Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style (5 seat) Auto 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

The Santa Fe is a generally comfortable car that has a nice ride which will only be punctuated by the largest of bumps and jolts. Although it isn’t quite as nippy as some of the competition, it is agile enough and the handling and grip help to ensure the driver is confident and in control at all times. The elevated driving position gives the driver a good view of the road, and the only complaint in terms of the driving position is that the head restraints do come a little too far forward.

The engine performs well and has good acceleration, going from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, which is very good for a 4x4 of this size. The top speed of 118mph is also more than enough for the majority of drivers. One good aspect of the Santa Fe is that it is very powerful, and handles towing trailers and caravans much more comfortably than some of its weaker rivals.

The Santa Fe is attractive enough for a 4x4, and with a large square grille at the front and oval headlights, it doesn’t look as aggressively styled as some other 4x4 vehicles. As with any vehicle of this size it is difficult to maintain practicality when styling the vehicle, so Hyundai have opted on the side of practicality, which means that the back is a little boxy and square.

Alloy wheels are included as standard, which is of big benefit to the overall look of the car, but it is when we go inside the cabin that the best of equipment is to be seen. Air conditioning and a good stereo system are both included as standard, and Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome addition that is becoming more commonplace in new cars. Satellite navigation is an optional extra, but is available for quite a reasonable price when compared with some other manufacturers.

The folding seats in the back of the Santa Fe are complemented by the design of the door to the boot which means that there is a massive potential for carrying large bulky items if required. The seven seat option may carry more passengers, but the five seat version discussed here can carry five adults in comfort.

Hyundai is noted for making reliable cars, and this perception is boosted by the five year warranty which is Hyundai’s expression of that confidence. There are also the usual range of six airbags and driving aids to help ensure the car remains safe, but because of the age of the model the Euro NCAP safety tests only awarded the Santa Fe four out of five stars.

The list price for this version of the Santa Fe is £24,845, which is a competitive price for a 4x4 with an automatic gearbox, but those who can drive a manual vehicle will usually go for the cheaper option there. This will often cut well over a thousand pounds from the list price. The Santa Fe is still significantly cheaper than much of the competition in this class, but doesn’t quite offer the same levels of luxury either.

In terms of running the Santa Fe, the fuel consumption of an average 39.2mpg is fairly reasonable for a vehicle of this size, but be prepared to be hit with a fairly hefty insurance price for the vehicle. However, the resale values for used Santa Fe’s are holding up well, and the five year warranty and breakdown cover package is one of the most competitive on the market.