The Hyundai Santa Fe has officially arrived in Malaysia, marking its return with a refreshed fourth-generation model. First showcased late last year and previewed at PACE 2023, this latest iteration offers three locally assembled CKD variants: the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Plus at RM185,888, the 2.2L Turbo Diesel Max at RM199,888, and the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Max at RM205,888, all excluding insurance. An introductory RM10,000 discount is available for the initial 100 buyers, with the standard RRP being RM10,000 higher. Each model comes with a five-year or 300,000 km factory warranty.
Jeffrey Gan, MD of Southeast Asia at Sime Darby Motors, highlighted that the Santa Fe has been a key part of Hyundai’s SUV lineup, offering a blend of striking design, modern technology, and versatile powertrains tailored for Malaysian families. Joey Lin, MD of HSDM, added that the Santa Fe is equipped with advanced features aimed at enhancing comfort and safety, including a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system and the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense safety suite.
Under the hood, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine produces 193 PS and 440 Nm of torque, routed through Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed wet DCT. The hybrid variant features a 1.6-litre Gamma II T-GDI petrol engine delivering 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque, paired with a 44.2 kW electric motor for a combined output of 230 PS and 350 Nm. This power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The facelifted Santa Fe boasts several exterior updates, including a new grille design integrated with the headlamps for a seamless appearance and T-shaped LED daytime running lights. The rear now features a redesigned bumper and a full-width red reflector strip. Inside, the revamped cabin includes a high center console with new controls replacing the traditional shifter, enhanced space, and premium materials.
The Santa Fe offers Terrain Mode selection for various driving conditions and comes in four colors: Phantom Black, Magnetic Grey, Stormy Sea, and Creamy White Pearl. Interested buyers can experience the SUV at the Sime Darby Motors Automania event at Carpark B of the National Stadium Bukit Jalil, where bookings may also enter a draw to win a BMW Motorrad electric scooter valued at RM38,500.