Hyundai ix45/Santa Fe spied in Death Valley

Hyundai has begun testing the new shape Santa Fe, ahead of its launch in 2013. Spied here in both Death Valley, CA and in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the newcomer seems to be much more fuller, with a longer, taller and wider stance than before.

Underneath the thick disguise, the new Santa Fe will obtains lots of design influence from the recently-launched i40, so expect an agressive fascia featuring large, swoopy headlights featuring LED's, chrome grille with 3 louvres, and LED tail-lights on the outside. Like most new cars, a high waistline will give a dynamic look while impairing visibility. The interior will reflect the i40's too, with a deeply cowled instrument cluster, 4-spoke bi-coloured steering wheel, and large, upright ventilation outlets.

The new ix45/Santa Fe will be available with a wealth of
new technology like keyless entry & start, front parking
sensors, heated seats with front seat ventilation, a new
telematics system, heated steering wheel, panoramic
sunroof, reversing camera, satellite navigation system,
and bi-xenon headlights with LED's

As the new Santa Fe underpins the current Sorento, European models will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines, as this European prototype is sporting a 2.0 litre GDI petrol unit, mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. Powertrains for the U.S will be limited to 4-cylinder engines; namely the naturally-aspirated 2.4 litre GDI and a 2.0T, that will replace the current 3.5 litre V6.

International markets will keep the 'Santa Fe' nameplate but in Europe, expect the newcomer to wear 'ix45' when it goes on sale in mid-2013.

Via SecretNewCars.com and CarsSpyPhotos.net

While 5 seats will be offered, the UK market is expected to only receive
the 7 seat model after it undergoes extensive chassis testing on British
roads

Like its sibling, the new crossover will be lighter than its predecessor
to lower running costs and ensure better performance

Expect an improved interior quality with better plastics, leather, and metal