Auto Expo 2014: New Hyundai Santa Fe SUV launched at Rs 26.3 lakh

After kicking off with the Hyundai Xcent compact sedan, the company continued with the momentum and launched its next-generation Santa Fe SUV on the first day of Auto Expo today. The new Santa Fe is bigger than before, being both longer and wider, although it retains the same wheelbase. As expected, the full-size, seven-seat Santa Fe will come fully loaded with all the creature comforts you could ask for, six airbags and will also have all-wheel drive on the top variant. Hyundai has also incorporated three modes for the steering, which alter the steering weight to suit the driving style.

Quality levels in the cabin are the best we've seen on any Hyundai car yet, and the new Santa Fe SUV makes for a great flagship to the company's model range. However, thanks to the pinched window line at the rear, it seems like the third row of seats might feel a little claustrophobic to sit in.

Powering the car is an upgraded version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine which gets third-generation common-rail technology for better efficiency and lower emissions. The engine produces 194bhp at 3,800rpm and 44.5kgm of torque between 1,800-2,500rpm. Hyundai is offering the new Santa Fe SUV with a six-speed manual and a six speed automatic gearbox for the 2WD version, while the 4WD version is only available as an automatic. The Santa Fe will be produced in India at the company’s Chennai plant, and prices are Rs 26.3 lakh for the 2WD Manual, Rs 27.33 lakh for the 2WD Auto and Rs 29.25 lakh for the 4WD Auto (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

Picture gallery: New Hyundai Santa Fe