Hyundai’s all-new crossover earns the Southern Automotive Media Association’s (SAMA) prestigious award
MIAMI, Nov. 12, 2012 – The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was named “Utility Vehicle of the Show” by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) at the 42nd annual Miami International Auto Show. Determined by a panel of judges consisting of industry leading automotive journalists, the accolade took into consideration a full range of utility vehicles from SUVs, pickup trucks and crossovers. One of three awards issued by SAMA at the show’s annual press day luncheon, “Utility Vehicle of the Show” marks 2012 as the first year for the category.
“Hyundai is deeply honored to receive the ‘Utility Vehicle of the Show’ award for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport by SAMA,” said Jim Trainor, national manager of Product Public Relations, Hyundai Motor America. “Santa Fe is proving to be a fantastic example of Hyundai’s commitment to value with a wide variety of features and options that resonate well with the South Florida market.” For the 2013 model year, Santa Fe is all-new with two trims and multiple possibilities. The five-passenger Sport features a fully direct injected four cylinder engine family, available Active Cornering Control All-Wheel Drive and interior items such as a 40:20:40 folding rear seat and panoramic sunroof. With a base MSRP of $24,450, Santa Fe Sport is a lot of utility for the money.
“The Santa Fe Sport is precisely the right size with optimum accessories for today’s market. It’s a superb vehicle for the price and worthy of being named SAMA’s ‘Utility Vehicle of the Show’,” said Ron Beasley, SAMA member and judge. Formed in 2007, SAMA consists of more than 100 journalists and public relations managers from the Southern region. Since its formation, the organization has put on the awards to recognize the best that the automotive industry has to offer at the Miami International Auto Show. For 2012, the category “Utility Vehicle of the Show” replaced the former “Concept Vehicle of the Show” award. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport joins the Hyundai Genesis Sedan which was named “Star of the Show” in 2008.