RAY MASSEY: Hyundai’s Latest Santa Fe 4×4 Takes Inspiration from Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover should feel flattered by Hyundai’s latest SUV, the fifth-generation Santa Fe. This new model has sparked intense debate on social media due to its radical design departure. Instead of the curves of its predecessor, the Santa Fe now features a dramatically angular look reminiscent of the earlier generation Land Rover Discovery 4. Hyundai attributes this boxy shape and distinctive silhouette to the long wheelbase and wide tailgate area.

The Santa Fe boasts a spacious cabin, extended tailgate, and boldly defined wheel arches, giving it a robust and adventurous appearance. It also comes with 21-inch wheels and a panoramic curved display in the minimalist, high-tech interior. Young families will appreciate the flexible rear area, which is perfect for various activities like shopping, DIY projects, sports, and recreation outings, as well as transporting pets.

While the pricing for the new Santa Fe has not been announced yet, the current model starts at just over £43,000. It is expected that the larger edition will cost just under £50,000. In comparison, you can purchase a Land Rover Discovery 4, built between 2009 and 2016, for as little as £10,000 or as much as under £30,000, depending on the year and condition.

In addition to the regular petrol version, the new Santa Fe will be available in the UK as hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. However, there are no plans for a diesel version in the UK market. An all-electric version will be reserved for Hyundai’s Ioniq 7 large SUV.

Hyundai recently unveiled its sporty Ioniq 5N rally-inspired performance electric car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. With 650 hp and a top speed of 161 mph, this car will be available for purchase next year, starting at around £65,000.

Hyundai has enjoyed success in the UK market, selling 46,351 cars in the first six months of this year. The Santa Fe’s design has received mixed reviews, with some praising its solidity and clean lines while others find fault with its rear appearance. The Santa Fe aims to strike a balance between city life and outdoor adventures, offering versatility and a premium customer experience.

Founded in 1967, Hyundai has been selling vehicles in the UK since 1982 and established its own UK subsidiary, Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, in 2005. The company achieved record sales of over 100,000 cars in the UK before the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, it sold 80,419 cars, and in the first half of this year, it saw a 13% increase in sales. Hyundai has one of the youngest product ranges in the industry, with almost all models younger than 1.5 years old. The company plans to electrify its entire range by 2025 through its IONIQ sub-brand.

In other automotive news, Autocar, the world’s longest-running car magazine, has launched an online archive allowing access to 128 years of automotive history. The archive contains over 5,900 fully searchable issues, covering stories such as the launch of the VW Beetle in 1939. Subscriptions to the archive are available.

As the summer holiday season begins, drivers are advised to take care on the roads and ensure their cars are properly prepared for longer trips. The AA predicts that approximately 250,000 cars used for holidays will break down this summer, with those coming from cities or owned by families being most at risk. The RAC estimates that drivers will make around 12.6 million getaways this weekend as schools in England and Wales break up. High prices have led to some people neglecting car maintenance, resulting in a significant increase in breakdowns.

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