Hyundai images give view of redesigned 2013 Santa Fe

DETROIT -- Hyundai unveiled the first images that provide a clear view of the redesigned 2013 Santa Fe crossover.

The vehicle will be introduced next month at the New York auto show.

Hyundai calls the styling design "storm edge," an evolution of the fluidic sculpture design philosophy seen on the Sonata, Elantra and the upcoming 2013 Azera.

The front-end styling adopts Hyundai's hexagonal grille and chrome three-bar pattern.

In an interview late last year, John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America CEO, said response in clinics to the redesigned Santa Fe has been very positive. In fact, the response has been more positive in clinics for the Santa Fe than it was for the redesigned Sonata before that car was introduced for the 2010 model year, Krafcik said. The Sonata exceeded the automaker's sales expectations.

Although the automaker did not say in a news release, the redesigned Santa Fe is expected to be offered in two wheelbases, with a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating.

Last year, U.S. dealers sold 74,391 Santa Fes, a 3 percent decrease from the previous year. U.S. sales through February this year totaled 8,682, just nine fewer units than in the first two months of 2011.

The current generation Santa Fe was introduced in the 2007 model year.