New petrol V6 to replace predecessor’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit
Hyundai has confirmed a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine will re-enter its Australian Santa Fe range from 2020, replacing the predecessor’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol.
Offered in conjunction with the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder, the 206kW/336Nm V6 petrol is the same as that found in the existing Kia Sorento, mated to an eight-speed automatic that drives the front wheels.
Fuel use is officially rated at 10.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
The V6 petrol will anchor the Santa Fe line-up in place of the outgoing four-cylinder petrol, with entry pricing unchanged at $43,000 (plus on-road costs) in Active guise – $3000 cheaper than the equivalent diesel.
Pricing then moves up to $51,000 (plus on-road costs) and $57,500 (plus on-road costs) for Elite and flagship Highlander grades respectively.
According to Hyundai, the V6 costs $1770 to service over the first five years/75,000km of ownership, based on 12 month/15,000km intervals.
Minor upgrades Hyundai Santa Fe large SUV range were confirmed in September, following its major update in 2018.
MY20 Santa Fe models come equipped with Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) – a system that uses sensors in the roof to detect movement (from a human or pet for example) in the rear seats.
It reminds the driver with a message on the dash to check the rear seats before leaving the vehicle. The car alarm will sound if movement is detected in the vehicle once the driver has locked and walked away from it.
Until now, Rear Occupant Alert has been reserved for higher grade Santa Fe variants. Now all models including the entry-level Active variant will get the same tech.
Meantime, flagship Highlander variants receive new 19-inch alloy wheels to replace the current twin-spoke design. The refreshed wheels sport a machined face that Hyundai says provides a “more sophisticated and cutting edge look to the side profile”.
How much does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?
Active (petrol) – $43,000 Active (diesel) – $46,000 Elite (petrol) – $51,000 Elite (diesel) – $54,000 Highlander (petrol) – $57,500 Highlander (diesel) – $60,500 Metallic Paint – $695 Beige/Burgundy leather – $295
* Prices exclude on-road costs
Keyword: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe introduces 206kW V6 petrol