2013 Santa Fe available at Planet Hyundai

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived at Planet Hyundai. Planet Hyundai Centennial in the northwest valley is touting the vehicle's new look and features.

From front to back, the Santa Fe has been redesigned, and the new design has been well-received, according to those at the dealership.

"Hyundai really stepped up with the 2013 Santa Fe," said veteran automobile sales consultant Rick Walker, whose own career started with NFL quarterback John Elway at John Elway Mazda Oldsmobile and Hyundai in 1996.

"What I love about the car business is that the brain trusts of the business are not afraid to try something new - and the Santa Fe is a superb example of that. We heard that the Santa Fe was going to be changed, but we never imagined the vehicle we now have on the lot. It's gorgeous, it's quiet and has beautiful lines."

Walker said the new Santa Fe is available in a 2.0 turbo or a 2.4 liter engine, and both get excellent gas mileage.

"The 2.0 turbo gets 21 miles to the gallon in the city and 31 miles to the gallon on the highway with 264 horsepower. Needless to say, everyone here at Planet Hyundai will put the new Santa Fe up against any other sport utility vehicle in the country."

The Santa Fe also includes three types of steering modes: comfort, normal and sport.

"You can change from one mode to another with the push of a button," said Walker, who has sold more than 2,500 cars in his career. "For an SUV, this is one of the most impressive vehicles I have seen in my career."

Walker added that the new Santa Fe has a larger interior volume.

"It has the most shoulder room of any SUV in its class. The rear seats tilt at four different levels. In fact, if you lay the back seats down there is a ton of room," he said.

With winter just around the corner, the 2013 Santa Fe is certain to prove popular for outdoor buffs looking for the snow country, he said.

"Whether you're talking about Lake Tahoe to the north, Duck Creek or Brian Head to the northeast or Flagstaff to the south, the 2013 Santa Fe will get you there and bring you home safely," he said. "The vehicle comes with either a two-wheel or all-wheel drive."

Walker's first two sales of the 2013 Santa Fe have been to a retired couple and a single woman. One buyer traded in a 2007 Santa Fe while the other swapped a 2011 GMC Terrain.

"The new Santa Fe is going to appeal to all ages," Walker said. "With all that has already been delivered, even better yet is the fact that a seven-passenger Santa Fe will be hitting the streets after the first of the year, and it will also offer a six-cylinder power plant."

Hyundai offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile engine warranty and the five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

"Hands down, nobody has a better warranty," Walker said. "The roadside assistance can be reached through the exclusive Hyundai Blue Link, which can be accessed through the button on your rearview mirror ."

Planet Hyundai Centennial is at 6200 Centennial Center Blvd. The dealership is headed by General Manager Skip Shakely.

Also under Planet umbrella is Planet Hyundai Sahara at 7100 Sahara Ave. and the Planet Hyundai Used Car Superstore at 7100 W. Sahara Ave.

For more information, call 702-483-2200 (Centennial) or 702-938-1400 (Sahara) or visit www.planetlv.com.