The new generation of Hyundai Santa Fe with its storm edge design and awesome features goes on sale in the UK from October 2012, with prices starting at £25,495. The new model has a richer lineup with a new two-wheel drive model added and more standard specification for the entry level versions. For now the only engine offered for the car is a 2.2-litre CRDi engine which develops 197PS and 311lb ft of torque.

You have the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions though. Fuel consumption and CO2 rating with the manual ‘box is 46.3mpg and 159g/km, while the automatic only manages 41.5mpg and just 178g/km. The new Santa is available in five- or seven-seat configurations, and comes with three trim levels; Style, Premium, and Premium SE.

The 2013 model also benefits from a bespoke suspension system tuned for the UK. Dampers have been stiffened over the European set-up in order to cope with bumps and uneven road surfaces that are more common in the UK. The car is also roomier than the outgoing model.

Some of the standard features from entry include ESP, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Trailer Stability Assist and seven airbags. A first for Santa Fe is the Active Bonnet System, which raises the bonnet by 60mm in the event of a pedestrian collision to help minimise the impact of head injuries.

Prices and specs:

Style model gets 18-inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicator lights, reverse parking sensors, daytime running lights, self-levelling suspension (seven seat only) and a rear spoiler with high-mounted brake light. Inside, air conditioning is standard along with Bluetooth® with voice recognition, multi-function steering wheel and Hyundai’s adjustable Flex Steer™ system.

Moving up to the Premium mid-trim adds additional specification over the entry-level Style such as touchscreen satellite navigation, reverse parking camera with Parking Guidance System, electric folding door mirrors with puddle lamps, dual zone climate control, heated front seats, roof rails, chrome effect door handles and black leather seat trim.  Beige leather can be specified as an alternative at no additional cost. Prices for the Premium models begin at £28,995.

The new range-topping Premium SE trim is laden with a vast array of comfort, safety, and luxury features and starts at £32,695 for the seven-seat four-wheel drive manual. In addition to the Premium trim, Premium SE gets 19-inch alloy wheels, electric driver’s seat adjustment, Panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, front parking sensors, Smart Parking Assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, Supervision Cluster with LCD display.