Hyundai’s Design Chief Discusses the Boxier Santa Fe

Hyundai is gearing up to launch the redesigned Santa Fe, which will be a significant departure from its predecessor. The new model will feature a boxy design and a more upscale interior. Spy photographers have already captured a few prototypes, and SangYup Lee, the head of global design for Hyundai and Genesis, recently spoke about the upcoming crossover in an interview with MotorTrend. Lee explained that the next-generation Santa Fe was not created in a traditional way. Instead, they developed the model around the idea that people buy SUVs because of the cargo space at the back. This approach is particularly evident in how the interior was designed. They started in the cargo area and then moved forward, which is the opposite of what typically happens.

Redesigned Interior

According to officials, the gear selector will be moved to the steering column, while the badge on the steering wheel will be replaced by four dots that are Morse code for ‘H.’ The Santa Fe will also feature a curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, slender Palisade-like air vents, dedicated climate controls with digital displays, and a connectivity-focused center console. The interior design is more upscale than the previous model, making it more comfortable and luxurious for passengers.

Boxy Exterior Design

The Santa Fe’s exterior design is a significant departure from its predecessor. The new model will adopt a boxy and squared-off design that looks like a cross between a Land Rover Defender and a Discovery. The model will have an upright front fascia, a relatively flat hood, and blacked-out A-pillars that meet a ‘floating’ roof. The seamless horizon lamp, like the Sonata and Grandeur, will be present in the new model. However, it won’t be a simple horizontal line as it has been given more of an H-shape.

Conclusion

The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe is set to make waves in the automotive industry with its radical departure from the previous model. The interior design is more upscale, making it more comfortable and luxurious for passengers. The exterior design is boxy and squared-off, giving it a rugged look that is reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender and Discovery. The Santa Fe will also feature a seamless horizon lamp with an H-shape, which will be a unique feature in the automotive industry. Overall, the new Santa Fe is shaping up to be a game-changer in the SUV market.

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