The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe gets a revised front fascia while changes to the side and rear profile are subtle while there is the possibility of a hybrid powertrain for the Korean version.
Ahead of the official reveal expected in the following weeks, images of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift have been leaked online revealing the premium SUV completely from its home market South Korea.
Getting a host of cosmetic upgrades and mechanical changes over the outgoing version, the 2016 Santa Fe gets a new headlight cluster, redesigned grille with reworked triple chrome slats; a sportier looking front bumper with new fog lights and chrome enclosures as well as a new sharper looking diffuser. The side profile remains the same but gets new chrome finish on the B-pillar and window line that replaces the gloss black finish.
There are also new 10-spoke alloy wheels on offer while the rear continues with existing design and gets new tail light graphics, revised bumper and new rectangular shaped exhaust tips replacing the circular units seen on the existing version. On the inside, the 2016 Santa Fe will continue with the existing layout but is expected to get a larger infotainment screen and new switches for the centre console.
Coming to the powertrain, earlier reports suggest that the 2016 Santa Fe facelift will be the first mass produced hybrid SUV for the Korean car maker and will get a new e-4WD system. This system will see the front wheels being powered by the engine while the rear wheels will be propelled by an electric motor. The electric motor will be powered by a battery pack that will recharge itself via regenerative braking. There is also the possibility of a plug-in variant on the facelifted version.
In the Indian context, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift will continue to draw power from the 2.2-litre diesel engine with Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive options. The outgoing version of the Santa Fe was introduced in India early last year and was a major upgrade over its predecessor. The automaker will bring this facelifted version sometime in the latter part of 2016 once the model goes on sale internationally, which will keep the model fresh for another two years.
Spy Pictures Source – TheKoreanCarBlog.com
