Hyundai CRTD For Sale

Go to content Dealer Search Dealer Search Navigation New Cars Used Cars Business Users Finance Owners Accessories Motability About Hyundai i10 i20 ix20 i30 i30 Estate Sonata ix35 Santa Fe i800 iLoad Help Me Choose Compare Us Offers Technical Hyundai Tucson Limited From just £18,345 on the road The Hyundai Tucson Limited gives you the best of all worlds, combining an attention grabbing profile with high performance and functional versatility. Black interior Body coloured bumpers Body coloured side garnish Privacy glass Book a test drive Order a brochure Keep me updated Overview Specifications Technical Prices Engine Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Type 4 Cylinder SOHC 16 valve Displacement cc 1,991 Bore & Stroke mm 83.0 x 93.0 Compression Ratio 17.3:1 Max Power kW/BHP 103.0 / 138.0 @ 4000rpm Torque Nm/lbs ft 305.0 / 225.0 @ 1800-2500rpm 0-62mph in seconds 12.0 Top Speed MPH 110 Suspension Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Front MacPherson strut with coil spring Rear Dual link type with anti-roll stabiliser bar Steering Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel System Power assisted rack and pinion steering. Energy absorbing collapsible steering column Steering wheel lock to lock turns 3.06 Brakes Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel System Dual diagonal split circuit, power assisted with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) Front Ventilated discs, floating caliper Rear Solid discs, floating caliper Tyres Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Radial Ply 235 / 60 R16 Wheels Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Alloy 6.5J x 16 Dimensions mm (inches) Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Overall length 4,325 (170.3) Overall width 1,830 (72.0) Overall height 1,730 (68.1) Wheelbase 2,630 (103.5) Track (front) 1,550 (61.0) Track (rear) 1,550 (61.0) Turning circle m (ft) 10.8 (35' 4") Weights & Capacities Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD ** Applies to fully laden vehicle. For driver only weight please consult your Hyundai dealer. CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Luggage capacity SAE litres (cu ft) seats up/seats down 540 (19.1) / 1,375 (48.6) Kerb weight kg (lbs) 1,685 (3,715) Gross vehicle weight kg (lbs) 2,260 (4,982) Max tow weight kg (lbs) Braked** 1,600 (3,527) Max tow weight kg (lbs) Unbraked** 750 (1,653) Noseweight kg (lbs) 75 (165) Max roof weight kg (lbs) 75 (165) Fuel tank capacity (litres) 58 Fuel Consumption l/100km (mpg) & Emissions Model 2.0 CRTD Tucson Limited Manual 4WD * g/km = grams of emitted substance per kilometre travelled. CO2 = Carbon Dioxide; HC = Hydrocarbons; NOx = Nitrogen Oxide † The results given above do not express or imply any guarantee of fuel consumption on any model to which this specification sheet refers. The Driver's style and road traffic conditions, as well as the extent to which the vehicle has been driven and the standard of maintenance, will all affect its fuel consumption. CRTD - Common Rail Turbo Diesel Urban† 8.9 (31.7) Extra urban† 6.2 (45.6) Combined† 7.1 (39.8) CO2 Emissions g/km* 187 HC+NOx Emissions g/km* 0.226 Particulates g/km* 0.040 Specifications shown on this site are based upon the latest information at the time of publication. Hyundai Motor UK Ltd reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, to prices, colours, materials, design, shape, specifications, models and to discontinue items. Footer Contact us Legal Privacy Sitemap Hyundai worldwide Keep me updated © Copyright 2007 - 2009 Hyundai Motor UK Ltd Hyundai Motor UK Ltd Registered Office: 728 London Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1HE. Company No. 05446560 Go to top || LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: First Drives Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD CDX Yet to establish an identity, could the Santa Fe be the most profile-raising launch yet for Hyundai? Auto Express Car Reviews US-styled lines strike balance between sophistication and aggression By Euan SeyMarch 2006 Rating: If Audi is known for quality design, Toyota for solid engineering and Alfa Romeo for flamboyant style, what sets Hyundai apart from the crowd? The Korean firm has yet to establish a true identity, but a new car has just arrived which could help it become a household name in the UK.While some of the latest Santa Fe's styling isn't particularly original, the overall effect is very attractive, maintaining the right balance of sophistication and aggression. At 175mm longer and 65mm higher than its predecessor, it now sits between the Toyota RAV4 and Land Rover Discovery.The largest engine offered in the UK is a revised version of the firm's 2.7-litre V6 petrol unit, tuned