A chrome finish for the radiator grille is the sole means of distinguishing the new model year upgrade for Hyundai's Santa Fe. When it comes to facelifts, this one is about as subtle as it gets.
But the specification upgrade that accompanies the cosmetic change is more extensive.
With this upgrade (the '08.5 model year'), Hyundai has added a raft of safety features to the base model Santa Fe SX and boosted the HVAC facility of the mid-range Santa Fe SLX with dual-zone climate control and an external temperature gauge. The specification for the high-level Santa Fe Elite is unchanged.
New standard safety features fitted to the SX grade comprise: stability control, traction control, side-impact (front) thorax-protecting airbags and front and rear curtain airbags for head protection.
All models are now available with two new metallic paint options: Blue Titanium and Gun Metal. A new interior trim colour is called 'Espresso Black'.
Coinciding with the introduction of the upgraded models, Hyundai is shaking out (or shaking up) some variants. The 2.7-litre V6 AWD Santa Fe is now only available in the SX level of trim, with the SLX and Elite variants dropped.
Hyundai is selling the 3.3-litre (front-wheel drive) models at run-out pricing, ahead of a new model release near the end of the year. The SX grades are unaffected, other than the 2.2 CRDi auto model, reduced in price by $1000 to $38,990. $2000 has been knocked off the price of the diesel SLX, which now sells for $41,990. Hyundai has dropped the diesel Santa Fe Elite five-seat model and reduced the seven-seater to the same price, $46,990.
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