Hyundai has released details of the 2010 Santa Fe. Along with changes to the styling and interior there is a new engine. Prices are lower than before with the range starting at £21,495 and it goes on sale at the start of 2010.

Updated styling includes a chrome-edged radiator grille, revised headlamps and a reshaped front bumper. There is also a new back bumper with trapezoidal exhaust pipes and redesigned rear lamp clusters. Carbon black trim replaces wood to give the interior a more modern feel.

One engine is offered; a new, 2.2-litre diesel unit. It develops 194bhp and 311lb.ft (or 322lb.ft for the automatic version). Both manual and automatic transmissions offer six ratios. Hyundai claims the manual version will do 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds while combined cycle fuel economy 'breaks the 40mpg barrier'. Carbon dioxide emissions are quoted as 176g/km.

To help economy the alternator is disengaged when not required and both transmissions are apparently designed to help save fuel. To encourage good habits from the driver automatic models have a fuel economy monitor and manual versions indicate the optimum point to change gear.

Prices for the new Santa Fe start at £21,495 for the five-seat, manual, Style model. An extra pair of seats is a £750 option and automatic transmission costs £1,500. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors and air conditioning. The Premium version, which costs from £23,245, gets 18-inch alloys, leather seats and automated lights and wipers.

The Santa Fe will go on sale on 4th January 2010.