The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Named 2012 "Compact CUV of Texas"

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been named the 2012 "Compact CUV of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).  Issued at the 20^th annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio, the award was determined by 50 leading journalists across two days of expansive driving.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121024/FL99193 )   

"We are very pleased to hear that the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been named 'Compact CUV of Texas' for the first time," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.  "TAWA members have further confirmed the amazing versatility of this all-new crossover.  This accolade proves that in a variety of environments, the Santa Fe will stay composed, safe and efficient."

Comprised of 50 TAWA members, the 2012 Texas Truck Rodeo evaluated some of the industry's leading trucks, SUVs and crossover utilities.  In order to put each vehicle through its paces, the famed Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas served as the event's proving grounds.  With driving surfaces varying from bumpy pavement, loose gravel, slick mud, steep hills, jagged rocks and water crossings, each candidate stayed busy throughout the two days of testing.

"TAWA members overwhelmingly selected the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport as the Compact Crossover of Texas," said Michael Herzing, TAWA President.  "Crossovers are important to Texans as they need vehicles that deliver on comfort, functionality and reliability.   Hyundai exceeded those expectations and had the best product in the category." 

All-new for 2013, the third generation Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was named the "Compact CUV of Texas" for the first year ever.  Entered into one of the most crowded segments of the competition, the Santa Fe Sport beat out the likes of the 2013 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring AWD, 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited and the 2013 Nissan Juke SL Midnight Edition.  Hailed by journalists for its blend of value, mileage, capability and driving dynamics, the Santa Fe Sport found its way up rocky hills, down steep inclines, and around sweeping back-roads. 

With two days of evaluation, TAWA members judged the vehicles on a variety of considerations.  Aspects from exterior styling to road manners as well as pricing, fuel mileage, and off-road capability were all taken into account.  Voting was conducted anonymously via electronic ballots.     

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a new breed of crossover utilities with two trims, all-new powertrains and class-leading fuel economy.  With five passenger capability, two gasoline direct injected engines, and up to 33 mpg on the highway, the Santa Fe Sport has rightfully earned the title "Compact CUV of Texas."  In 2.0T form, the turbocharged four cylinder engine makes 264 horsepower while class-exclusive features such as a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat, Blue Link telematics and Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) separate the Santa Fe Sport from the crowd. 

An all-new "Fluidic Sculpture" design gives the third generation Santa Fe the impact of constant motion while opulent interior features such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give world-class comfort and amenities.  Combined with 266 lb weight loss compared to the 2012 model and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick," a base price of $24,450 keeps the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe competitive in a very crowded segment.    

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America