Hyundai Santa Fe

Driving:
The Santa Fe's cushioned suspension makes for an impressively soft ride, and it is relaxing when cruising. However, on twisty roads, weaknesses are exposed. Body control is poor and it wallows in bends, while over uneven surfaces body shake is noticeable. The manual gearbox on diesel models is a disappointment too, as it only has five ratios. However, there are no complaints about the best-selling 2.2-litre oil-burner itself (which sits alongside a thrashy 2.7-litre V6 petrol). It's one of the best diesels we've tried. Refined, smooth and very well insulated, it ensured the Hyundai is one of the quietest cars in its sector. Not even Honda's brilliant 2.2-litre diesel is as smooth, silent and vibration-free at start-up, and while the Santa Fe's engine ultimately isn't amazingly responsive, that can be in part blamed on the car's ample kerbweight. An electronic four-wheel-drive system helps put all the power down cleanly by detecting slip and redirecting power away from wheels with less traction.

Marketplace:
The second-generation Santa Fe is something special. For starters, it boasts a seven-seat option, which gives Hyundai an edge over almost every rival in the compact SUV class, despite their steep £1,000 price tag. There's also that diesel engine, an industry-leading five-year warranty, excellent levels of standard equipment plus claims of enhanced quality, styling and desirability. Styling isn't that original but the Hyundai is well executed and has plenty of visual impact, not least because of its size. It's one of the longest and widest cars in its class. The range offers the two engines offered above, in various trims, with just the single five-door bodystyle. Five-seat models are also available if you don't want to pay extra for seven. Key rivals are the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail and Land Rover Freelander, though base models of BMW's X3 also sweep close to upper-range Santa Fes.

Owning:
From behind the wheel, the Santa Fe feels big. Seats are mounted too high and lack support, indicators are mounted on the right and the steering has no reach adjustment - but although this means it can be hard to get comfortable, it excels in other areas. Design and quality are a quantum leap forward (despite a few cheap plastics in places), and practicality is class leading. Rear space is competitive and here the Hyundai plays its trump card: accessed from the passenger side are those optional rear seats that pull easily from the boot floor. They're ideal for kids and, while luggage space disappears when they're in use, fold them flat again and the Santa Fe's load bay is the biggest in its class by miles. Unusual, then, for there to be no load cover. Servicing and fuel bills are expensive but retained values are excellent (a real result for Hyundai), which should offset expenses when you come to sell. Good job, because just as the car's prestige and ability have risen, so too have prices.

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