to produce 186bhp, but its performance is disappointing. Hyundai expects around 90 per cent of buyers to opt for the new 148bhp 2.2 common-rail diesel CRTD instead.And it's a peach - flexible, lag-free, responsive and refined. The standard five-speed manual box and £1,000 optional five-speed auto work well with the 335Nm of torque, while CO2 emissions and combined fuel economy figures of 190gkm and 32.2mpg are acceptable given the Santa Fe's size.The chassis is set up for comfort, not outright grip, while the steering is a touch heavy and utterly devoid of feel. Electronically controlled four-wheel drive gives the Hyundai decent off-road capability, with all but the most violent of bumps ironed out. Inside is the company's best-ever cabin. Some cheap plastics aside, it's nicely trimmed and well screwed together. The ergonomics are hard to fault, as is the seating layout. There's ample rear room, and the single-lever folding set-up creates a virtually flat load floor.You can also add an extra row of chairs, which fold flush into the boot floor and bring the total up to seven. At only £600 - including self-levelling suspension - this is sure to be a popular option, especially as it doesn't affect luggage space, but the seats are strictly for children. The new Santa Fe is the best car from Hyundai yet, but is not cheap. It is bigger than Toyota's RAV4, yet it's also more expensive. For an alternative review of the latest Hyundai Santa Fe visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. 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Email: Password: Sponsored Results More HYUNDAI SANTA FE articles Car ReviewsCar Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeCar Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeFirst Drives: Hyundai Santa FeCar Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeFirst Drives: Hyundai Santa Fe LimitedLong Term Tests: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 VGT CDX+Car Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeLong Term Tests: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 VGT CDX+New Reviews: Hyundai Santa FeLong Term Tests: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 VGT CDX+Car Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeCar Group Tests: Hyundai Santa FeLong Term Tests: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 VGT CDX+Long Term Tests: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 vgt CDX+First Drives: Hyundai Santa FeFirst Drives: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 CRTD CDXNewsAuto Express News: Hyundai Santa FeAuto Express News: Santa Fe special Related Index Pages Hyundai Hyundai Santa Fe Social Bookmarks Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Pictures - Advertisement - Sponsored Results FIRST OPINION Attractive, well built and versatile - especially in seven-seat form - the Santa Fe is a huge improvement over its predecessor. As well as the usual five-year warranty and good kit, you get a fine diesel and surprisingly competent road manners. But are people ready to pay £20,995 for an entry-level Hyundai? AT A GLANCE As stylish inside as out, the Santa Fe was worked on by Hyundai's LA design studio. Occupants are protected by full-length curtain airbags, and prices start at £20,995. Engine: 2.2 turbodiesel, 148bhp 0-62mph: 11.6 seconds Price: £22,795 Find Used Cars Find your Hyundai Santa Fe with our new used car search. £26457 - £21877 £21877 - £17877 Less than £17877 - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || HOME NEWS ROAD TESTS LONG-TERM TESTS LAUNCHES FEATURES VIDEOS MOTOR SHOWS BUYING GUIDES GALLERY COLUMNS TRAFFIC MAP ABOUT US CONTACT US name email address CAR SEARCH Search for information on your favourite model of car, including road tests and news. 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It's taken me 39 years of driving, but at long last I've taken a car to the top of a Scottish mountain. It may not have been a Munro, and sure there was a perfectly reasonable track in place, but scrambling to the summit of 2539ft high Sgurr a' Chaorachain on the Applecross peninsula was an achievement both for me and for Hyundai's two-litre CRTD turbodiesel Tucson. The tough Korean SUV had already beaten Scotland's most spectacular road - the stunning 2000ft climb from Loch Kishorn to the top of the Bealach na Ba - when I was offered a chance to go higher still. But this final 550ft climb was no cakewalk. The Tucson had to tackle a transmitter access track hewn from solid rock and surfaced with large, loose and very sharp stones. I had to pick my way carefully along the rough surface. In places it was steep and just wide enough, but the Tucson's turbodiesel didn't miss a beat. From just over 2500ft the view over Skye to the west