Hyundai Offering the Santa Fe in Short and Long Wheelbase Versions

Hyundai will be offering North America a long- and short-wheelbase versions of the new Santa Fe; while Europe will just get the short-wheelbase version. The major difference between them is the long-wheelbase version seats seven passengers and is powered by a 3.3l V6. Europeans will get a choice of two diesels, plus a petrol option. 

The new styling of the the Santa Fe is handsome and modern. The SWB version has a three-bar front grill; while the LWB version has a four-bar grill, and it bears a bit of a resemblance to the Veloster from the front. The LWB also has larger windows when viewed from the side. 

SWB Santa Fe's in the US will be offered with either a 190hp 2.4l four-cylinder engine or a 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder with 264hp.European Santa Fe's will get the 190hp four-cylinder engine, a 2.0 liter diesel with 148hp and a 2.2l diesel with 198hp. LWB cars in the US use a 3.3l V6 with 290hp. In the US, all cars get a Hyundai-made six-speed automatic transmission, and in Europe there is either a six-speed manual or the six-speed automatic. 

Hyundai will offer many convenience features on the Santa Fe with available heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. A push-button start and LCD screen with navigation come on the turbo and LWB models.  

The new model will be available in North America and Europe later in the year. The LWB version will not be out until early 2013.