Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CDRI Deluxe

What's the best selling 4x4 in Ireland? Well for the past few years it's been the Santa Fe. Its size, 4x4 capability and remarkable price was an unbeatable combination. Not that that would amount to a hill of beans if it was a pure dog! As the buying public cottoned on to rapidly, it was far from that.

Hyundai take this 4x4 sector serious and have the Tuscon available as well These two models will account for a significant percentage of all 4x4 sold in Ireland this, and next year. The new Santa Fe will lead the battle charge.

Looking like a cross between the VW Touareg and the Toyota Rav4, it's a real winner in the looks department. My cousin who had the old model bought one undriven on looks alone. (I'd always council against that by the way!) I do agree on the looks though, it's a stunner. Its muscular looks are spot on. The outside pleasure is, as I said before, for other road users - it's the inside you see everyday and Hyundai have put in a lamentable effort here. OK the false walnut wood is not to everyone's taste but the model I had had leather and felt very upmarket and plush.

The Santa Fe is only coming to Ireland as a 7-seater. Whilst getting in to the back is not as easy as I expected, once there, I'm reliably informed, it's comfortable enough. Think teenagers of average height in the low teens and you get the picture of who'll fit in. The front and rear seats are spacious and our expanding population will have no difficulty fitting in.

The radio. I'll always complain about the radio as they are cheap looking, fiddly and dangerous to use - never mind unfathomable. Just give me the job and I'll sort it out. The excuse is something to do with the different frequencies in Japan and Korea. So how come the Japanese can solve this? I put it down to laziness on someone's behalf and failing to understand that to Irish motorists, this matters.

The 2.2 is the biggest diesel engine available. You'd expect it to be a bit of a performer but it's not the brightest of them. I experienced a bit of lag between foot down and engine waking up. Once at cruising speed there's more than enough but when pressed it makes a bit of noise and takes it's time.

I don't have access to a 4x4 testing ground (something I aim to address soon) so I had few off road opportunities. I did get off road in Monaghan and can report that I never felt I wouldn’t ever get back on road again. The Santa Fe inspired confidence. The majority of Santa Fe’s sold are 2wd so most will never get off road testing or use. Pity as this is a very capable performer.

All things considered Hyundai have moved their very successful Santa Fe onwards and upmarket which is reflected in the higher price.

It remains to be seen if this move will deter buyers/traderuppers and knock it off the top spot.

www.hyundai.ie

RRP = €44,495

St. Patrick's CU Monthly Loan Repayment per €1,000. Rate = 6.5%
Tel: 01 632 5100 or 01 632 5125
3 Years = €30.64
4 Years = €23.71
5 Years = €19.56

Manufacturers Fuel Consumption Figs.:
Urban 9.6l/100km
Extra Urban 6.01/100km

New Car Assessment Programme Rating: To be Tested
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Full reviews can be read at www.esbelectricmail.com/life/motoring.

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