ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Normally I am not a massive fan of large vehicles; but there are exceptions and when the new Hyundai Santa Fe arrived at my door to commence a week behind the wheel, I was in for a very pleasant surprise. T

o say that its styling is understated would be very wrong; it is very different to the model it replaces; it is radically transformed with its high on road stance, eye-catching H-shaped LED headlamps and bold, sharp fenders. The exterior design does stand out from the sea of SUVs small and large; this is akin to a big Tonka. With a longer wheelbase it provides added comfort for all who travel in this large SUV and the new model rides on bold twenty inch wheels, which play a part in the excellent comfort levels enjoyed by all while on the move.

During my week, I observed the number of drivers who cast their eyes in the direction of this new Hyundai. The Santa Fe first took to the road twenty four years ago, and it takes its name from a city in New Mexico. In fact, it was the very first SUV from this successful South Korean company, who now have such a massive global presence. Playing a major part in its early success, it was favoured very strongly by the US driver. Moving to the interior, and not only is it spacious but it has an air of quality. The cabin is sheer luxury with more than sixty selectable colours and the hidden mood lamps extend from the dashboard to the front and rear doors to provide a stylish interior ambience. I have to deliver high praise to the designers for their first-in-class panoramic curved display which encompasses the 12.3 inch digital cluster and 12.3 inch centre infotainment touchscreen for enhanced visibility and an elegant sense of luxury.

Lately I have become more and more critical of a number of vehicles which have a large iPad style screen to the left of your vision; to me a distraction from the business of driving. Comfort has also been a priority in bringing the Santa Fe to market with a choice of six or seven seats; my test vehicle had seven seats; fair enough the back room designed for those in our midst of more slim figures dare I state. They fold down into the boot to give a very healthy load carrying area. The front seats are fully reclinable to relax in and with the six seater version the second row seats are captain’s chairs with a motorised relax mode. Delivering high levels of comfort for all, second and third row leg and headroom have been increased for more living space. I had better add, the third row seat backs also recline.

Most enjoy news and music on the move and with this Hyundai comes a Bose premium system and with the excellent insulation of this vehicle I enjoyed the music much more than I usually do while driving.

For many the focus will be on performance and no disappointment in this area; under the bonnet this hybrid SUV has a four cylinder petrol engine which works smoothly with a six speed automatic transmission and at your command 215bhp. Acceleration is surprisingly lively and thanks to lots of warning sounds and the info displayed on the windscreen, it all helps to maintain speeds within the law. A full menu of safety and security equipment accompanies the new Santa Fe. Behind the wheel; I have not enjoyed a large SUV, quite like the pleasure I got behind the wheel and despite its generous dimensions, handling was car like and with four wheel drive it simply delivered confidence. Summing up a great all-rounder from Hyundai, only minus point and not the fault of the manufacturer many of the car parks in our towns and cities must have been designed with the Mini in mind.

Ian Lynas