-speed auto $39,990 MLP*
New Santa Fe 7 seat Elite R-2.2 turbo Diesel 6-speed auto $43,990 MLP*
New Santa Fe 7 seat Highlander 2.2 R turbo Diesel 6-speed auto $48,490 MLP*
Optional metallic/mica paint $375 MLP*
Note: *MLP includes GST, but excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges. On-sale date is December 1, 2009.
Note: +Australian Design Rules 81/02 static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test. Fuel consumption will vary depending in a combination of driving habits and the condition of the vehicle.
