In what has been a very busy week for Hyundai cars in Ireland, the Korean manufacturer has released four new models and derivatives to their Irish line-up. Most prevalent of these is the all-new Santa Fe SUV.
The Santa Fe has been a huge success story for the brand in Ireland, dominating its segment since it arrived in 2001. With the arrival of the similarly-sized Tucson last year, this left room for the Santa Fe to grow and that is exactly what happened. The new Santa Fe also comes as standard with seven seats.
There is one engine choice and that is a 2.2-litre diesel, with 150bhp and 335Nm of torque. This replaces the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel powerplants offered in the previous version.
Buyers can choose between a two-wheel and four-wheel drive version for €39,395 and €41,495 respectively. A top-spec version with leather upholstery and automatic transmission retails at €44,495. Standard equipment on all models includes climate control, cruise control and 17" alloy wheels.
Another new model is the new Hyundai Accent. The previous 84bhp 1.3-litre 4-door saloon and 3-door hatchback has been replaced by an all-new 95bhp 1.4-litre 4-door version that has been generously equipped, with air conditioning and a trip computer as well as ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. The 4-door saloon costs €17,450 ex-delivery. A 3-door 1.4-litre will arrive by the end of 2006.
Hyundai's large family car, the Sonata, gains two new engines. The 2.0-litre petrol and diesel versions will be sold alongside the existing 2.4-litre version and will be aimed squarely at the likes of the Toyota Avensis and Volkswagen Passat, offering impressive levels of standard equipment.
Safety is taken care of by driver and passenger front and side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags. Prices for the Sonata are €28,450 for the 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol and €30,450 for the 135bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Automatic transmission is available as a €2,000 option. Finally, Hyundai's Getz supermini has got a facelift, some new colours and extra airbags. The 1.1-litre starts at €12,995.