Hyundai Announces New Seven-Seat Santa Fe for 2007

The current Santa Fe has been one of Hyundais most successful vehicles to date, offering SUV buyers who are looking for an economical, durable and affordable sport utility vehicle exactly what they need.

Just the same, now that the all-new second-generation Santa Fe has just been introduced in its home market of South Korea, its plain to see that Hyundai will be shifting its midsize SUV gears. And the coming changes make sense. Since the compact Tucson arrived on the scene earlier this year the Santa Fe has lost some of its followers, but at the same time the slightly smaller model has allowed opportunity for the Santa Fe to grow in its coming generation.

The first Santa Fe bridged the gap between compact and midsized sport utilities, but the new model has been designed to target the midsize segment directly and therefore will represent the Korean brand in a market segment it was previously unable to satisfy. It will be a seven-seat SUV with a frame thats larger than the current model, but shorter than traditional seven-seaters like the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Ford Explorer. In fact, while wider than the Explorer, its closer in overall size to Toyotas Highlander than any other sport ute; only an infinitesimal 0.6 inches shorter but noticeably wider by 2.9 inches.

With a new larger RAV4 on the way, however, the Highlander will most likely grow to accommodate its third row more easily, which may leave the Santa Fe targeting that same long-wheelbase seven-passenger RAV4, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, also sporting a third row, totally redesigned Suzuki XL7, on its way, plus the upcoming Mazda CX-7 and recently announced Korean-built Chevrolet Captiva.

Built off of a thoroughly modern car-based platform, which remains nameless but is most likely the award-winning Sonata being that the two models will be build side-by-side in the Sonatas Alabama assembly plant, the 2007 Santa Fe will feature a new multi-link rear suspension for a more car-like ride. The switchover adds an extra 3.1 inches of width, 6.9 inches onto its overall length an increases front and rear tracks by 3.0 inches and 3.1 inches respectively, just large enough to accommodate that third row of seats. Like its current and future competitors, the Santa Fes third row folds flat into the floor to provide extra cargo space when not in use.

According to the initial press release, the larger Santa Fe will feature V6 power. The base model will utilize a revised version of Hyundais 2.7-liter Mu V6, now making 186-horsepower, while the automakers new 3.3-liter Lamda V6 is said to continue forward with the same 233-horsepower specification as it does in the new Sonata. The new 3.8-liter V6 from the top-line Azera and forthcoming Entourage minivan will follow.

Hyundai will also debut a new second-generation D-2.2 151-hp common rail turbodiesel engine, expected to be the most popular choice in European and Asian sales. All 4WD Santa Fes will feature an electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system with four-wheel lock mode, which fixes power distribution at 50:50 for improved off-road capabilities.

A leader in value for the dollar, the new Santa Fe will pack a plentiful safety kit as well as an extensive standard equipment list. Four-wheel discs with ABS, traction control and stability control provide active safety, while anti-whiplash headrests, front, front-side and curtain-type side airbags make up the passive safety list. Like the Sonata and the Azera, Hyundai aims to surprise with the Santa Fe, with optional equipment such as heated leather seats, dual-zone digital climate control, automatic wipers and heated side-view mirrors.

The new Santa Fe will make its North American debut at this years Detroit auto show in January, sharing the stage with another important vehicle, the HCD-9 Talus, a concept car which depicts the future of Hyundai sports cars.

While production of the new Santa Fe is already underway at the Ulsan, South Korea factory, North American models will be built at Hyundais recently finished Montgomery, Alabama plant that builds the critically acclaimed Sonata midsize sedan, as previously mentioned. U.S.-market Santa Fes will arrive on sale during the first quarter of 2006.