A brave step, full of surprises

THE last few generations of the Hyundai Santa Fe were solid, practical and somewhat underrated contenders in the large SUV market, but I doubt many people can even remember what they looked like. Confession: I’m busy googling them now.

- JASON WOOSEY

It’s unlikely that the fifth-generation Santa Fe will ever suffer the same fate. Its boxy new design is way more “out there”, even if there are a few hints of Land Rover's Defender, which is never a bad thing.

Out on the streets, the new Hyundai attracts a great deal of attention and admiration from many, although its blocky rear end is not universally favoured.

The new Santa Fe is also Hyundai’s first hybrid model to be offered locally, and though many buyers will miss the diesel engine that’s no longer offered, I must admit that I warmed up to the new drivetrain rather quickly.

It pairs a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a 44kW electric motor for system outputs of 17SkW and 367Nm.

Although the petrol motor did sound a little gruff at times when it sprang into action, overall refinement was impressive and economy was surprising.