11: Hyundai Santa Fe – Popular family SUV showing its premium side

What strikes you most about the new Santa Fe is just how ‘premium’ it has become. Yes, that’s a tiresome buzz-word to be chucking around, but that’s the best, or at least best short-hand, way to describe Hyundai’s new range topper.

It looks more sophisticated, more complex on the outside than it used to. More intriguing, for that matter, than the good looking, but slightly plain, old model.

It’s inside where the new Santa Fe has really leaped forward, though. It’s smooth and refined on the road, too, and if the engine range is currently limited to just the two options, then at least the headline 2.2 diesel is decently economical. Space in the third row of seats has been improved, but realistically it’s still a kids-only zone. It’s also become very pricey now, even if the quality justifies the sticker.

Best model: Santa Fe Executive Plus 2.2d 2WD for €44,995