India-bound 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) testing in Korea - Spied

A new e-4WD variant is reportedly joining the facelifted lineup.

The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) has been photographed in Korea recently, ahead of its international introduction this year. While a model year update was brought into the Korean market with new features, it did not have appreciable cosmetic changes, which the facelift will cover.

Updates noticed in the spyshots include a Tucson inspired exhaust, recast front and rear bumpers, sharper chrome grille, new LED front and rear lights, and a new alloy wheel design.

An earlier report claimed that the Santa Fe would be the beneficiary of an e-4WD system that puts an electric motor on the rear axle of the car, while the gasoline engine will spin the front wheels. Additionally, a regenerative braking system would be added to enhance the efficiency, claimed the report.

Reports from Europe say that Hyundai would upgrade the engines/transmissions on the Santa Fe, for lower CO2 emissions and increased efficiency.

The Santa Fe was launched in India at the 2014 Auto Expo with power coming from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Averaging sales of about 125 units a month, the vehicle is assembled at the Chennai plant, and the same type of manufacturing should ensue when the facelift arrives in India.

Also read: Next generation 2017 Hyundai Verna starts testing in Korea

Rivals: Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Ssangyong Rexton, Chevrolet Trailblazer
Expected Price: INR 26-30 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: 2015 in Korea, 2016 in India (speculated)

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (facelift) - Spyshot Gallery

[Spyshots from Santa Fe Club]