Auto shows aren't all glitz and glamour with brand-new models covering every inch of floor space. The Euro-spec 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, already out in South Korea, was revealed at the Frankfurt auto show with updated engine selections and a refreshed exterior and interior.
On the outside, new bumpers, a new three-slot front grille, new front fog lights, and redesigned head- and taillights give new life to the Hyundai SUV. New wheel designs, exhaust tips, an aerodynamic rear spoiler, and streamlined roof rocks enhance the sportiness of the Santa Fe. On the inside are a new gauge cluster and a built-in navigation system with optional rearview camera.
The newest diesel offering is a 2.2-liter inline-four with 197 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Dubbed the R-Engine, the diesel is being fitted with Hyundai's new six-speed manual transmission to offer 35.6 combined mpg. The revised 2.4-liter Theta gas engine will be mated to either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, offering 27.6 combined mpg with the standard transmission.
In order to help maximize fuel economy, low-resistance tires and a new alternator management system have been implemented. The system can disengage the alternator from the engine, eliminating parasitic drag. For Santa Fes with automatic transmissions, an ECO light illuminates in red, white, or green according to driver behavior, while manual-equipped models feature a shift light that flashes when the optimum shift point for fuel economy is reached.