“The new Santa Fe is a vehicle designed with the desire to return to everyday life, born during the pandemic,” explained Lee Cheong, Head of Hyundai Motor’s CMF team.
On September 5, Hyundai Motor held a media interview in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province with the design developers of the new Santa Fe.
The presentation featured Lee Cheong, a senior research engineer at Hyundai’s CMF team. He explained, “The new Santa Fe was created during the height of COVID-19.” It was designed with the hope of freedom in meeting and reduced activity levels, transitioning from traditional urban design to a theme that crosses daily life and outdoor experiences.
Particularly, the color palette was inspired by the light of nature. He remarked, “The main colors of the Santa Fe, such as Cyber Sage, Pebble Blue, and Terracotta Orange, reflect emotions found within nature.”
The interior of the vehicle is characterized by a spacious layout. An upper tray has been installed, featuring dual wireless charging for two smartphones simultaneously. Additionally, there is storage space below the upper tray for small bags.
Equipped with a column-type electronic shift, the traditional shifter space has been repurposed into the upper tray and storage compartments. The introduction of a multi-console box minimizes space inconveniences, while cupholders in each door greatly enhance convenience within the cabin. The interior of the Santa Fe features stitched details on the dashboard and doors, along with a patterned natural wood veneer.
Lee noted, “The most challenging part of the design development was the stitching.” He elaborated on the trials of various embroidery types and different thread thickness tests. Moreover, he emphasized the interior’s wood pattern design, stating, “We’ve used natural wood patterns to maximize the feel of wood.”
In addition to this, the new Santa Fe incorporates sustainable materials such as a suede headliner, floor mats, and recyclable plastics for the second and third-row seatbacks, aiming for a sustainable future.
Lee Sang-jin, daedusj@autodiary.kr