The Reason For Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 To Design Boxes And Focus On The Practicality Of Steering Systems

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024. (Doc. Hyundai)

JAKARTA - When Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in July, the main highlight was the design of the boxes. Although many like it, there are also those who are less used to changes from typical, more curved designs.

However, in Autocar's report, August 12, the Head of Hyundai Motor Company Design, SangYup Lee, had reasons for the change.

Lee is not just anyone, he received the World Car Person of the Year 2023 award for his work in car designs such as the latest Ioniq 6, Kona, and the latest N Vision 74 hydrogen-powered.

According to Lee, the design team uses data to predict future design trends, and the word "outdoors" always appears. This explains why Santa Fe has just received an off-road SUV display emphasized by a plaid exterior shape.

"Four and a half years ago, we started this project. We always check data information to predict future trends. This is before the pandemic, and one really sticking out keyword is how outdoors culture has become mainstream. We choose directions that include both cities and the open world," he said.

This design proportion allows Santa Fe to provide "a lot of volume," with easier access to baggage through a wide backdoor. This is possible with unconventional rear light placement.

Lee also doesn't want to follow the general style. While he admits that there's nothing wrong with adopting a familiar look, he believes that this company is a challenger: "there is no risk, no reward."

Another point is a consumer-focused design approach. Santa Fe's target market is buyers who are active outdoors and may already have a family, therefore it was decided to integrate the box body that maximizes interior space. It also explains why Hyundai Casper has a different design language. Nepal is a small crossover that is said to be suitable for Generation Z who lives in the city.

"So we are diverse. There are advantages and disadvantages, but we believe that focusing on consumers is what these brands have to do to improve our design vision. I will not say it is right or wrong; I will say that consumers will decide," he continued.

But the most notable change in Santa Fe's design is the reuse of the gear shift regulator to the steering column. This is done to improve the efficiency of the driving interface and optimize the use of interior space. It also provides flexibility in the center console settings, which generates additional space for larger extra features or storage space. In the case of Santa Fe, this could include USB ports, wireless charging pads, and of course, larger console boxes.

"For controls related to driving and powertrain, we want to put everything around the steering wheel. So, you don't have to be bothered looking to the left and the right. Therefore, the movement of teeth with a cable system, we install them in the column [of the driver]. Turned forward and back, very easy to use, "concluded Lee, as reported by The Drive, August 12.

With this innovative change, Hyundai Santa Fe 2024 is able to combine unique designs with practicality and efficiency, proving that the design of the boxes is not just a style, but also a smart solution to provide a better driving experience.