was magnificent. It says a lot for this modest five-door SUV that it took the Sgurr in its stride. At 4000rpm there's only 111bhp on tap and I was forced to use plenty of revs to make the summit. But with 181lb/ft of torque kicking in between 1800 and 2500rpm the climb was straightforward. The engine is a willing common-rail two-litre which revs easily and delivers as much pulling power as some competitors' 2.5-litre V6 petrol engines. The Tucson has been around for more than two years and is available in two-litre and 2.7-litre V6 petrol forms in addition to the two-litre turbodiesel. The oil burner's engine refinement is not particularly good and there's a cheap and cheerful feel about the vehicle. But as a dependable workhorse with good value pricing it is hard to beat, particularly in diesel form. The cheapest petrol version, a 140bhp two-litre GSI, costs just £14,395 on the road. But this is two-wheel drive only and a pointless choice for any off-road work. The cheapest 4x4 petrol GSI costs £15,395 but if you are looking for all-round ability you need the diesel option. More . . . Back to Hyundai Road Test index Back to main Road Test index | SITE MAP PARIS SHOW 2006 BRITISH SHOW 2006 GENEVA SHOW 2006 DETROIT SHOW 2007 GENEVA SHOW 2007 FRANKFURT SHOW 2007 DETROIT SHOW 2008 GENEVA SHOW 2008 PARIS SHOW 2008 BUYING FINANCE NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE USED CAR BUYING GUIDE INSURANCE BUYING GUIDE GLOSSARY DRIVING TIPS MAINTENANCE PERFORMANCE AND STYLING || Autocar - News and reviews from the original car experts Skip to content Home Car Reviews News Blogs Videos Forums Cars for sale 6 issues for £1 Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD review More Pics Email Print Your say Start the discussion Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRTD GSI (87bhp) First Drive Test date 18 October 2005 Price as tested £9,210 Subtle cabin tweaks include new dials The Hyundai Getz’s tidy looks have never offended us quite as much as its asthmatic engine line-up. Nevertheless both have been updated in the first revision since its arrival in 2002. The entry-level 1.1 remains, but the 1.3 and 1.6 are kicked into touch, replaced by a new four-cylinder 1.4. With 95bhp it’s not hugely zesty, but there’s enough poke to keep up with traffic in most situations. More impressive are the new diesels: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder available in either low-pressure 87bhp tune or tweaked up to 108bhp (but only in the three-door). Both engines are vocal from idle, but quieten on the move and rev cleanly. The difference between the two is hard to tell, meaning for most people the 87bhp will do just fine. And both engines now meet Euro 4 emissions regulations. The suspension has been left untouched, meaning it’s ideal around town but a little soft and underdamped for cross-country work. Now to the looks. Outside there’s a new bonnet, bumper and lights to give the Getz a more modern face, while inside there are subtle changes to the instrument cluster and central console, which on the range-topping 108bhp diesel gets a metallic finish. Examine some of the cabin materials and it’s evident the Getz remains a car built to a budget, but it feels solid enough. The cabin offers plenty of storage and enough space for four adults over short-to-medium journeys. The Getz is £500-£1000 more than its Kia Rio sister, reflecting Hyundai-Kia Automotive’s desire to distance the two brands. But with generous equipment, better engines and a smarter look we still reckon it’s good value. Jamie Corstorphine Your say Start the discussion Car reviews home Ads by Google Advertisement FIND A CAR REVIEW Select a car AC Alfa Romeo Alpina Ariel Artega Ascari Aston Martin Audi Austin Bentley BMW Bristol Brooke Bugatti Cadillac Callaway Campagna Caparo Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Citroën Corvette Dacia Daewoo Daihatsu Datsun DMS Dodge ECC Elfin Farbio Ferrari Fiat Ford Ginetta Gumpert Holden Honda Hummer Hyundai IFR Infiniti Invicta Iveco Jaguar Jeep Jensen Jetstream Ken Okuyama Kia Koenigsegg KTM Lamborghini Lancia Land Rover Leading Edge Lexus Lotus Marcos Marlin Maserati Mastretta Maybach Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz MG MG Motor Mini Mitsubishi Mitsuoka Monteverdi Morgan Morris NAC Nissan Noble Opel Pagani Peugeot Porsche Proton Qpod Radical Reliant Renault Roewe Rolls-Royce Rover Saab Saturn Seat Shelby Skoda Smart Spyker Ssangyong SSC Subaru Superformance Suzuki Tata Tesla Think Toyota Triumph TVR Vauxhall Veritas Volkswagen Volvo Westfield Zenvo Prices & specs Now read this... 