Hyundai Santa-Fe to be Revealed on October 1st – Reports

There had been a strong rumor for quite some time that Hyundai Pakistan might introduce Santa Fe. We have covered a detailed report in this regard after locally assembled units were spotted somewhere in North Pakistan. We can confirm that a 4th generation model will be introduced in Pakistan, and the launch is scheduled for October 1st, 2023.

We are not expecting a 5th generation because that model is not yet for sale outside Pakistan, and the arrival of it in our local market should not be expected either. Below, you can see a short video clip that was recorded by one of our followers when the locally assembled vehicle was spotted a few weeks ago.

For now, we don’t have all the official details, photos, and specifications, but we will use some photos of an overseas model to explore the upcoming model. We will also briefly discuss the teaser images shared by Hyundai Nishat’s Social media and will try to extract any information.

Exterior of Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Nishat released a single teaser for the exterior with the message “Innovation Of Wheels,” but it’s too blurry to predict. We can guess there is LED lighting on the front.

There will be a cascading wide grill with headlights integrated into the grill. This provides a wider and sporty character. There are T-shaped LED DRLs, while depending on variants, there can be dual projector high and low beams ( side by side) or dual stacked LED reflector headlights.

The models with projector headlights also get the sequential turn signal, which changes the upper portion of DRL into amber. Although we don’t know exactly which headlights we will see on our local model, there might be a dual LED reflector in one short video clip. In this case, a typical turn signal is next to the headlight housing.

The wheels on the spotted vehicle are aero-type alloys and are 235/55 R19. We don’t know the brand of the tires, but we might be seeing an imported brand. Typical roof rails will be available, while chrome garnish around the windows will be standard. Unlike the overseas model, where the rear side and back screen get a privacy screen, we will not get that option.

LED taillights will be standard on the rear, with an LED high-mount stop lamp and a rear screen wiper. Overall, the exterior will be modern and appealing, although it’s now a model that will be phased out in the international market. Comparing this mode with its corporate cousin, the KIA Sorento, Santa FE looks more attractive and tempting, although this is very subjective.

Interior Teasers 

Hyundai Nishat released two teaser clips for the interior; one shows the dashboard layout, while the second teaser concentrates on the side view of the central console. The teasers confirm that we will witness customizable ambient lighting in the dashboard and the center console. The teaser also confirms some details regarding the infotainment screen.

In overseas markets, depending on the variant, an 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment screen is available with smartphone integration with Bluetooth capabilities. The 10.25-inch unit is a knob-free Harman Kardon premium system with 10 speakers + an external amplifier available on upper trim levels.

We thought Pakistan might get a similar setup, but the teaser image reveals that it might be different. The Pakistan domestic model will have a standard 8-inch unit with a 6-speaker system. We can expect an Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration with steering wheel controls.

What Can We Expect?

As for the rest of the interior, the facelift model, as we expect in Pakistan, gets a new and high-tech interior. A new floating center console holds several buttons to control HVAC, media, and other functions. The facelift model also receives a shift-by-wire transmission similar to the Hyundai Sonata; this provides a new design for the center console, creating ample storage space underneath it.

We are unsure if we will carry over every feature as seen on the overseas model; depending on the variant, the overseas model comes equipped with heated and ventilated seats, a 10 or 14-way power driver seat with lumber support, and an 8-way power passenger seat. There is also a seat walk-in switch on the front passenger seat, which the rear passenger or driver can use to move or recline the front passenger seat.

Regular typical leather or even Nappa leather is available. Dual-zone climate control with cabin air filter is available with air vents in 2nd row, while the third row also gets air vents with a fab blower for added air circulation. Power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, power-retractable side view mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview mirror are additional features in our local model.

The 2nd-row seats not only slide front and back but also can be reclined while these can be folded down with the press of the button from the cargo area. The third row is not ideal for an adult but can be used in emergencies, although it is a perfect space for small kids. LED map lights, vanity lights, and USB ports are standard across the cabin. I am sure we will see a panoramic roof, although the availability of a heads-up display is doubtful.

Remember that the HUD on Santa Fe is colored and displays navigation beside speed. We might have no privacy screen option, but we can expect sunshades for the rear door roll-up window. The full-size spare is available, but it’s mounted outside underneath the cargo space. I hope we checkmark most of the features seen on the international model in our domestic model.

Engine of Hyundai Sant Fe

Hyundai Nishat has not released any teaser for the engine compartment as of the writing of this article, but we have some confirmed information. The 4th gen Santa FE facelift is available in multiple configurations, which include conventional 178hp 2.5L MPI, 191hp 2.5L GDI, 227hp 2.0L Turbo GDI, 277hp, 2.5L Turbo GDI, 268hp 3.5L MPI engine. Santa Fe is also available in 2.2L diesel, but the more attractive version is 1.6L Turbo GDI hybrid and 1.6L Turbo GDI plugin hybrid.

