Alternative review of Hyundai Santa Fe

Wouldn't it be nice if value for money didn't have to be a priority when choosing a car? Well, for most of us it's right up there at the top of the list, so it's just as well that manufacturers like Hyundai bear that in mind. At prices that shave a few grand off those of the competition, the Hyundai Santa Fe compact 4x4 has to be worth some serious consideration. For me, mud plugging doesn't really hold any great appeal, so would the Santa Fe tempt me to join the ranks of the on-road off-roader drivers? Well, possibly. After all, it has everything you'd want from a good-sized family car and, if I did change my mind and decide to drive across a field (I can't think why I'd do that, but you never know), I'd be tooled up for the job.

This chunky five-door comes equipped with a whole host of goodies. Choice was definitely on the agenda when Hyundai designed this car. The top-spec 2.2-litre CRDi diesel model I tested had a sunroof, reversing sensors and air-con, along with all the usual gadgetry, including a decent CD sound system and leather seats - not my own personal favourite on the upholstery front, but each to his or her own. One area where the old Santa Fe was noticeably slipping behind the pack was in terms of interior build quality. Although everything seemed durable and customer satisfaction surveys have shown that little goes wrong, the perception of quality was an aspect that needed addressing. So it is that the latest Santa Fe now offers higher quality wood and metal detailing, mesh type upholstery fabrics and piped leathers.

Step inside the cabin and everything falls easily to hand. All the controls are logically placed and it's quite roomy - no chance of elbowing my husband in the chest by accident. Come to think of it, it'd be pretty difficult to do it on purpose - shame. He's 6' 4" and has occasionally had to open the sunroof on test cars in order to avoid his cheek becoming grafted onto his shoulder on long journeys. Thankfully, this wasn't the case in the Santa Fe. Nice touches include standard height adjustment for the driver's seat and dual power sockets so that the kids' Nintendo games needn't clash with the needs of your mobile 'phone. Power steering comes as standard on all models and the ride is pretty impressive. We took the car out into the Sussex countryside for a pothole test and it came out with flying colours. It was smooth on the motorway too, so no complaints there.

The Santa Fe and I have been only out a few times now, so it's probably a bit early for us to be living together. However, if we got to know each other a little better, who knows? Seriously though, the car has opened my eyes to the virtues of on-road 4x4 driving. The feeling of security and the excellent all-round visibility of 4x4s attract female buyers and I must admit that being able to see a long way up the road is a major plus. It also makes spotting parking spaces a whole lot easier! I love a bargain and always seek out quality merchandise. In this respect this car is most definitely a winner. It's spacious enough to suit my lifestyle and it's ride and handling make for effortless driving - my favourite. With all this in mind, I'd have to say yes I could live with a Santa Fe.

TOP 5 SANTA FE DEALS

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Hyundai Santa fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 5dr [7 Seats] diesel estate
Price £21,580 Read Santa fe Reviews	Save £5,150
Hyundai Santa fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 5dr Auto [7 Seats] diesel estate
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Hyundai Santa fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 5dr [5 Seats] diesel estate
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Hyundai Santa fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 5dr Auto [5 Seats] diesel estate
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