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Autosport Evecars NEW ISSUE OUT NOW FAST, EASY & SECURESUBSCRIBE NOW>> Autocar.co.uk is brought to you by Haymarket Consumer Media Autocar is part of Haymarket Cars and Aftermarket About Haymarket | International licensing | © Haymarket Media Group 2010 Fulfill your potential at Haymarket Careers > || “Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe is a smart SUV with seven seats that doesn’t cost the earth, doesn’t guzzle gas and is about as anti-social as Stuart Little...” IN A SENSE, anything that can be shown as a statistic is quite likely not to exist in the real world. For example, some of you reading this may remem-ber the old 'statistic' about the average Volvo owner having 2.4 children and a dog. Obviously there wasn't a single real family who had exactly 2.4 children — or we would surely have read all about it in the Sun! Families seem to got bigger and there are a large number of families out there who have the need for a smart looking people carrier that will move seven assorted bodies of adults and kids. As they have as much sense of style as the next person, they don't want something the size of a double-decker bus. For real families such as these and likely to be spending about £25,000, running costs and value-for-money will be key issues. These are most definitely not the kind of buyers able to write a cheque for £75,000 for the latest, fully-spec'd Range Rover. What they need is an affordable seven-seat family car; something with a dash more panache than an everyday MPV. Which is precisely what Hyundai can offer them in the shape of the all-new mid-sized Santa Fe — handily available in both five- and seven-seat configurations. High on the list of reasons to buy one has to be the Santa Fe's five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty. And better still, it's fully transferable from owner to owner. Santa Fe sells in a very competitive market sector. It competes for sales against the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV 4, Land Rover Freelander, Kia Sorento, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Shogun and the new Dodge Nitro. And if you look at SUVs with seven seats, that also pits it against some more badge-conscious players such as Volvo's XC90 and Land Rover's Discovery. These days, the engine of choice for more and more family drivers is a diesel. Not only do diesels provide better lugging power for cars that are often laden to the gunnels with an entire family clan, but they don't damage the plastic on the forecourt. While two engines are offered for the Santa Fe, it's the all-new 148bhp 2.2-litre, four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine, available with either a five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic transmission, that's the best-seller. For those who still prefer petrol, there's a 186bhp 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine but it's only available with a four-speed auto 'box. Three high-spec trim levels are on offer (GSI, CDX and CDX+), along with five- and seven-seat cabin layouts. Diesel prices start at £21,865 and top-out at £27,365 for the very comprehensively equipped 2.2 CRTD CDX+ 7-seat automatic, as reviewed here. For your money you get a contemporary-styled body that successfully melds high-riding estate with nicely-Noughties SUV. Rounded body lines blend with 'sharp cut' wheel arches, flush-fitted clear-lens front light clusters and smart red/white wraparound rear light units to create a fresh look that stands out from the crowd. A set of attractive 6-spoke alloys shod with meaty 235/60 tyres, rear roof spoiler and large oval tailpipes at each corner complete the image. Asked for a styling thumbnail of the Santa Fe, 'smart, not flash' would do nicely. Climb inside and you'll discover that it lacks for nothing and, indeed, puts some far more expensive SUVs to shame. Included is dual-zone air climate control (third row passengers get their own independent ventilation controls), full leather upholstery, 2-stage heated and electrically-adjustable front seats, a front screen wiper de-icer, steer-ing wheel remote audio controls, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with built-in compass, premium 10-speaker Infinity hi-fi with an in-dash six-disc autochanger and a multimedia DVD package with a roof-mounted screen (the system is also compatible with Playstation and X-Box consoles), electrically-operated windows, a refrigerated box in the centre console, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, an electronic stability programme, eight airbags and 18-inch alloy wheels. And, of course, seven seats. All neatly packed into a compact bodyshell that's home garage and multi-storey car park-friendly — an important feature for family-oriented transport. The new Santa Fe is bigger than before. Most importantly, its wheel-base has grown by 80mm. The