South Korean automaker Hyundai is
planning to launch a new flagship crossover that will take on the likes
of the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes Benz M-Class. This crossover is expected
to sit above the 2013 all new Santa Fe crossover, that Hyundai
showcased a few months ago. while the Santa Fe will be available with
two wheelbase variants, a shorter 5 seater and a longer 7 seater model,
the new luxury crossover is expected to be bigger than the Santa Fe and
will be capable of seating 7 adults. Given that it will be positioned as
a luxury crossover, expect a range of safety and creature comforts.
The older
Sante Fe crossover has been a big success for Hyundai in the United
States and the new model based on the Fluidic design philosophy(Called
the Storm Edge on the new Santa Fe) is expected to continue being a big
seller. However, the larger 7 seat luxury crossover is another product
that South Korean brand is actively looking at. Other details of this
seven seat luxury crossover from Hyundai remains unknown at the moment,
including a time frame in which it would be developed. The new crossover
could however debut with a rear wheel drive layout.
That said, now that we know that Hyundai
does have plans of a bigger crossover, we’ll keep our eyes peeled out
for test mules. Coming to the 2013 Santa Fe Storm Edge, the 7 seater
model is expected to be launched internationally by the end of this
year. In India though, expect this crossover to replace the current
model sometime in 2013, following the global launch. The car gets a
reworked 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine and a 2 Liter R-Diesel engine.
The more powerful 2.2 Liter, four cylinder turbo diesel engine will
produce a peak power of 225 Bhp with peak torque rated at 500 Nm, making
it one of the most powerful diesel engines unveiled by Hyundai.
The 2 Liter, R-Diesel engine pumps out
182 Bhp of peak power and 392 Nm of peak torque, mainly for the sake of
higher fuel economy. This engine, packaged with a two wheel drive
version the 2013 Santa Fe could be sold as an entry level variant. The
2013 Santa Fe gets brand new interiors, designed on the Fluidic theme
along with a range of new features like automatic parking and LED front
and rear lamps. Currently, the Santa Fe is assembled in India through
completely knocked down(CKD) kits. Expect the new model to take the same
route as well.
Courtesy: WardsAuto
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