The next generation Santa Fe represents a dramatic departure from the current model.

RELEASE of photos giving a first look at the exterior and interior of the next-generation Santa Fe heading here later this year have confirmed that Hyundai is set to further amplify the radical new styling already seen on the Kona.

Hyundai New Zealand has already confirmed the new model, which has its official full unveiling at next month’s Geneva motor show, will be a local market starter before year end.

Head office in Seoul had already provided insight into the new design direction when it released a series of artist-drawn renderings before Christmas.

However, the photos provided today cement just how committed the firm is to a bold new styling direction.

This Santa Fe is the boldest and most stylish yet; the new lines make look significantly more expensive and luxurious. Will it step up in price yet again?

We asked Hyundai New Zealand boss Andy Sinclair for comment, but he has yet to come back to us.

Most notable about its updated design is the revamped front section which includes an updated criss-cross chrome grille, slit LED headlights signatures and smooth curves across the bonnet.

The model’s specs are still to be confirmed, but it Hyundai has said the model will come with its latest active safety features under the Smart Sense technology package.

One of these features is the Rear Occupant Alert which monitors the rear seats to detect passengers and alerts the driver when leaving the car.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning will also now come with automated braking function.

Hyundai had a 5.8 percent volume drop in 2017, selling 7892 vehicles, but Sinclair said he was still very happy with the result.

He said the drop was driven by a combination of supply issues in quarter three along with a lower volume of rentals “which was in line with our plans.

“We are looking forward to 2018 with a significant line-up of new products including the i30 N, all-new Santa Fe and Kona EV.”