It's facelift time for Hyundai's mid-size SUV or if you prefer, crossover - who can tell the difference any more... In view of the fact that the latest generation Santa Fe has only been around for three years, don't expect to see any major cosmetic changes, just minor tweaks here and there that will include reshaped headlights and tail lamps along with restyled bumpers, new mirrors that incorporate turning signals and different alloy wheel designs.
Our spy photographers didn't manage to scoop the prototype's interior but our sources state that Hyundai will update the cabin with new trim options and add a few toys to the vehicle's equipment list.
Hyundai has paid more attention under the skin as the refreshed Santa Fe will benefit from the presentation of at least two new powertrain options including the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Theta II gasoline engine that produces 175HP at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The second-generation Theta engine that can be mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission has already been confirmed for the U.S. market. Up until now, the Santa Fe was offered in the States only with a 2.7-liter V6 and 3.3-liter V6.
In Europe, Korea and other international markets, the 2010 Santa Fe facelift will also be available with Hyundai's newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder 'R' diesel engine that cranks out 197HP and 435Nm or 320.1 lbs/ft of torque.
Though not officially confirmed, Infiniti Future Cars's sources state that in the USA, Hyundai will replace the current 242HP 3.3-liter V6 with the Korean firm's new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 277HP and 335 Nm or 247 lbs/ft of torque.
Expect to see the 2010 Santa Fe making its debut at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the first cars arriving in Hyundai's dealerships on both sides of the Atlantic shortly after.
