AMERICAN styling, a Porsche gearbox, Austrian developed four wheel drive and Korean built value.
No, its not some new blockbuster vehicle, but a member of the Hyundai family that has made major inroads into the UK 4x4 market. And little wonder, when you consider that with the Santa Fe you get an off roader with the presence of a Grand Cherokee - and a very attractive price tag.
The Santa Fe provides what the SsangYong/ Daewoo Musso did not quite deliver - a large, low price 4x4 with a widespread dealer network and good residuals. In addition it comes with a five years unlimited mileage warranty, six years anti perforation warranty and three years RAC assistance.
The curvy Santa Fe comes in 2.4 petrol at £15,995, 2.0Td at £16,995 and 2.7 V6 at £17,995, the latter being the version we road tested.
Quite how Hyundai can field such a powerful brute as the V6 so far under £20,000 is a mystery, because this is a superb vehicle. It is purposely situated in the middle of the market to pull conquest sales from small and large off-road vehicles.
Its specification is impressive with driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, power steering, air-conditioning and CD/radio.In addition the V6 features leather upholstery, leather steering wheel and an H-Tronic auto transmission system pioneered by Porsche, which suits the engine perfectly.
In addition to excellent off-road capability, the V6 is a superb cruiser on the road. It has poise and fine handling as well as a good driving position and more than adequate visibility.
Thinking back to the cheap and cheerful little Pony hatchback the company started with in the UK in the 80s, you have to understand that a lot of water has flown under the bridge and at a mighty fast rate for Hyundai to achieve the standards reached in the Santa Fe.
You will like the double hinged tailgate, but may not be so happy with trim and build quality that still has a few miles to go to perfection. Otherwise the Santa Fe is an amazing vehicle at under £18,000.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 V6
Price: £17,995
Mechanical: 177bhp, 2,656cc V6 petrol engine driving all four wheels via H-tronic automatic transmission
Maximum speed: 113mph
0-60 mph: 11.6 secs
Combined mpg: 25
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 274g/km
Warranty: 5yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust