Set to formally debut next month in New York, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe made an early mini-appearance on the automaker’s Twitter page over the weekend. Although no mechanical details were presented, Hyundai did confirm that the next generation of its compact crossover will adopt a new "Strom Edge" design concept that’s based on the "Fluidic Sculpture" language used on the firm’s passenger cars.
Beyond its edgier exterior appearance, the new Santa Fe also is expected to benefit from a major interior upgrade program, an expanded standard/optional feature set and more powerful/fuel-efficient four-cylinder and V6 engines. Speculation exists that the U.S. market could see a long-wheelbase version of the new Santa Fe that would offer three-row seating for up to seven. It’s also possible that a new model using this stretched platform may be introduced to replace the existing Veracruz.
