Hyundai Santa Fe

Performance

2.2-litre turbodiesel or 2.7-litre petrol V6. The diesel has stronger pull, which is the one to go for in a car like the Santa Fe. Choose the manual.

Driving

Smooth ride, good handling though body roll and steering are sloppy. Intelligent 4WD system only kicks in when required.

Feel

Diesel is quiet, even when cold

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Price

List price is up significantly from previous model but as a seven-seater it's about as cheap as they come. Running costs and residuals will be poor.

Quality

Well built and likely to be reliable but interior still looks on the cheap side.

Safety

Six airbags, ABS with brakeforce distribution as standard with stability control on the CDX trim, though NCAP crucified the Santa Fe for its poor pedestrian safety.

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Space

Available as a seven-seater and comfortably space for kids in the back. Small boot can be extended by folding rearmost seats to provide large loadpsace, then middle seats, to make a cavernous boot.

Equipment

CD player and aircon as standard. CDX trim brings leather, heated front seats, climate control and stability control. CDX+ adds satnav and cool box

Alternatives

Honda CR-V

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Pros

Diesel drives well, huge space for not a lot of money.

Cons

Petrol is thirsty and performs poorly. Cheap interior. Debatable offroad ability.

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