What a tease; Hyundai’s European engineers have decided it’s time to drop some of the heavy camouflage off the 2013 Santa Fe prototype, mainly up front to expose the SUV’s new snout while testing in the Alps.
The new Santa Fe, which will probably carry the iX45 moniker in Europe and other regions that have adopted Hyundai’s alphanumeric nomenclature, appears to have grown in size compared to the current version.
Not surprisingly, the styling will be sharper closely following the lines of Hyundai’s newest model such as the Tucson/ix35 as well as the more luxurious Genesis and Equus saloons, especially up front with the prominent grille that incorporates layered bars.
Depending on the market, Hyundai will provide buyers a choice of new four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines along with the option of four-wheel drive.
Word is the South Korean maker’s Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rival will be launched in late 2012 or early 2013.
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