Last December Hyundai launched its fourth generation Sante Fe SUV – the seven seater now coming in four 3.5 litre V6 petrol auto front drive variants, Base, Active, Elite and top grade Highlander – prices running from $44,700 to $61,700. Also available, four 2.2-litre auto turbo-diesel models but in four-wheel drive, prices for each grade another $3,500. The new model has been quickly accepted – but is petrol or diesel models the most popular – diesel Sante Fe’s account for 85 per cent of sales with the flagship Highlander the big seller. Measuring slightly larger to its predecessor the latest Hyundai Sante Fe’s best dimensional improvement is in the second row seats – now with 39mm of extra legroom, the third row though still tight and only for kids.

Visually, the styling refresh is appealing, and in fact I think it’s got a slight edge over sister company Kia’s Sorento which sits on the same platform. The interior is a highlight with a fine choice of materials and ergonomics around the centre console with push button gear selection and drive mode selection first class. Good storage too and a conveniently placed vertical wireless phone charging port. In all, the new Sante Fe is a nice package size, not too large and mostly in use as a five-seater. In my next segment today I detail why the diesel is the bigger seller.

I’m David Berthon

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