Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi 7 seat Auto Premium

Costs

In real terms the Santa Fe, or any medium size SUV, will cost more than an average family hatchback. For some the benefits of something like the Santa Fe will, obviously, outweigh the negatives. That said, be prepared to spend more time at the filling station and with your insurance company, for example.

Space and practicality

In seven-seat guise the Santa Fe offers the best of both worlds: plenty of cabin space and the flexibility to carry people or their belongings. That rearmost pair of seats fold into the boot floor and further extend the car's carrying capacity. Up the front, oddment storage space is generous: door bins, centre armrest and glove box offering ample capacity.

Controls and display

There's nothing flash about the Santa Fe's interior - everything is laid out in a sensible fashion. Controls and displays are intuitive and clear respectively, while the steering offers a good balance of assistance and feedback. The foot operated parking brake might take some getting used to, though.

Comfort

Aside form the slightly firm ride on poorly surfaced roads, the Santa Fe offers a composed and refined experience. The diesel engine proves a little vocal when pushed hard, but otherwise the cabin remains a tranquil environment. The car's spacious interior means that there's no chance of rubbing elbows with fellow occupants.

Car security

Any SUV is a desirable object for thieves and the Santa Fe will be no different. The usual remote central locking and immobiliser package is, frankly, all you'll need, as it should thwart all but the most determined criminal. With plenty of cabin storage areas belongings can be kept out of sight. You might rue the absence of a load cover for the seven-seat car, though.

Car safety

There's no shortage of kit in the Santa Fe; there are airbags everywhere and the inclusion of anti-lock brakes plus stability control should keep you out of trouble. The car's intelligent all-wheel drive can be locked in four-wheel drive mode - essential for very slippery conditions.

Driver appeal

For an SUV, the Santa Fe rides surprisingly well on road. Pitch and roll is well contained, while the car's agile nature puts it ahead of many rivals. Some might find the car's ride a little firm on poor surfaces and rough ground - assuming you venture off-road at all. Key to the car's performance is this punchy 2.2-litre diesel engine. Its torquey nature and high output ensure rapid acceleration, effortless overtaking and relaxed cruising.

Family car appeal

In five-seat guise the big Hyundai strikes a good balance between space and seats. If you find yourself transporting more people on a regular basis, the seven-seat version might be more useful. Access to the third row is acceptable, while those extra seats fold flat into the floor when not in use. Elsewhere in the cabin, the various materials appear durable and there's plenty of oddment storage options.

First car appeal

If as a novice you're presented with the Santa Fe there's no need to worry. All the major controls are straightforward, with the auto gearbox option saving you an extra layer of worry. The car's lofty driving position ensures good all-round visibility, although its size will take some getting used to.

Quality and image

In the small car world Hyundai is well respected but there's still some way to go for the company to gain widespread acceptance in the mid-size SUV market. Land Rover's Freelander might dominate but the Santa Fe trumps it on price - if only the badge snobs would realise this. Boasting a generous five year warranty and solid build quality, there's no excuse to not having it on your shopping list.

Accessibility

For an SUV cabin access is surprisingly good. Ground clearance is par for the class but getting in and out should pose few problems for anyone -even to the third row of seats. All the doors open wide, while the sizeable tailgate requires little effort to open and close.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

No complaints here as Hyundai has long since realised that a solid performance by the audio unit is a key attraction. An easy to use unit, the Santa Fe's combined radio and CD player also boasts an aux in socket and can be had with a USB connection for iPods - the menus system proves easy to navigate.

Colours and trim

To compliment the car's sophisticated appearance, subdued metallic colours are the order of the day. This way you can help boost the premium aspirations of Hyundai's mid-size SUV. Inside the Santa Fe it's a little sombre, but the plastics look and feel hard - missing the premium mark a little.

Parking

Despite its size the Santa Fe isn't a difficult car to manoeuvre. The rear parking sensors are accurate, although the steering could do with more assistance at low speeds. The car's lofty driving position does afford you a good view fore and aft, however.

Spare wheel

Conventional tyre fitted as standard.