First Look: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Max – CKD 7-Seat Hybrid SUV Previewed

Shown to the public for the first time last weekend was the face-lifted and localised (CKD) Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Max variant - one of three variants HSDM will launch soon.

As reported late last week, Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) have begun accepting bookings for two new crossover SUV models. One of which is the face-lifted and locally assembled (CKD) Hyundai Santa Fe, which will launch with two new hybrid options for the first time next to a sole diesel-powered choice.

We took a closer look at the higher-specced Hybrid Max variant last weekend when it was displayed at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam. Despite its very late arrival to the market, HSDM appears confident of this refreshed three-row D-segment crossover SUV's market reception.

Exterior refreshments sees sharper new head- and taillights, more prominent bumpers and grille, as well as striking new 2-tone 19-inch alloy wheels.

On the onset, HSDM’s confidence doesn’t go unwarranted as the refreshed exterior design appear very appealing indeed. Notable tweaks include the new all-LED head- and taillights matched front and rear bumpers, a more prominent grille design, and striking two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels.

On board, all three rows of seats in the Diesel Max and Hybrid Max variants get treated with leather upholstery. The Hybrid Max will also offer heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory function.

On board, there’s now a new push-button gear selector, whilst the dash’s centre console has been elevated. Little else has changed, but this Hybrid Max variant’s rich use of leather upholstery, soft-touch materials across the dash  and door inserts, and a bevy of premium and high tech amenities appear very promising.

Leading the bill for the latter is Hyundai’s current 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display paired, and a sizeable 8-inch touchscreen display offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for convenience, keyless entry and ignition, as well as a powered tailgate function, are both present here too.

Digital dash and infotainment displays will be present, the latter offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Note the revised centre stack that's both repositioned higher and sporting push-button gear selector too.

Moreover, the Hybrid Max range-topper will offer added goodies in the form of front seats that are both heated and ventilated, and primed with driver memory function. This added upmarket and high-tech revision should bode well with an otherwise spacious cabin featuring seats for seven across three rows.

As for safety, six airbags plus the usual array of ABS with traction and stability control suite comes primed as standard too. Also standard across the board is the Hyundai SmartSense suite of active driver assist (ADAS) features in full, promising Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

For the first time in Malaysia, the Santa Fe will be offered in two hybrid variants. Each pairs a 1.6-litre TGDi 4-cyl turbo petrol mill with an electric motor plus a 6-speed automatic box.

For the Hybrid Plus and Hybrid Max variants, both share a series parallel hybrid powertrain setup that combines a 1.6-litre TGDi 4-cyl turbo heart primed with an electric motor and battery pack, altogether outputting 230 PS and 350 NM. Drive, on the other hand, goes the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

For the Diesel Max variant, it employs Hyundai’s familiar 2.2-litre CRDi 4-cyl lump rated at 193 PS and 440 NM. However, this mill gets paired with both an 8-speed DCT automatic box and a HTRAC all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup instead.

Despite making a very late market arrival, HSDM appears confident with the refreshed and now partially electrified Santa Fe, which will officially launch itself very soon.

As reported, bookings are now open through authorised dealers, but HSDM has yet to disclose prices for the refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe CKD range. Nevertheless, we may not have long to wait as our insider source indicates that an official launch is set to take place very soon.

Putting aside its very late arrival into our market, what do you folks reckon with this refreshed and now partially electrified iteration of Hyundai’s D-segment SUV fighter? Would you prefer this over the very latest and radically square-looking new Santa Fe that just debuted globally not too long ago?

As always, hit the comments below – as well as our social media platforms – with your thoughts on the matter…