2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (ix45) leaked again

Hyundai’s next-generation Santa Fe crossover, known as the ix45 in other markets, is scheduled to make its world debut in just a few weeks at the 2012 New York Auto Show. However, we already have a good idea as to what the new mid-size crossover will look like thanks to the release of some official teaser images earlier this month, and now a new round of leaked shots courtesy of a brochure released in the Korean automaker’s domestic market. The latest Santa Fe, which is due in showrooms this fall as a 2013 model, picks up a dramatic new look shared by the Veloster and recently facelifted Genesis Coupe. Hyundai calls the new look "Storm Edge," which it describes as an evolution of the current “Fluidic Design” theme but with some sharper and more pronounced creases to create a futuristic and urban-style look. The 2013 Santa Fe also appears to incorporate the common trapezoidal grille and tapered-back headlight design filtering across Hyundai’s lineup. This provides the cars with not only a stronger and slightly sportier look, but one that is also more recognizable. Moving inside, one of the new leaked images reveals what appears to be a third-row seating option on the 2013 Santa Fe, an option that was dropped from the model line back in 2009. As the HyundaiBlog points out, the leaked images also reveal knee airbags, a lane departure warning system, smart parking assist and a Blue Link infotainment system. In terms of powertrains, expect the current Santa Fe' four-cylinder and V-6 units to carry over but with several revisions, such as the addition of direct-injection technology to make them more powerful yet more fuel efficient. Additionally, Hyundai may follow Ford’s lead and install its hot 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine in the new Santa Fe to give it a better chance against the competition, though we still don't have official confirmation on this. The brochures show that the Santa Fe will offer a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine with fuel economy as high as 40 mpg. However, this unit is unlikely to be offered in the U.S.