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Detroit, Michigan - Bigger, roomier and safer with a new third-row seat, Hyundai's redesigned 2007 Santa Fe SUV moves into the mid-sized SUV/crossover class, now populated by such vehicles as the Toyota Highlander and the upcoming Ford Edge.

The second-generation Santa Fe rides on an all-new, unibody platform with a 106.3-inch wheelbase that is 3.2 inches longer than its predecessor. Overall, the new Santa Fe is about 7 inches longer than its predecessor, 1 inch wider and almost 2 inches taller. Its 2.9-inch wider track is wider than the Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer.

A 50-percent improvement in body bending rigidity over the prior model provides a more refined sedan-like ride, says the company. Though it's bigger, Hyundai engineers tightened the Santa Fe's turning circle by nearly two feet.

"The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is a more exciting and upscale Santa Fe that combines the best attributes of SUVs with the driving character of a mid-size sedan," says a Hyundai news release.

As before, the Santa Fe will be available with a choice of two V6 engines: an improved 2.7-litre V6 now with Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System to produce more than 180 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (preliminary estimates); and a new 3.3-litre V6 that's lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning than the previous 3.5-litre V6, while producing an additional 30 horsepower. Preliminary estimates are more than 230 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque.

Safety features have been upgraded, including standard Electronic Stability Control, six airbags including side air curtains for all three rows of seats, anti-whiplash active front head restraints, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Front and rear disc brakes are standard and are coupled with a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance even with differing vehicle loading.

Hyundai says a well-equipped 2007 Santa Fe, with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, heated power mirrors, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, 16-inch aluminum wheels, dual exhausts and roof rack will be priced thousands of dollars below a comparably-equipped Toyota Highlander.

Built in Montgomery, Alabama, the Santa Fe is scheduled to begin production in the second quarter of 2006, with vehicles arriving in dealerships this Summer.





:::Creative Draft Image Manipulation Forum:::

styling is MUCH better

Thats a nice looking SUV thats well equipped with unbeatable reliability and good build quality....

dude, isn't weird how the body lines still look like the current one only subdued? it looks realy cool. Hyundai is finally cleaning up. I'm totally expecting the next elantra to be sweet.



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