Road Test: Hyundai Santa FE 2.2 CRDi Premium SE 5dr Auto [7 Seats]

Before the brand engineered its way into the hatchback mainstream, it wasn’t its cheap tin-box cars that got Hyundai properly dug-in here in the UK. It was the Santa Fe. Two generations of this no-nonsense crossover have sold in big numbers to people who want the space and the ability to haul a trailer of horse.

The new one does the same, including an impressive 2,500kg trailer weight and the option of seven seats. But it’s moved with the crossover market to become more civilised and stylish. The six-sided grille and upswept waistline make it easy to spot.

All versions come with a 2.2 diesel, but you can have auto or manual, FWD or 4WD, five seats or seven, and three trim levels, though not all combinations of those variations. Both FWD and 4WD manuals are under 160g/km.

Prices start at £25k, which gives you a lot of crossover for the price of smaller stuff like a Tiguan. But, of course, Hyundai didn’t field base models for TopGear to try. They’ve given us the top-end Premium SE auto.

The 2.2 VGT engine is smooth and willing, and makes a workable coalition with the six-speed auto ’box. It does a pretty decent job when faced with the resistance of 1,950kg of SUV. At least it’s lighter than the old one, thanks to high-strength steel and aluminium in the body. A body that’s also roomier than before, and feels less bulky than, say, a Volvo XC90 while still fitting in seven seats.

Interestingly, because the UK likes the Santa Fe so much (37,500 sold here), the car has been given a UK-specific suspension set-up. Unfortunately, I’m driving LHD-spec. Its suspension is decent for a crossover – it hops a bit after a bump and rolls into corners, but the general spring softness is fairly well judged. Vehicles like this aren’t meant to be sporty and tend to feel idiotic when they’re too firm. That said, better damping would control that hopping and make the roll more progressive too, and we’re told that’s the aim of the UK spec.

The driving position is high, so you get a good view out, but that shallow rear glass hampers vision for kids. Hope it doesn’t make them vomit. The second row of seats folds easily, and the ergonomics of the dash are as car-like as crossover buyers surely want these days.