Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2014 all set for GCC launch

The Hyundai Santa Fe may be one of the prettiest SUVs currently sold in the GCC, and with heaps of features enveloped in a package. But it may be too small for some. However, Hyundai has announced that they are launching the larger new Grand Santa Fe here soon.

The Grand Santa Fe is essentially the same SUV, except for the fact that it fulfils the criteria of an actual 7-seater SUV, rather than just be a vehicle with a pointless third-row. The proof, we get from the fact that this will be 225 mm longer in comparison to the “regular” Santa Fe, and that it will benefit from a wheelbase that has been extended by 100 mm. The Grand Santa Fe is reportedly higher and wider in dimensions too.

The SUV will offer three split-folding seats in the second row and fully-folding seats in the third row. It also allows a total of 634 litres of boot space behind the second row of seats. For easier boot access the rear loading height has been lowered by 18 mm and there is an optional power tailgate feature. Apparently, there is also a remote-folding function for the second-row seats.

The exterior poses some notable differences too. At the front there is a new four-bar radiator grille, premium-style fog lamps and a wide skidplate. The sides pose wider rear quarter glass, different 18 and 19-inch alloys and enhanced wing mirrors. The rear features a new dual muffler, restyled rear combination lamps and new rear bumper skidplate.

For the interior, you have options such as full leather upholstery, 4.3-inch TFT-LCD display, smart navigation and a premium sound system. You also get solar glass, rear door curtains, and an advanced climate control system with dedicated controls in the third row seats.

The Grand Santa Fe will be powered by a 3.3-litre engine which produces 270 hp and 318 Nm of torque. There will also be a choice of either 2WD or 4WD, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

As for safety, you do get ‘ESP’, ‘Hillstart Assist Control’ and ‘Brake Assist’. You also get ‘Traction Control System’ and ‘Vehicle Stability Management’; although the latter comes standard on the top-end models only.

The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe is already out in some GCC markets, and should reach the remaining ones soon. Base prices are expected to hover around the Dhs 106,000 mark. But importantly, the Santa Fe replaces the outgoing Veracruz, and will certainly prove a worthy contender to the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Pajero and Ford Explorer.