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Hyundai Previews 2013 Santa Fe Ahead of NY Auto Show Premiere

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The family crossover vehicle market is a segment major automakers can’t afford to neglect. Whereas the sedan and large pickup truck vehicle categories permit auto brands to be reactionary with their products, ever-continuing inventive spirits of crossover vehicle design leads to every product launch to be a pre-emptive strike. In 2012, two class-topping crossover vehicles in the United States have received dramatic restyling. While the refreshment of the 2012 Honda CR-V was focused on improving the overall usability of the vehicle for families, the all-new 2013 Ford Escape revealed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show represented an aggressive mergence of the truck-like physique with car design.

The third highest-selling vehicle in the Hyundai brand line-up, the Santa Fe emerged as the South Korean car company’s fighter against the Honda CR-V. While the Santa Fe remains distant from the CR-V on the sales charts, a six-speed automatic transmission and an available V-6 engine allowed the Hyundai crossover vehicle to enjoy a dedicated following. Credited for 74,361 sale units at the end of 2011, Hyundai Santa Fe will be boosted by a brand new appearance.

Through a pair of recently released preview images, Hyundai’s modern design steered towards sophisticated luxury is being employed on the next Santa Fe crossover. Said to be a collection of “Refinement,” “Smartness” and “Practicality”, the previous no-frill, urban utilitarian look of the Santa Fe is largely dismissed in favour of more aesthetically pleasing shaping called the “Storm Edge“ concept. The Santa Fe’s front end wears a hexagonal grille design finished with slots similar to the new Sonata. More Sonata inspiration is seen within the 2013 Santa Fe appearance with the headlamp and fog lamp housings. Along the side and rear of the next Hyundai Santa Fe, the mid-ranged crossover expands on the aerodynamic styling displayed on the compact Tucson. While the Hyundai Tucson relays a sportier appearance, the Santa Fe’s larger dimension and more exaggerated contours successfully executes a refined, premium look.

 

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No details have yet to be released on features or the potential powertrains buyers of the future Hyundai Santa Fe crossover can expect. Though front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is practically guaranteed for the 2013 model year vehicle, questions will regard engine power. Like many automakers, Hyundai has been embracing turbochargers with the Sonata, Genesis Coupe and soon the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The addition of the 2-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine in the 2013 Santa Fe would not come as a surprise.

The next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show set for the beginning of April. The public’s first chance for setting eyes on the refreshed Santa Fe will be on April 6th.

Information and photo Source: Hyundai Motor America