2012 New York: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe gets Long-wheelbase, Sport version

Today at the 2012 New York Auto Show, Hyundai released two variants of the redesigned 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Sport is a two-row five-passenger model, while the LBW, or long wheelbase, version has three rows and an extra 3.9-inches in length to accommodate seven passengers.

The automaker kept familiar design queues with its Storm Edge redesign concept, making both the new Santa Fe models fresh, but distinctly Hyundai. A three-bar hexagonal front grille, low stance, rising beltline, LED accents, wraparound taillights and optional black trimmed roof rails are all components of the new, and attractive, exterior design.

Power options for the Santa Fe Sport include a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) or a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI. The 2.4-liter variant makes 190-hp and an estimated 181 lb-ft of torque, with a pretty decent estimated epa rating of 23/33 city/highway. As for the 2.0-liter turbo, that gets you an estimated 264-hp, and the LWB, powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine is estimated 290-hp. All the Santa Fe’s engines are coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control.

The Santa Fe Sport sits on a set of 17-inch wheels, while the Sport 2.0T gets a set of 19-inch wheels, and the LWB comes with either 18- or 19-inch wheels.

All models come AWD with Hyundai’s Vehicle Stability Management System, which is designed to improve stability while cornering, and prevent overheating while towing.

Inside the cabin, both the Sport and LWB versions share similar looks like on the outside. Features include heated and roomier rear seats, upgraded fabrics, a clean air Ionizer and a panoramic sunroof. Push-button start comes standard on both the Turbo and LWB models, and is an option for the 2.4-liter models, along with the option for a heated steering wheel and sliding second row seats. A new feature for Hyundai drivers is the Driver Selectable Steering Mode with options for Comfort, Sport and Normal, which adapts to the driver’s environment, adjusting the power assistance.

An optional 8-inch multifunction touch-screen display is available on all models that has an upgraded navigation system and enhanced voice recognition. Four audio systems are available, and range from the standard AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 six-speaker system with iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs, up to the premium navigation that comes with an Infiniti 550-watt, Logic 7 twelve-speaker system with an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier.

The Santa Fe lineup will be hitting dealer showrooms in January 2013, while the model is goes on sale late this summer.

2012 New York Auto Show

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

By: Alexandra Koken