height, including the roof rails, is now 1,795mm; width is up to 1,890mm and from bumper to bumper it now measures a practical 4,675mm. Into this larger space, Hyundai has fitted seven seats. With five in use — the slick-operating split/folding third row, incidentally, folds flush into the boot floor — there's an accommodating 969 litres of luggage space. Fold down both rear rows and this luggage space increases to an enormous, flat load bay of 2,213 litres. Long loads are easily accom-modated and loading is easy, thanks to a wide-opening tailgate. As you would expect, with all three rows of seats occupied luggage space behind the third row is pretty minimal. Self-levelling suspension is, as mentioned, standard on the 7-seat variants and ensures a stable drive — regardless of the size of load or its distribution, or whether you're travelling alone or even with a full complement of seven on board. The only thing missing was a roller blind for the rear luggage area — in seven-seat models this is replaced by the air vents for the third row. You do, however, get full rear privacy glass. You also get a full-size spare, so punctures aren't a major inconvenience. And the roof rails incorporate proper crossbars for carrying extra items. Access to the centre row of three seats is easy: the two outer seats are the same as the front seats and very comfortable, with proper adjustable backrests. There's plenty of room, particularly headroom. The two 50:50 split third row seats are adult sized with adjustable backrests, and are reached by double-folding the nearside outer seat on the second row. Restricted headroom means they're best for children, although adults can be comfortable with the backrests semi-reclined. Once there, the limited headroom is fine for kids. Again, lots of storage and cup-holders are provided for the rear passengers along with radio headphones for the DVD. The Santa Fe's cabin is noticeably better than many others in its class, with a stylish fascia. We liked the fresh-looking wood-effect strip of the lower fascia. The ergonomics are hard to fault; the blue instrument lighting is excellent and easy on the eyes at night; the cruise control and remote audio controls are mounted conveniently on the leather-trimmed steering wheel; and the 2:3:2 seating layout is practical and functional. Comfortable armrests are built into the doors, and the big pockets are designed to accommodate bottles. A trip computer keeps you advised of useful information such as range and average fuel consumption and the compass in the mirror keeps you orientated. The colour-coded digital display of the active gear/shift mode engaged is a boon. There's are two lined and damped glasses cases in the roof console and the damped, pop-out ashtray in the facia makes a perfect parking money drawer! Oh, we nearly forgot — the Trafficmaster SatNav was remark-ably easy to use. The commanding driving position is first-rate — a sound road safety benefit and one of the reasons people instinctively like driving this kind of vehicle — aided by the reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, electric lumbar adjustment and a supportive seat with eight-way power adjustment. From the driver's seat you can clearly see both front wings and the end of the bonnet, which makes placing and parking a breeze — even if it's the very first time you've ever driven one. Instrumentation is clear and simple, as are all the secondary controls. You'll find lots of useful stowage space, including a fair-sized glovebox and ample cup-holders. The push on/push off foot-operated parking brake is simple to use and build quality is good. It's also smartly trimmed and well put together, and the leather upholstery is soft with perforated centre sections. And it all looks able to withstand the day-to-day onslaught of a seven-strong family. Hyundai expects nine out of ten buyers to go for the new 2.2-litre common-rail turbodiesel CRTD. Having driven it, we'd say that they're absolutely right — the Variable Geometry Turbocharger makes it some-thing of a peach. Refined, unstressed, lag-free and responsive, it's everything you wouldn't expect from a four-cylinder diesel. Power is 148bhp but there's a hefty 247lb ft of torque on hand between 1,800 and 2,500rpm. Thanks to its wide torque band and pulling power, it's a good all-round performer both in traffic, out on the open road and cruising motorways. On paper, its 0-62mph time is 12.9 seconds (11.6 for the manual). On the road, due to the fact that it revs smoothly, it feels brisker. Top speed is 111mph. It's also pleasingly economical: officially, the com-bined fuel consumption figure is 34.9mpg — that's sufficient for an amazingly-good 550-mile real-world range. City and touring figures are 25.7 and 44.1 