Hyundai’s local arm has confirmed two new electrified Santa Fe models for New Zealand; a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.
It’s the first time in the nameplate’s 22-year history that it will be offered locally with an electric-assisted powertrain.
Hyundai New Zealand general manager Chris Blair says he expects the new hybrid line-up to appeal to fleet operators.
“The Santa Fe Hybrids will also appeal to the fleet market, particularly from fleet operators and company car drivers who require a multi seat vehicle and a low emission powertrain, a requirement that Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is ideally positioned to fill with its low CO2 emissions of just 37g/km and standard 7 seat configuration,” he says.
“The all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is another milestone vehicle for Hyundai New Zealand. It’s the first of three hybrid SUV’s we have arriving in 2022, and another important step towards the reduction of carbon emissions in New Zealand.”
The Santa Fe hybrid will be offered in a base model an a high spec Elite variant, priced at $88,990 and $99,990 respectively. The Santa Fe plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, will only be offered in Elite form, priced at $109,990. Both are exclusively all-wheel drive.
Both models use Hyundai’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as a base. The HEV adds a 44kW electric motor and 1.49kWh battery, and the PHEV adds a 67kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh battery.
Hyundai NZ claims a 169kW power output for the HEV and 180kW power output for the PHEV. The group boasts that the PHEV can travel up to 56km on electric power alone.
It adds that the Santa Fe hybrid can achieve an economy of 6.3L/100km on the WLTP cycle, while emitting 142g/km of CO2. The PHEV, meanwhile, emits just 37g/km.
Both models look identical to the rest of the Santa Fe range, apart from the PHEV’s added plug and each model’s unique wheel designs.
Blair adds that the brand has more electrified models coming down the pipe this year, including a Kona hybrid and Tucson hybrid.
“We are very much committed to providing Kiwis with the most choice when it comes to eco-friendly drivetrains. By the end of 2022, we will have introduced seven EV and Hybrid models in 24 variants since 2017,” he adds.
“By adding Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid electrified powertrains to our range here in New Zealand reaffirms our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles.”
