Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has introduced its much-awaited sports utility vehicle (SUV) Santa Fe. Priced between Rs.20.95 lakh and Rs.22.95 lakh, the SUV will be equipped with 2.2L CRDi engine, delivering maximum power of 197PS and giving a mileage of 14.66 km a litre.
Advanced technologies
Having latest safety, luxury and entertainment features, Santa Fe will be available in six-speed manual transmission, with an option of 2WD and 4WD, while its high-tech engine incorporates a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and excellent drivability on all terrains.
In India, Santa Fe will be imported as completely built units (CBUs) from South Korea and bookings start from October 18.
Speaking at the launch here on Wednesday with Thar desert in the backdrop, Managing Director and CEO H. W. Park said: “Globally, Santa Fe has already sold over 20 lakh units since its launch in June 2000. We are confident that in India too, it will give us a competitive edge in the SUV segment and offer our customers the best in terms of luxury and performance.”
About Santa Fe's sales in the fast growing SUV market in India, Director (Marketing and Sales) Arvind Saxena said: “We aim to sell 600 to 800 units a year. In 2010, we will sell 100-150 units.”
However, the company has no plans to manufacture the car in India in the near future.
Debut
Named after the city of Santa Fe in New Mexico, the SUV made its global debut in 1999 at the Detroit Auto Show as the concept car “HCD-4” (SM). Thereafter, the first generation Santa Fe was launched in 2000. Further, in 2005, the second generation Santa Fe was launched, while in 2009 the face-lift version of the second generation Santa Fe was introduced to cater to the increasing demands across the world.
