Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the Inokom Santa Fe premium variant (a licensed product from Hyundai Motor Company) today, which offers motorists more options to choose from when purchasing this 7-seater award winning mid-size Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Both the Santa Fe 2.2 Diesel and 2.4 Petrol models are now available in the latest Premium Specifications. The new Santa Fe premium variant comes with a subtly enhanced exterior and interior, such as a redesigned front grille, black glossy fog lamp grilles, front and back skid plates, a chrome tailgate garnish, and newly-designed 18-inch wheels.
Another new feature of this new premium variant is the Downhill Brake Control (DBC), which uses a Hydro-Electronic Control unit to receive information from the wheel speed, steering angle and acceleration sensors to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brakes. The DBC button is located at the gear area, and this feature can be activated with a simple push of the button.
“The extended line-up of the Santa Fe reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, bringing you the best in its class of vehicle offering. With ‘New Thinking.New Possibilities’, we strive to offer features and quality beyond the expectations of our customers,” said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of HSDM.
Both the premium variants maintain the same powerful engines. The 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine gives 174PS (128kW) of maximum power and 23.2kgm (228Nm) of maximum torque. Meanwhile, the popular “R” 2.2 CRDi diesel engine equipped with the Electronic Variable Geometry Turbo Charger maintains 197PS (144kW) of maximum power and 44.5kgm (442Nm) of maximum torque.
The Santa Fe is definitely value for money with its 6-speed maintenance-free automatic transmission, fitted in addition to the electronically actuated 4-wheel drive system that changes from two to four wheel drive in an instant or 4-wheel lock at the touch of a button. Apart from the excellent performance of the car, it is also the people’s choice for the ‘most reliable car’ because of its immense comfort via a spacious cabin and controlled ride by a proven all-round independent suspension. Equipped with electronic stability programme (ESP), the Santa Fe safety features are further enhanced. The Santa Fe was voted the most reliable car in the Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Auto Reliability Survey in the US recently. The SUV received the highest vote for excellent performance, and the 2011 Santa Fe also recently earned IIHS Top Safety Pick with the highest score of ‘Good’ in the frontal offset, side impact and roof strength tests.
Other local awards won by the Santa Fe include the Best Local Assembly SUV at the Asian Auto – Auto Industry Awards 2011 and the Fuel Efficiency Award for the SUV category with 7.2l/100km at the recent Asian Auto Fuel Efficiency Awards 2011. The Premium Specifications for 2.2 Diesel is priced at RM169,258.10 while the 2.4 Petrol is priced at RM158,517.80 (On the road without insurance) for personal registration in Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysian motorists can place their bookings at the nearest sales outlet or call HSDM Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.
