This fifth generation Hyundai Santa Fe has debuted with an “Open for More” concept that sees it grow meaningfully in size, and has its transformation centred around its new wide tailgate.

The idea here with the larger tailgate opening is that the boot area of your family’s Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) goes from mere load lugging to becoming an open terrace in the great outdoors that can further enhance that weekend getaway into nature.

The rest of the exterior design follows suit to offer a more muscular and boxy, yet efficient, shape that’s both at home in the urban landscape as it is out in the wilderness. The H-shaped headlights, high bonnet and lower front valence are distinctive, and combine with sharply-defined front fenders to offer a bold and distinctive look.

This new Santa Fe’s longer wheelbase also adds to the terrace-like living space inside the SUV and offers more practicality to the third row of seats. Second-row legroom has increased by 35 mm to 1,075mm and 20 mm to 1,055 mm for the pure petrol and hybrid versions respectively. Third-row legroom has increased by 15 mm to 761 mm.

21-inch rims and tyres are bracketed by angular and muscular wheel arches which combine with the bold roofline to bring forth a grand look.

Two notable engine options are the pure-petrol turbocharged 2.5-litre putting out 281hp and 430Nm of torque via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a hybrid turbocharged 1.6-litre with 180hp and 270Nm of torque sent to the road via a six-speed traditional torque-converter automatic transmission. We’d probably get the latter here in Singapore when the new Santa Fe arrives.

Ten exterior colours will be made available in global markets – Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Ocado Green Pearl, Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Pebble Blue Pearl.

An optional ‘panoramic’ two-section sunroof allows natural light to stream into the capacious cabin to make it feel even more spacious.

The interior comes with useful convenience features, such as a UV-C Sterilization Tray and dual wireless charging system for smartphones. The first-in-class Panoramic Curved Display encompasses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system and stands out as a distinctive interior feature. Over-the-air (OTA) updates will ensure the latest software and bug fixes for the vehicle systems without having to bring the Santa Fe to a service centre.

A whole host of driver assistance features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control 2 and Highway Driving Assist 2 help make the commuting experience for the new Santa Fe owner that much easier and more pleasurable.

The interior also features eco-friendly materials for that all-imoprtant green cred. Soft surfaces, such as the headliner, BCF car mats and seatbacks and coverings, such as the crash pad, door trim and seats are all eco-friendly, and the leatherette seats are made of materials that minimize human health hazards and are certified as Class 1 in Europe -safe for infants up to 3 years old.

Five interior colors will be available, namely Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink. Families with young kids should ostensibly spring for the darker colours.

Unveiled alongside the ‘regular’ new Santa Fe was the XRT Concept that’s meant to appeal more to the outdoor enthusiast and designed to handle challenging terrains with confidence and ease.

More to come when the new Santa Fe touches down on Singapore’s shores. Watch this space.

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Volkswagen Singapore, in conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, has creatively festooned a large smiley face art installation across one of its glass facades at its showroom located at 247 Alexandra Road. The piece is actually a mosaic of over 300 post-its, each meticulously penned with reasons why people love owning and driving a Volkswagen.

And if a new car is something that will put a smile on your face, Volkswagen now wants that dream a reality. Purchase a car, and grab savings as high as $47,000 for your new ride, alongside complimentary service credits worth $2,000 for every new Volkswagen sold in March.

For those folks that already drive a Volkswagen, fret not! Volkswagen Singapore has also introduced an exclusive service plan for Volkswagen vehicles seven years and older, so you can still be part of the festivities. For just $99, owners can enjoy savings of up to 40% on genuine Volkswagen parts, giving you even more reason to smile.

So, how about the individuals who don’t own a Volkswagen? Don’t worry, Volkswagen has got you covered as well with a new playlist for you to enjoy. Titled Driving on Sunshine, this playlist comprises of a medley of great songs from the Bee Gees, U2 and OneRepublic, among others. This new playlist is already available on Spotify, so check it out!

Pop down to the showroom on 11, 12, 18 and 19 March 2023 too, and capture fun memories with friends and family at the pop-up photo studio, complimentary with every test drive. 

Volkswagen Group Singapore also has Skoda under its wing, and in celebration of its five fruitful years, Skoda Singapore has introduced a month-long range of promotions for new and existing customers.

Car buyers securing their Skoda in March stand to enjoy up to $64,000 savings on a new Scala. Other attractive and highly practical cars that are also on offer are the recently introduced Scala 1.0 TSI and Octavia 1.0 e-TEC mild hybrid.

From now until the end of March, Skoda fans and owners also enjoy a 35% discount on genuine Skoda lifestyle merchandise and a $300 discount on Skoda Centre Singapore’s 360 Shield ceramic paint coating package. The 360 Shield package promises up to two years of durability against weathering and paint deterioration.

Volkswagen Centre Singapore is located at 247 Alexandra Road, Singapore (159934). Operational hours are between 8:30am to 7:00pm (Monday to Saturday), and between 10:00am to 7:00pm (Sundays and Public Holidays).

Keep on smiling!

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