Art of Gears
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2019 Hyundai Santa Fe unveiled: more tech, new diesel

By Billy Ho

COLMA, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: The Hyundai logo is displayed on a brand new car at Hyundai Serramonte on September 1, 2015 in Colma, California. South Korean exports fell sharply in August for the first time in six years as shipments to China faltered. South Korean exports shrank 14.7% from from one year ago to $39.33 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Energy. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
COLMA, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: The Hyundai logo is displayed on a brand new car at Hyundai Serramonte on September 1, 2015 in Colma, California. South Korean exports fell sharply in August for the first time in six years as shipments to China faltered. South Korean exports shrank 14.7% from from one year ago to $39.33 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industries and Energy. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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Hyundai has lifted the covers off their new 2019 Santa Fe, giving the SUV a new look, upgraded tech, and a new diesel option for the North American market.

The 2019 facelift, the fourth since its inception in 2001, will see its models streamlined as the previously named Santa Fe Sport will now just be called the Santa Fe, while the 7-seater version will be named the Santa Fe XL.

The Santa Fe will sport a redesigned front end, standard with LED lights, wider stance, and what Hyundai calls a “bold new look”. Hyundai has also promised a larger daylight opening, as well as additional interior design elements aimed at improving the driving experience.

New engine, more tech

The two petrol engines on offer are the 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder GDI engine (185 hp) or a more powerful, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (232 hp). The latest edition is the revised 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine.  The diesel variant will give customers a torquey 320 pound feet with its 200 horsepower output and is slated to arrive in early 2019. The diesel option is only available in the model’s 3-row version, and like its petrol counterparts, will come mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Techwise, consumers will get the Qi-standard wireless smartphone charging pad, and in its highest trims, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Those opting for the top of the line will also get a HUD that projects its information on an 8.5-inch display area that boasts a wide array of options and functions. Base models come equipped with the 7.0-inch interface.

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A North American bestseller

There have been 1.5 million Santa Fe’s sold in America since 2001, Hyundai hopes the upgrades and design changes will continue their strong presence in the North American market. And while the Santa Fe has never been the most exciting option when it comes to SUVs, it continues to be strong in the practicality and value categories.

The 2019 Santa Fe will hit dealers summer of 2018.

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