Best 4x4 (Rec): Hyundai Santa Fe

	The fresh 2.2-litre Variable Geometry Turbocharger diesel is a revelation ą every bit as smooth, silent and vibration-free as Honda's i-CTDi unit.

If you were to draw up a list of countries renowned for building world-beating cars, it would be safe to assume South Korea wouldn't feature near the top. However, don't bank on that being the case for much longer.

Hyundai has made significant progress over the last few years, thanks to its industry-leading five-year warranty and increasingly competitive range. Now it has produced a model that will put it on the global map.

The original Santa Fe SUV didn't trouble the class-leaders, but the second-generation version is altogether different. As the only contender in the sector to feature seven seats, it has an immediate head start - especially since they're so easy to use. But that isn't enough to earn it victory over long established rivals, so it's just as well that the Santa Fe also has smooth styling, easygoing road manners and a gigantic, highly practical and tastefully designed cabin.

The good news doesn't stop there. The fresh 2.2-litre Variable Geometry Turbocharger diesel is a revelation ą every bit as smooth, silent and vibration-free as Honda's i-CTDi unit - and gives the Santa Fe effortless mid-range urge.

No doubt about it, if you're in the market for a family-friendly SUV, there's no better car available than the Hyundai. Not only does it show rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail a clean pair of heels, but the forthcoming Land Rover Freelander will also have its work cut out to match the competition. At last, South Korea has a class-leader it can be proud of.