We review the Hyundai Santa Fe from price to economy and all its features

I'VE found the perfect car for Santa Claus to drive when he's not flying his sleigh — the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The 4x4 version of this beautiful looking SUV would make short work of snow and ice plus the seven-seater version has more than enough room for Santa's little helpers as it makes a fantastic family car.

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In the bush... Hyundai Santa Fe

And the Santa Fe can pull up to 2.5 tonnes so it's more than capable of transporting Rudolph and a few of his reindeer pals if needs be.

I've driven most of the Hyundai range and have always been impressed. Like a good wine the Korean manufacturer gets better with age.

But recently an ix35 test drive provided by Saltmarine Hyundai in Dungannon opened my eyes to how far they have come. I haven't stopped singing the ix35's praises since.

So this week Saltmarine have let me loose behind the wheel of a Santa Fe, the ix35's bigger brother — and it's now my new favourite.

Looks-wise the new Santa Fe is a vast improvement over previous generations — it's now more angular and sleeker, less curvaceous and a seriously good looking SUV that is more than capable of holding its own against more expensive, not-so-pretty competitors.

The Santa Fe proudly sits at the top of Hyundai's range as their flagship model and the SUV Saltmarine provided me with was the top of the range SE Premium, which looked stunning in silver with dark metallic 19" rims.

This range-topping model comes fitted with a 2.2-litre CRDI diesel engine with a manual sixspeed gearbox and a torque on-demand fourwheel-drive system.

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Top of the range... The Santa Fe is number one in the Hyundai range

There's no petrol option, all models come with the above mentioned diesel, but a 2WD version is offered on the entry level Style Santa Fe.

The powerful and efficient diesel engine has 197bhp with a healthy dose of torque. The 422Nms of torque give plenty of overtaking power and for its size, the 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds is pretty impressive — as is the 118mph top speed.

Handling is really good, the Santa Fe being a little bit smaller than full-sized off-roaders it doesn't suffer from bouncy suspension and sticks to the road as good as it does when it's off-road.

Hyundai quote a 46.3mpg with 159g/km CO2 emissions for the 4WD and things improve further for the 2WD with 47.9mpg and emissions of 155g/km plus the 0-62mph time is 9.4 seconds.

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Another great thing about Hyundia is that you don't need the top of the range model to have top spec. My Premium SE was, of course, fully loaded, with leather trim, heated front seats, electrically-controlled drive, a large panoramic sunroof with electric blind, dual climate control, push start button multi-function steering wheel, a premium sound system with sub-woofer, reversing camera and loads more.

The Premium SE also boasts smart parking assist where, at the touch of a button, the Santa Fe will recognise a large enough space. Then, when you select reverse you only need to control the accelerator and brake and the car steers for itself while alerting you when to stop.

The sleek exterior is mirrored inside with more angular sweeping curves and luxurious materials and fittings. Good use of titanium colour trim mixed with chrome and carbon fibre really emphasises the premium quality interior.

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Daniel Sturridge... Drives a Hyundai Santa Fe

My car was also a seven-seater but with its sloping rear roof the extra two back seats are best suited to kids — especially as you have to clamber up and over the middle row of seats to gain access — but once seated the rear passengers have access to their own heating vent controls, cubby holes for storage and cupholders.

Even when all seats are in use there is enough space in the boot to store some items and a handy underfloor compartment to stow the parcel shelf and keep valuables safe and out of site.

Saltmarine have a full range of new and used Santa Fes on offer in their Dungannon showroom.

For some unbeatable offers this month make sure to pay them a visit. Tell them I sent you and, just like Santa Claus, they will deliver.