HYUNDAI BRINGS BACK V6 FOR 2020 SANTA FE

Available on all model grades – Active, Elite and Highlander - the 3.5-litre V6 produces maximums of 206kW and 336Nm (+68kW and +95Nm over the four-cylinder) and is matched to an eight-speed automatic; an upgrade on the six-speed auto offered with the 2.4 petrol.

Santa Fes equipped with the petrol V6 will be cheaper than those with the existing 2.2 turbo-diesel, starting a $43,000 (+ ORCs), the same as the previous Active petrol four AWD, but the trade off is that the V6 will be front-wheel drive only, with no AWD version available here, like it is LHD markets.

The suit the re-introduction of the V6, the suspension has been adjusted, with further changes said to be influenced by Australian road conditions to improve ride and handling.

“The addition of a powerful V6 engine across the award-winning Santa Fe range builds strongly on the appeal of our long-time family-favourite SUV,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer, John Kett.

Most of the other Santa Fe specification is unchanged, including the standard SmartSense safety suite with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist systems, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Hyundai’s Auto Link, that allows owners to connect to their vehicle via their smartphone, continues to be offered with the new V6, via Bluetooth on the Active and Elite, and via a SIM card on the Highlander. Auto Link offers functions like tyre pressure monitoring, driving information and history, parking assistance, service reminders, vehicle health checks and can even directly contact roadside assistance.

Convenience features, like an easy second-row seat-folding function and smart power tailgate (Elite, Highlander only) also carry over for the 2020 model.

The MY20 Hyundai Santa Fe is available now. See your Hyundai dealer for more details