Heeding to customer demands for an auto variant of its very popular SUV, Hyundai Motors India Limited has launched the Santa Fe with a slush box. The 4 wheel drive configuration would continue to make its presence felt on even the automatic Santa Fe. As always, Hyundai have come up with a killer pricing for this car and the auto version retails at Rs 24.36 lakhs. This price is ex-show room, Delhi. The auto transmission would have 6 ratios to play with and this would not only ensure the ease of driving in city conditions but also make cruising on the highways a breeze as well.
The auto version of the Santa Fe has got some added features to it. A smart key along with a push button start is what this variant promises. Not to mention a crisper instrument panel and upmarket luxurious interiors. The Santa Fe also comes with one of the most powerful engines in its class, the 2.2 liter CRDI engine. This engine develops 197 Ps of power at 4000 rpm while the torque figure is equally a mind-blowing 440 Nm at a relatively low 1800 rpm onwards. Not only does this promise better performance but also an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 11.3 kmpl.
Industry insiders say that this move was taken by Hyundai after the news leaked out that there is a new Toyota Fortuner on the anvil somewhere close to the 2012 Auto Expo in January 2012. The Santa Fe, internationally, also comes with the same amount of safety kit that India gets and can be safely said to be a 5 star rated SUV as far as the European standards for safety are concerned. HMIL said that in India, so far, they have sold about 1100 units of the Santa Fe. Bookings had to be closed for sometime because of the overwhelming demand and the recent telly ads show that the bookings have been reopened for this one.