Hyundai's much awaited stylish new Santa Fe R-Series, just weeks before its New Zealand launch, has proved just how economic it is at the Global Green Challenge at Tennant Creek in Australia's Northern Territory. The model went through two tough days of soaring temperature conditions and over nearly 1000 km. The act has managed to help the new offering smash their fuel economy rating by a massive 21.23%, something that has won even more hearts. "For an SUV as robust and practical as the new Santa Fe to deliver less than six liters per 100 kilometers on one of the Australian outback's toughest roads is truly outstanding", said Ed Ordynski, former Australian champion rally driver. "This proves that considerable cost savings and an impressive environmental benefit is certainly achievable - without compromising practicality - when you combine the right technology in a modern turbo-diesel vehicle with conservative driving techniques". The new diesel family wagon, which will soon be available for sale across markets in NZ, comes with a 2.2L R diesel engine and produces a maximum output of 147kW. The peak torque produced is of 437 Nm between 1800 and 2500 rpm. The new engine configurations by Hyundai have ensured that the Santa Fe is 32% more powerful to drive, yet 10% more efficient than its predecessors. For those interested in buying a petrol model, Hyundai is offering the Santa Fe petrol for the New Zealand market as well, which is much more powerful and as much as 17% more efficient than its previous models.