"Firstly, it’s the first time a hybrid variant of the Santa Fe is available in Malaysia. Secondly, it’s the second locally-assembled (CKD) Hyundai hybrid after the IONIQ Hybrid in 2016, and thirdly, the vehicle is also being produced for export to Thailand,” said Jeffrey Gan, managing director, Southeast Asia, Sime Darby Motors.
Three variants are now open for booking in the Malaysian market – Hybrid Plus, Hybrid Max and Diesel Max.
The Hybrid variants are powered by a combination of a 1.6 litre T-GDI petrol engine developing 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque, and a 44.2 kW electric motor, giving a total system output of 230 PS and 350 Nm of torque.
Drive goes to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Diesel Max variant’s 2.2 litre CRDi diesel engine sends 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque to all four wheels through Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed wet DCT.
The three variants are considerably similarly-equipped – standard across the range are six airbags, the full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite including Smart Cruise Control, an eight-inch touch-screen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and voice recognition, auto wipers and wireless phone charging.
The Hybrid Max and Diesel Max share leather seats, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a power tailgate, while the range-topping Hybrid Max exclusively gets heated/ventilated driver and front passenger seats, and driver’s seat memory.
Available colours are Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey and Stormy Sea.
“From the unique T-shaped daytime running lights to the push-button gear selector and the elevated centre console, the Santa Fe has adopted a new level of class, comfort and prestige," said Low Yuan Lung, managing director of HSDM.
Further details on the new Santa Fe will be revealed closer to launch.
Bookings can be made at any authorised Hyundai sales outlet nationwide or on Hyundai’s online booking platform ClicktoBuy (https://www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/).