respectively. We averaged 32.1mpg, itself uncommonly frugal for this type of vehicle. This all-new model uses a 'torque on demand' set-up. In other words and in normal conditions, drive is only to the front wheels: all-wheel drive is automatically engaged only when the electronic sensors detect wheel slip. To ensure the best possible traction and maintain vehicle stability, the Santa Fe's four-wheel drive system works in conjunction with the vehicle's other active safety systems — including the elect-ronic stability programme, the ABS (with electronic brakeforce distrib-ution) and the traction control. Brakes are discs all round, ventilated at the front, and have great pedal feel. Nicely progressive, they deliver excellent stopping power. However, four-wheel drive can easily be engaged manually by pushing the 4WD button on the front console, which locks all four wheels into permanent drive for better performance when travelling on low- grip road surfaces (such as snow) or going off-road. It may not have a complicated low ratio 'box or an adjustable ride height, but then it doesn't really need them. Why complicate matters when all it will do is add pounds to both the weight and the price. No, the Santa Fe is just fine exactly as it is. The chassis is discernibly biased towards comfort, and the ride is mostly smooth. The steering is precise enough for some press-on driving and, although we weren't expecting to, we found the Santa Fe to be not only rather good fun but really nice to drive. As mentioned, the engine is willing and the new automatic transmission shifts smoothly in both its auto and manual modes. The manual mode is effectively a 'sport' mode and upshifts are made at the red-line while appropriate downshifts are carried out as you slow, with first auto-matically engaged when you come to a complete stop. At speed the Santa Fe is quiet — 70mph only requires 2,100rpm — and stable. Reassuringly, it also it has a full complement of all the latest active safety features (such as an efficient stability control system) to keep you on the straight and narrow. Which is great. Because when you think about it, that is precisely where most Santa Fe models will spend most of their lives. Yes, there is a tendency towards body roll if you try to drive it like a hot hatch, but it's never a problem. An appropriate time to mention that there are too many pointless preconceptions today about everything on the road having to handle like a rally car. Most real people simply don't drive that way, and neither do they need to. Especially if they have kids on board. However, if you wish to, you'll be pleased to know that the electron-ically-controlled four-wheel drive system delivers decent off-road capability, enough for it to cope with all the usual off-road scenarios. Hyundai puts it succinctly when they say that the Santa Fe is designed for off-road trails, not trail-blazing. Where the extra grip and reassurance afforded by the Santa Fe's four-wheel drive system will come in handy is for towing a boat or caravan. The maximum legal towing capacity for the automatic model is 2,000kg (2,200kg for the manual). All versions of the Santa Fe are fitted with six airbags. The 7-seater gets eight: driver and front passenger front airbags with a cut-off for the passenger's; front side; and roof curtain airbags covering all three rows of seats. Active head restraints are also fitted. So, will it suit the family? The only criticism is the low-ish maximum towing weight. Not a real problem because most owners will only be making full use of its carrying abilities. On the plus-side, Hyundai has an excellent record when it comes to build quality and durability. For example — in Top Gear magazine's 2005 reliability survey, Hyundai was placed 6th overall with a maximum five-star result. And in What Car's 2005 J D Power Customer Satisfaction Index, the Santa Fe was placed 3rd in class, again above all European competitors. As a bonus, you get a very comprehensively equipped and roomy seven-seater that's a pleasure to drive, powered by a first-rate diesel engine that's obligingly economical. Plus, of course, you also get a brilliant five-year warranty. Put it to the vote? I see seven hands raised. Yes, we'll take one. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRTD CDX+ 7-seat Auto | £27,365 Maximum speed: 111mph | 0-62mph: 12.9 seconds Overall test MPG: 32.1mpg | Power: 148bhp | Torque: 247lb ft Visit Hyundai's website Home NEWS NEW CAR reviews DVD+Blu-ray reviews CD reviews VIDEOS WIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE BOOKS Contact MotorBar MotorBar — Online since 2000 Copyright © 2000-2010 MotorBar.com & MotorBar.co.uk All rights reserved ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hyundai Santa Fe