Hyundai has launched the new-generation Santa Fe HEV hybrid model range in Australia, with fleet-friendly pricing for the entry-level 2WD and AWD models.
While prices are up across the board compared with the previous model, the hybrid range has expanded this time around, with all variants offered with a petrol-electric powertrain.
The base model front-wheel-drive Santa Fe hybrid at $55,500 plus on-roads, and the all-wheel-drive version at $58,500. The more richly-specified Elite AWD is $65,000, and the flagship Calligraphy is $75,000 as a seven-seater, or $75,500 for the six-seat model with captain’s chairs in the second row.
The new HEV system makes use of a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission. Integrated into the transmission is a 44.2kW electric motor, which is fed by a lithium-ion polymer 1.49kWh battery. The total combined output for all Santa Fe HEV models is 172kW and 367Nm, with an official fuel use figure of 5.6 litres per 100km (and 128g/km CO2).
Sam Dabestani, Hyundai Australia product planning manager, said the brand knows that the higher-grade models will appeal to private buyers, and that there will be some interest in the entry-level versions from corporate customers.
“Certainly it’s going to be the variant that fleet customers will be more interested in, given the low price point, and obviously, in general, price is a more sensitive purchase factor for fleet buyers.
“Anything that helps lower the cost of the vehicle is obviously going to be more attractive for fleet buyers. But we do think also that there is a significant proportion of private customers who are going to be interested in this price point,” Mr Dabestani said.
“Price is a sensitive reason for purchase in this segment, so anything that will help drive that cost of entry into the model range down is hugely important for all buyers.”
The base grade Santa Fe has seven seats, cloth seat trim, twin 12.3-inch screens (one for driver info, the other for infotainment – including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and there is a wireless phone charging pad in the base grade, and twin wireless chargers in higher spec models.
The Elite adds leather seat trim and different interior and exterior finishing, while the Calligraphy has the choice of a few different Nappa leather trim finishes inside, and gets a blacked-out exterior styling pack.
Standard on the entire model range are 20-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare, and all versions have LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for private buyers but a five-year/130,000km level of cover for commercial customers.
There’s an eight-year/160,000km high voltage battery warranty, too, and service intervals are every 12 months/10,000km, with an average cost of $481 per service for the first five services.
Hyundai offers a lifetime capped-price servicing plan, and the brand will renew your roadside assistance each time you maintain the vehicle with the brand.
