Tougher New Santa Fe 'R' Series Dials Up Power and Economy

SYDNEY – October 30, 2009: Hyundai's successful Santa Fe 7-seat SUV steals a lead on its rivals through an array of technical and cosmetic upgrades for 2010.

Key among these is a new generation 'R' series Diesel engine which sets new standards of efficiency – resulting in dramatic gains in performance alongside significantly reduced fuel consumption. Power and torque climb a massive 27% to 145kW and 436Nm respectively (421Nm on manual), delivering effortless all-terrain capability, no matter what the load.

Combined with a choice of new 6-speed transmissions, the new ‘R’ series engine reduces Santa Fe's class-leading fuel consumption by a further 7% to 6.7 litres/100 km+ (manual) - with corresponding emissions reductions.

The new car made its Australian debut in the Global Green Challenge, a grueling six day drive over 3,000km between Darwin and Adelaide, during which the Santa Fe 'R' 6-speed manual proved easily capable of undercutting its official fuel consumption figure of 6.7 L/100km (7.5 l/100km for automatic)+.

“The latest Santa Fe builds on its renowned practicality and economy,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Sales and Marketing Director, Kevin McCann. “Packed with features that encompass the gamut of driving desirables – performance, efficiency, comfort and five star safety – it undoubtedly sets new standards for value as an all-purpose 7-seat family SUV.”

The new Santa Fe ‘R’ bristles with an array of new features including…