Hyundai teases new Santa Fe with plug-in and hybrid variations

Hyundai has teased the latest iteration of its Santa Fe, revealing the latest generation of the popular SUV includes new powertrain options including plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants.

It is the first model in Europe to sport Hyundai’s third generation vehicle platform which is designed for better safety, efficiency and driving performance as well as integration of low emissions drivetrains.

There are scant details on what all-electric range would be available on the plug-in hybrid Santa Fe, although expect it to be somewhere between 60-80km.

Images of the new generation Santa Fe do not give much away either, although Hyundai said in a press release that it will include several new design features including a wide, geometric patterned grille combined with a running light.

Photos of the new Santa Fe in camouflage caught by spy photographers in Europe and reported on by German MSN show a wide front, long wheelbase and oversized rear. Front images suggest indicators will be low-mounted (perhapos making room for the grille/running light combo).

The two new powertrain variants for the Santa Fe will help fulfil Hyundai’s plans to offer 44 electrified models by 2025.

Hyundai already offers plug-in hybrid and non-pluggable hybrid options in Australia including the Ioniq PHEV and Hybrid fastback, which complement the all-electric Ioniq and Kona Electric SUV.

In terms of local sales, the all-electric zero emissions Hyundai Ioniq has proven more popular than its plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants by an order of magnitude.

However given the Ioniq PHEV is around $7,000 less than its all-electric stablemate, the more affordable low emissions options in the larger Santa Fe SUV may also prove popular if Hyundai decides to bring it here.

The 2021 Santa Fe with both plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrain options will be available in Europe from September 2020. Hyundai Australia declined to comment regarding Australian availability.

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