KDM Hyundai Santa Fe gets a facelift for 2010... is the U.S. next?
A facelifted version of Hyundai's popular Santa Fe crossover has just been unwrapped in its home market, along with a pair of new diesel engines.
As this first image shows, the model's exterior update is a mild one, with a modestly tweaked grille, lower fascia, new fog lamps and side mirrors being the most noticeable changes. While there are likely a few tweaks around back and inside, we won't know for sure until we can source additional images and information.
Regardless, as we hear it, the Korean Domestic Market cute-ute will offer a choice of four-cylinder diesel powerplants - a 2.0-liter mill giving 137 kW and 392 Nm of torque (184 hp and 289 lb-ft), while a bigger 2.2-liter powerplant is said to provide 149 kW and 436 Nm of twist (200 hp and 322 lb-ft).
We asked our sources at Hyundai if we could expect to see these changes, and while they stopped short of confirming this exact facelift, AB's mole did allow that a "freshened" model is indeed expected in dealers early next year. Better yet, that model will include new powertrain options – but sadly, no diesel.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ugg.tryptophan 5:42PM (6/16/2009)
with a diesel option in the US this would be quite attractive
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Rick C. 5:54PM (6/16/2009)
Incredible numbers from those tiny powerplants. Likely direct injected, modern diesels.
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Aprime 5:57PM (6/16/2009)
"We asked our sources at Hyundai if we could expect to see these changes, and while they stopped short of confirming this exact facelift, AB's mole did allow that a "freshened" model is indeed expected in dealers early next year. Better yet, that model will include new powertrain options – but sadly, no diesel."
Haven't you guys learned anything from the Accent refresh? It's getting the same design language as it did, yet you still think this one will make it? Please. The new powertrain options are plausible, however.
Speaking of which weren't we suppose to get an updated Elantra sedan as well?
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ryanjames_ 6:07PM (6/16/2009)
Those are indeed impressive numbers for such small engines.
Subarus 2.0L diesel only makes 150hp and 256lb-ft of torque.
Good job hyundai. They should definitely offer one of those two engines in NA.
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ryuryuryturtuy 7:24PM (6/16/2009)
Hyundai was doing OK until the ugly facelifted Accent and this.
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Bob-omb 11:15PM (6/16/2009)
This will not come to America. Just like the newly refreshed KDM Accent and that bizarre Chinese Elantra.
caddy-v 8:52PM (6/16/2009)
A face only a great grandmother with cataracts could love.
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joe23521 10:41PM (6/16/2009)
That grill is disturbingly ugly. I'm just fine with the current gen. The blinkers on the side mirrors are a nice add though.
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Phil 10:51PM (6/16/2009)
Grill Ugly BIG Mistake.
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sir_timbit 11:27PM (6/16/2009)
Yup, agreed. I like the LED turning signals on the mirrors, but epic fail on that grille!
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Noah 12:48AM (6/17/2009)
Oooh, I'd love to have one of those diesel engines! I'd love a Buick Enclave with the 2.2. No, wouldn't be as fast as the V6 model, but plenty of scoot for passing and around town driving, and great mileage to boot.
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Bobmarley 7:41AM (6/17/2009)
You gotta love those torque numbers...i skimmed it and didnt see they were diesel engines at first and was like "WTF? typo?"
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William 10:02AM (6/17/2009)
Guys, this facelift WILL reach the U.S., as evinced by spy shots of the mule being caught testing on American soil multiple times. The Santa Fe is in need of a mid-cycle facelift anyways, so count on this one being at your local dealerships early next year.
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Lisa 11:55AM (6/17/2009)
Painted Grill? Oh boy, I can't wait. NOT.
White grill on a white car? Noooooooooo the horror.
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br4nd0nh347 8:11PM (6/17/2009)
more like face-smash
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jsjs 11:38PM (6/17/2009)
Hyundai is going in the right direction w/ the efficient diesel powerplants and the wrong way w/ its styling (specifically that nasty grille).
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ConceptVBS 11:19PM (6/18/2009)
The 2010 Santa Fe will also have the new Hyundai developed 6 speed Auto transmission that is lighter and with fewer parts than a 5 speed auto. It gets better gas mileage, shifts quicker and will last longer than the counterpart it replaces.
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go-flyers 2:13PM (6/23/2009)
This SUV was on my radar for next year. I would have bought one this year but put it on hold when I got wind of the new engines on the horizon. The cosmetic changes now have thinking again. I HATE that grill and the fact they're trying to make the whole thing look like a CRV imo.
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