Models pose next to the third-generation Santa Fe at an unveiling event in Songdo, Incheon, Thursday. The new model goes on sale here today. / Korea Times photo by Lee Ho-jae

By Kim Tae-jong

Hyundai Motor will begin official sales here today of the newest version of its flagship SUV, the Santa Fe, following the release of the prices for the third-generation edition on Tuesday.

It is available in a five-seater (Santa Fe Sport) and seven-seater model (Santa Fe) with either a 2- or 2.2-liter diesel engine, available from 28 million to 37 million won.

Depending on the options, the 2-liter two wheel drive version costs from 28.02 million won to 33.94 million won. The 2-liter four wheel drive model ranges from 30.62 million won to 36.04 million won.

The 2.2-liter two wheel drive Santa Fe is priced from 29.96 million to 35.58 million won with the 2.2-liter four wheel drive SUV from 32.14 million to 37.76 million won.

The automaker said the prices of the all-new Santa Fe are slightly higher than the previous edition but the new vehicles offer much more upgraded value.

“The most popular model, the 2-liter two wheel drive, is now available at 30.08 million won, 240,000 won more than the same model in the previous generation,” an official from Hyundai Motor said. “But new features and high fuel efficiency are worth about 1.8 million won.”

According to the automaker, a lighter body and new technologies help increase fuel-efficiency by 13 percent, with the 2-liter model capable of 17 kilometers per liter and 2.2-liter model at 16.1 kilometers per liter.

The new Santa Fe is also the first SUV equipped with a seven-airbag system. It also has an Emergency Fastening Device, which automatically fastens seatbelts for drivers’ safety. In addition, Vehicle Dynamics Control and Vehicle Stability Management have been applied to control stability in emergency situations.

The automaker also ambitiously applied a new “telematics” service to the new Santa Fe, called “Blue Link,” which links navigation and IT systems. Drivers can start the engine and open or close doors remotely.

Hyundai also emphasizes its upgraded customer services, saying it will offer a 3-year or 60,000-killometer warranty for the new Santa Fe. It offered a 2-year or 40,000-kilometer warranty for previous models.