The HEV/ normal Hybrid uses a 59hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. The engine delivers 178hp, which, in combination with an electric motor, produces a combined 227hp 350Nm of torque. There is a space-saving 270 Volt 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery under the driver seat. The plugin hybrid has the same 178hp engine and, in combination with a 13.8 kWh battery pack & 90hp motor, produces a total of 261hp.

We can confirm that we are getting a normal hybrid version for sure, as a hybrid emblem was seen on one of the vehicles back in August 2023. It’s early to say if Hyundai Pakistan will offer conventional gasoline engines, although technically, it’s possible. Hyundai offered plugin variants in limited markets, so I don’t expect that in Pakistan. However, it’s not difficult to introduce, obviously with a much higher price than regular Hybrid.

As per Australian fuel economy figures, the hybrid version has a combined [ city+ highway ] value of 6L per 100km, which means around 17 km per liter for AWD. The same model is rated as 13.5km /liter on the US fuel economy cycle. These numbers are under test conditions and may not be achieved by the consumers.

Safety

Hyundai Nishat hasn’t yet released any safety-related teaser for the upcoming Santa Fe. When the facelift model of Santa Fe shifted to the N3 platform, it improved its safety rating; the overseas model comes standard with front, side, and curtain airbags beside Hill start assist, stability control, downhill assist, traction control and brake assist systems.

N3 platform also provided the model with active safety features in the form of active safety features / ADAS, which includes blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane follow, radar and camera-based forward collision avoidance, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The top-of-the-line models in the overseas model also get 360 views surrounding the monitor.

The overseas top model also receives a Blind Spot monitor, which uses a camera in the side view mirror and displays the live video in the driver instrument cluster for the vehicle in the blind spot.

I hope we see the same level of safety equipment on our domestic model Hyundai Santa FE, but these things are always doubtful as these come in cost-cutting, which is extremely concerning. After a close inspection of the model, we saw at Deosai that the model is missing the radar module behind a rectangular trim on the front lower portion of the bumper in the middle. The video clips are unclear, so we are unsure about it. If this is the case, we might only get a partial ADAS suite with some of its features.

Dimensions of Hyundai Santa Fe

As of footprint, the 4th gen Hyundai Santa Fe is 4785mm in length (L), 1900mm in width (W) & has a wheelbase of 2765mm(WB). The ground clearance stands at 176mm (GC) for overseas models. We may or may not have the same number. The fuel tank is 67 liters. I am sharing a snapshot of the other relevant 3-row models with available information for reference.

Tiggo 8 ; 4722mm (L) , 1860mm(W) , 2710mm(WB) , 194mm(GC). Fuel tank of 51 liters.

Oshan X7; 4730mm(L) , 1870mm(W) ,2876mm(WB). Fuel tank 55 liters.

Sorento ; 4800mm(L) ,1890mm(W) , 2780mm (WB), 185mm(GC). Fuel tank is 70 liters.

I will not bring BR-V, Glory into his equation while there is no need to discuss the Fortuner, as that is not related directly to this segment as such, price as well as the capabilities and use.

Bottom Line – The Sticker Price

The current auto policy, effective from 2021 to 2016, has provided incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles in the form of reduced duty/customs on the import of parts. Toyota wanted to win the race by introducing the first hybrid model in the country, but it failed as Haval had already revealed a locally assembled H6 hybrid. We are hearing that Honda Atlas is working on a hybrid version of HR-V, but we currently have Santa Fe in the pipeline, and the official reveal is close now. As per available information, the model will be made public within the next two months.

Now, the next question would be the price, and it’s challenging to guess that when the $ exchange rate is still very high, although it has receded in recent weeks. Well, I think that Hyundai Santa Fe might be around Rs. 12 Million +/- but with the history of Nishat in front of us, they might go as much as  Rs. 13 Million and maybe more. Launching with a so-called Introductory price and then bumping the price within weeks is also possible.

Hyundai Nishat should undercut the price of the Haval H6 hybrid, which is currently around Rs. 12.14 Million. Hyundai has the added advantage of being a 3-row, and with the lower prices, they can grab customers. But I will advise and highly recommend that Hyundai should introduce a well-equipped model that includes safety equipment besides better-built quality, fit & finish.

With the current crisis of the economy and high interest rates, car sales are already down, and any unrealistic pricing will not help the sales graphs. As the 4th generation facelift model also utilized the same N3 chassis as Hyundai Sonata, there can be some cost recovery, keeping in mind its production will cease in overseas markets, and Hyundai Nishat might be able to get cheaper discontinued CKD kits and other related parts, beside assembly jigs and machinery probably dismantled in the outside world.

Good Luck, Hyundai Nishat!

Are you waiting for the new Hyundai Santa Fe? Please tell us in the comments section.