Shackleton's grandson conquers Antarctica in new Hyundai Santa Fe | New Release - Car News Apr 2017

10:34 Friday 21 Apr 2017

A new range-topping limited edition model has been added to the Hyundai Santa Fe range to mark the model's recent history-making Antarctic adventure.

The Santa Fe Endurance Edition has been launched in tandem with a new film charting the 30-day expedition undertaken late last year by Patrick Bergel - Great Grandson of legendary polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton - who drove a 2.2-litre Santa Fe across the frozen continent from Union Camp to McMurdo and back again to mark the centenary of Shackleton’s heroic Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-16.

It was the first time a passenger vehicle had ever traversed the Antarctic, and the Santa Fe used by Bergel required only a handful of modifications to complete the epic journey, such as the fitment of large, low-pressure tyres, a 250-litre fuel tank and a pre-heater for the cold.

Just 500 editions of the commemorative Santa Fe Endurance Edition will be available in the UK priced at £38,995. The model is based on the 2.2 diesel 7 seat 4WD Automatic Sante Fe Premium SE with Convenience Pack, which boasts Smart Electric Tailgate, Panoramic Sunroof, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor. Five limited colours are available; solid Creamy White, pearl White Crystal, metallic Titanium Silver, pearl Phantom Black and metallic Mineral Blue - the same colour as that of Bergel’s expedition car.

Additional special equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels – wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres, side bar sport running steps and a special Endurance logo on the B-pillar and interior floor mats. The logo features the Shackleton Family Motto and a 28-point compass representing the 28 crew that survived. Order books for the exclusive model will open on 18 May.