It was disclosed earlier that Hyundai was to roll out its Santa Fe in India in 2008. But may be the impact of recession pushed back the launch plan. And now when the market is gradually making attempts to recover, Hyundai is all set to brighten the Indian SUV segment with its strong and powerful SUV Santa Fe.
Successfully running in the international markets, the rugged SUV Santa Fe seems to borrow its style and design from coupe and promises to quench the thirst of a buyer for sportiness as well as style. It will possess the ground clearance and power of a SUV but the visual appeal of a stylish coupe.
The imposing exterior highlighted by slanting headlamps, flowing waistline, and chrome lined radiator grille is sure to make a distinctive presence in the Indian roads. Contradictory to the fact that the Santa Fe will come with a standard CRDi engine, it will now be launched with two variants that include the 2.7-litre petrol with a power output of 190 bhp and 2.2-litre diesel engine with a power delivery of 151 bhp.
There were speculations that the Santa Fe will roll out on Indian roads with a price tag of around Rs 8 Lakh. But no ways! This powerful SUV is pitted against the market leader Honda CR-V and is packed with host of luxurious, versatile, and futuristic technologies. It will be priced above the CR-V at around Rs 23 Lakh.
Apart from the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe will also compete with the Chevrolet Captiva and the Ford Endeavour in the Indian car market. But it’s difficult to say how far the proposed Hyundai car will be successful in overpowering the Indian SUV segment with such a high price tag. But it is yet to know whether the features and the technologies in the SUV are worth the price. The year 2009 will portray a true picture of its market success once the Santa Fe is launched.
But dont you think that Rs 23 Lakh would be too high for an SUV. I dont think that this high price tag would be able to hit Indian car buyers. I agree that Honda CR-V is one of the leading SUV in the market and it has all the advanced technologies. So, if the CR-V at a competitive price gives all that a SUV lovers desire then why will people pay Rs 23 lakh for the same level of comfort.
I am eagerly waiting for the Hyundai SUV. I read a lot about it and the car looks stunning in images.I think i will wait for the car and then upgrade my Accent.
Are you sure of that ?
Thank you for a great post
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