The extended wheel base 2013 E-segment Hyundai Grand Santa Fe is to be launched at the 2013 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva

Cape Town, South Africa 26 February 2013: Expanding on the international success of the Hyundai Santa Fe (http://www.group1-hyundai.co.za/hyundai-santafe.aspx), Hyundai International has launched the latest addition to its SUV family to demonstrate its Sports Utility Vehicle expertise. Designed at the same time as the regular 2013 model available in South Africa, the Grand Santa Fe includes the smooth design forms influenced by the company’s ‘Storm Edge’ form language.

First seen in 2012 at the New York International Show, the Grand Hyundai Santa Fe has a number of spec changes when compared to the standard 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. For one, the Grand Santa Fe is taller by 10mm, wider by 5mm and longer by 225mm. This is thanks to an enlarged wheelbase (it has been increased by 100mm) that offers an improved cargo capacity of 607 litres and either a six or seven seat passenger and driver configuration.

When compared to the standard Santa Fe there is a noticeable design differentiation that can be seen in the re-shaped grille, fog lamps and front bumper. The tail of the vehicle is also different and has a larger re-styled rear quarter. The Grand Santa Fe also rides on bespoke 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Grand Santa Fe is available with only one powertrain - the powerful Euro5-compliant, 2.2-litre ‘R’ VGT diesel engine. Along with its six-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces up to 197ps, and emits only 192g/km of CO2. Inside it is fitted with the Hyundai three-mode steering system, the FLEXI STEER System, a 4.3inch TFT Supervision Cluster and a vehicle-length panoramic sunroof.

Allan Rushforth, the Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motors in Europe, had this to say about the addition of the Grand Santa Fe to the Hyundai SUV (http://www.group1-hyundai.co.za/recreational-vehicles.aspx) family, “The addition of Grand Santa Fe to the Hyundai portfolio will help meet the rising demand for E-segment SUV models in Europe. Grand Santa Fe upholds the company’s tradition of offering high levels of quality and standard specification, without the premium price. A powerful-yet-efficient engine, European-tuned chassis and the ability to accommodate people and luggage makes Grand Santa Fe the ideal choice for large families.”

Please Note! There are no current plans to launch the Grand Santa Fe in the South African market

Press release submitted by Justin Atkins at WSI, Cape Town on behalf of Group1 Nissan (Kuilsriver). For more PR information, please call WSI Web Marketing Cape Town on 021-913 4382.