Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

Hyundai Australia has introduced its 2018 model year Santa Fe line-up, with the revised large SUV benefiting from the range-wide inclusion of the Korean carmaker's 'SmartSense' suite of safety technologies.

Previously the reserve of the flagship Highlander grade, 'SmartSense' includes AEB, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Meanwhile, manual versions of the petrol- and diesel-powered Active have been dropped, meaning the front-wheel-drive Active X is now the price leader from $40,990 before on-road costs.

The Active and Active X gain a 4.2-inch display that replaces the outgoing model's 3.5-inch monochromatic unit.

Powered by a 3.3-litre naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine, the Active X pumps out 199kW of power at 6400rpm and 318Nm of torque at 5300rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test.

All models in the refreshed line-up exclusively employ a six-speed automatic transmission, with the two Active variants continuing to check in at $41,850 in petrol form and $44,850 in diesel guise.

Petrol Actives are motivated by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produces 138kW at 6000rpm and 241Nm at 4000rpm, and drinks 9.4L/100km.

Alternatively, the diesel unit found in the other Active variant is also used in the Elite and Highlander, with the 2.2-litre turbocharged four-pot developing 147kW at 3800rpm and 440Nm between 1750-2750rpm. It sips 7.8L/100km.

Every non-Active X Santa Fe puts power down via an all-wheel-drive system.

Further upstream, the Elite is the only grade to have its price adjusted, jumping by $1000 to $51,990.

The Active and Active X also gain a 4.2-inch colour multi-function display that replaces the outgoing model's 3.5-inch monochromatic unit, as well as an electric park brake, auto-dimming rearview mirror and power folding side mirrors with puddle lights.

Further upstream, the Elite is the only grade to have its price adjusted, jumping by $1000 to $51,990.

However, buyers are compensated with the addition of an upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, which has also been added to the $57,090 Highlander range-topper.

According to Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief operating officer Scott Grant, the addition of 'SmartSense' to the entire line-up further sharpens the Santa Fe's value proposition.

"Santa Fe has been a great example of affordable luxury from the day it made its debut and the MY18 range continues to deliver on this promise," he said.

"With SmartSense now standard across the range, buyers get the latest advanced safety technology in a practical, full-size seven-seat SUV with a starting price below $42,000."

Sales of the Santa Fe have continued to surge this year, with 4717 examples sold to the end of June, representing a 7.3 per cent increase over the 4398 figure it during the same period in 2016.

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