UK denied long-wheelbase Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai has confirmed that the long-wheelbase Grand Santa Fe SUV will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2013 in March, ahead of going on sale later this year.

The extended Santa Fe was first shown at the 2012 New York International Motor Show in April last year, and offers six- and seven-seater interior options. But it is also left-hand drive only, and won’t be coming to the UK.

Read a Hyundai Santa Fe review on MSN Cars

On Bing: see pictures of the Hyundai Grand Santa Fe

Compared to the standard Santa Fe, the Grand Santa Fe is 10mm taller, 5mm wider and 225mm longer, with an extra 100mm going into the wheelbase. Making it much more roomy inside.

Six and seven-seater versions are offered, while boot space is up to 607 litres – a best-in-class figure.

Powered by the same 197hp 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine as the regular model, it emits a relatively limited 192g/km CO2. It also features a specific ride and handling setup to satisfy the tastes of European drivers.

In terms of appearance, the Grand version is not just bigger than the standard Santa Fe, it also features a different grille design, fog lamps and front bumper. 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels are available.

All of that is irrelevant, however, as Hyundai is adamant it won’t build this new 4×4 in right-hand drive.

The firm tells us the predicated sales volume is too small to make it worth re-engineering this chiefly US-centric model in such a way, specifically for the UK.

So you can look all you like, but you can’t touch.

Would you buy a bigger Santa Fe if it was available here? Let us know…

Find out how much a used Hyundai Santa Fe costs on Auto Trader

Read a Kia Sorento review on MSN Cars

Read a Hyundai Santa Fe review on MSN Cars

On Bing: see pictures of the Hyundai Grand Santa Fe