PREMIUM SUV: Regas CPO Tan (left) and sales manager launch the new Santa Fe. Special features are ‘black box recorder’ and Electric Parking Brake (EPB) which holds the vehicle in position even after the brake pedal is released. The braking is cancelled only when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
SARIKEI: Regas Automobile Sdn Bhd unveiled its new Inokom Santa Fe (a Hyundai licensed product), a seven-seater mid-size SUV, at Regas Automobile Hyundai showroom (EN Motors Sdn Bhd) here last night.
In tandem with Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction, the new Santa Fe, which invokes a new design concept – Storm Edge, exudes quality and luxury that is set to impress.
The new design captures the strong and dynamic image created by nature during the formation of a storm.
The design incorporates the Hyundai family look of a hexagonal grille, sporty front and back bumper skid plate, wide panoramic sunroof, HID headlamps and LED rear spoiler with mounted stop lamp, creating a futuristic and urban-style SUV image.
The inside of the SUV is equally luxurious with sophistication especially in the cockpit area, where you will notice an eye-catching steering wheel, a hi-tech 4.2-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD information display instrument, supervision cluster and a dual full auto airconditioner control.
The Santa Fe’s attractive and distinctive design has won it numerous awards including the Australian International Design Awards 2013 and the US Good Design Awards 2013.
As with all Hyundai models, the new Santa Fe features a state-of-the-art safety system that offers optimal driving stability. These include the Active On-Demand 4-Wheel Drive System, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, Hill start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake-Control (DBC) and the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with an Automatic Vehicle Hold feature.
The EPB functions to hold the vehicle in its position even after the brake pedal is released. The braking function is cancelled only when the accelerator pedal is applied. Hyundai has also ensured that the new Santa Fe offers features associated with premium vehicles. These include an all-new Flex Steer feature with three operating modes – comfort, normal and sport – to adapt steering to varying road conditions.
Other premium features include automatic rain sensor, smart key, engine start button, cruise control, a 12-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and premium Nappa leather seats. A Safe Driver Recorder, which has a similar function to a black box recorder, is also fitted into this SUV.
Built for outstanding performance and fuel efficiency, the Active Eco is among the new feature introduced. It modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response as well as controls airconditioning output to improve fuel economy.
The drag coefficient (CD) is also improved with just 0.34, which reduces wind resistance for fuel efficiency. The new Santa Fe gets a new architecture that lightens vehicle weight and collision energy management. New hot stamping and roll forming methods are also applied for added strength, reducing the number of body parts.
The introduction of this new Santa Fe has set a new standard for the SUV market and Hyundai is confident of acquiring a larger customer base.
The Santa Fe comes in two engine options, that is the R 2.2 E-VGT diesel version and the Theta II 2.4 MPI petrol version. The R 2.2 VGT diesel engine delivers 197hp at 3,800rpm and up 436Nm of torque at 1,800~2,500rpm while the Theta II 2.4 MPI delivers 176hp at 6,000 rpm and up to 226Nm of torque at 3,750rpm. All Santa Fe engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic® manual control.
The new Santa Fe is available in four variants, namely Theta II 2.4 Elegance (RM 165,849.10 OTR*) Theta II 2.4 Executive Plus (RM 179,769.30 OTR*), R 2.2 VGT Executive Pus Limited Edition (RM 194,584.60 OTR*). Colours available: Creamy White, Sleek Silver, Titanium Silver, Ocean View, Red Merlot and Phantom Black.
The Leader Card was also introduced for the very first time at the launch. The Leader Card, which is exclusively designed for new Santa Fe owners, redefines the ownership experience of a SUV.
New Santa Fe owners will get a taste of a luxurious lifestyle and premium services when enjoying the VIP privileges such as the luxury concierge services, arranging for a golf game abroad, or a yacht to go round the world or even medical evacuation to the nearest hospital is just a phone call away.
Members are also entitled to access the Plaza Premium Lounge at a special rate (complimentary the first time), special rates for chauffer service to and from KLIA/LCCT/Subang Skypark with one time complimentary service on a Hyundai Sonata or option to upgrade to other models.
Other membership benefits include special rates at selected luxury hotels and upscale fine dining, 5-star treatment service at selected Hyundai 3S centres with priority service senior advisors and technicians.
This membership also offers healthcare benefits such as complimentary basic health screenings and special rates for consultation as well as room and board only at Sime Darby Medical Centre Ara Damansara.
“This new Santa Fe is a premium model therefore we would like to ensure the owners of this new model enjoy and experience premium services as well. The Leader Card and priority service at selected Hyundai service centres are among privileges they will enjoy,” said chief operation officer of Regas Automobile Sdn Bhd, Wilson Tan.
HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) extended warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available.
Malaysian motorists can place their bookings at Regas Automobile Sdn Bhd Hyundai Sales outlet at No.3, Jalan Durian, 96100 Sarikei or call 084-655 199 for more information.