Model tested: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 7-seat manual
Price: £23,995
Date tested: December 2009
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 80%
Since the all-new Santa Fe went on sale in 2006, it's been a solid seller, finding homes with those looking for a well-built but affordable mid-sized SUV. For 2010, it's had a nip, tuck and a new engine to freshen it up, but is it enough to keep its reputation as a quality product?

1. Looks
The Santa Fe retains its Tonka toy looks but since it first appeared, Hyundai has designed more handsome products like the i30. The offset rear numberplate looks awkward too.
7/10

2. Looks inside
Hyundai has replaced the wood-effect trim with carbon black, which makes a huge difference. The controls remain clearly laid out, easy to use and they feel well built while the leather trim doesn't have the softest feel, but should be hardwearing.
8/10

3. Practicality
There's almost 1,000 litres of luggage space with the £750 optional third row folded (or not installed), rising to almost 2,350 with the second row folded. All the rear seats fold flat for a single-level loading bay, and the tailgate splits. Seven seaters have self-levelling suspension, making them particularly suited to towing.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Santa Fe handles well for a big SUV; the self-levelling suspension aids handling, and gives good ride comfort.
7/10

5. Performance
Our manual-gearbox Santa Fe does 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and top speed is 118mph. The new diesel engine has 31 per cent more power than before (now 194bhp) while pulling power jumps by 26 per cent to 311lb/ft.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The Santa Fe is relatively affordable, benefit in kind has reduced to 26 per cent, and CO2 emissions are 176g/km. Manual models average 41.5mpg; autos can manage 39.2mpg. Service intervals are now 20,000 miles.
9/10

7. Reliability
A five-year warranty speaks volumes about the Santa Fe's reliability; it feels robust too.
8/10

8. Safety
The Santa Fe has a four-star EuroNCAP rating, with side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners along with twin front, side and full length curtain airbags. There are also active head restraints, ESP, traction control and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution.
7/10

9. Equipment
All Santa Fes have 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors, air-con, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a gear shift indicator. Range-toppers add dual-zone climate control, leather seats, tinted glass, electric driver seat, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Santa Fe ticks so many boxes for the SUV buyer. It's cheap, comfortable, quick and spacious, but most of all it has that five-year warranty.
8/10