Hyundai releases official images of 2013 Santa Fe ix45 ahead of New York debut
Hyundai has published the first official press images of its third-generation Santa Fe, also badged as ix45, revealing the SUV's new styling ahead of its 2012 New York Auto Show premiere.
Hyundai has released the first official press images of the new-generation Santa Fe, also known as ix45 in some markets, ahead of the SUV’s world premiere at the 2012 New York Auto Show on 4 April. The images confirm the model’s adoption of the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design language, with sharper lines and a more assertive front end than its predecessor.
The third-generation Santa Fe marks a clear departure from the outgoing model’s softer look. The new car features a prominent hexagonal grille, swept-back headlamps, and sculpted bodywork. LED daytime running lights are integrated into the front, a feature that aligns with forthcoming EU requirements. Hyundai also highlights large 19-inch alloy wheels, giving the SUV a more upmarket appearance.
Hyundai is positioning the new Santa Fe as a global model, but it will be badged as the ix45 in Europe. The company has not yet disclosed detailed technical specifications, but the official release confirms both a refreshed turbo diesel engine and a new turbocharged petrol engine producing 274 horsepower will be available. Full details are expected to follow at the New York show.
Design changes and market positioning
The Santa Fe’s design overhaul is intended to keep the SUV competitive in a segment that has seen rapid development from rivals. The sharper exterior is a direct response to both customer demand and the need to align with Hyundai’s current design direction. The adoption of LED lighting and large alloy wheels is in line with trends seen across the SUV market, where visual impact is increasingly important to buyers.
Hyundai’s decision to use the ix45 badge in Europe follows its established convention of alphanumeric names for the region, distinguishing it from the Santa Fe branding used elsewhere. This approach mirrors the strategy used for other models in the Hyundai line-up, such as the ix35 (Tucson in other markets).
What’s next for the Santa Fe/ix45
The full public debut will take place at the 2012 New York Auto Show, where Hyundai is expected to release further information on engine options, equipment, and market rollout. For buyers and dealers, the new model’s styling and technology updates are aimed at sustaining the Santa Fe’s appeal in both North America and Europe. More details on the European version will likely be announced later in the year, as Hyundai prepares for regional launches.
