SECOND-HAND SENSEA quick survey of the cars arriving at a South Dublin crèche the other morning shows MPVs and four-wheel drives as the vehicles of choice for those who can afford them.
Among the four-wheel drives there was one Range Rover, a Land Rover Discovery, two Mercedes M-Class, and four Hyundai Santa Fes. Not exactly a scientific survey but not a terribly inaccurate one either, for the Santa Fe has become hugely popular with those who have managed to convince themselves that they actually need one of these vehicles. To say this need is questionable is an understatement in itself.
The Santa Fe's popularity is due to the fact that it is a much cheaper alternative to a Range Rover, is relatively inexpensive to run, has a much better warranty than most manufacturers offer and it still manages to look the part for those to whom having a four-wheel drive is an absolute must on the private school run. In fairness, there is a commercial version which has proved itself quite an accomplished workhorse too.
Unlike the Range Rover with its sculpted modern looks, most Santa Fe vehicles (the new version has only recently been introduced and is quite smart) are rounded, flared and quite odd in profile. It really is a case of East meets West with this example of what a Korean manufacturer thinks will appeal to European and American tastes. However, Hyundai's pricing and warranty - and increasingly impressive reliability record - have combined to convince even the fashion-conscious that looks are not everything.
The Santa Fe is quite a spacious car, takes an excellent load in the boot area, has good ride characteristics and the 2.0 litre diesel is the version that has become the standard in Ireland. The diesel is a good if unexciting performer and is a far better alternative to the petrol option. There is a deal of body roll in sharp cornering, the turning circle is quite wide and the diesel can be slightly harsh.
Inside, you will find the car well-equipped but with a sea of plastic. Seats are supportive and big, but head-room can be limited for tall passengers. Instrumentation is practical and not fussy and everything is where it should be.
In two-wheel-drive the Santa Fe is quite a good road car and the four-wheel-drive option is really meant for grass and gravel rather than serious off-road business. The older model (the vast majority of second-hands) had its EuroNCAP crash tests in 2003 and scored four out of a possible five star rating. It did not get five stars because the "integrity of the passenger compartment was questionable" in the tests. It was faulted for problems for the chest and upper legs in the frontal crash. However, the side impact result was very good despite the absence of a side airbag. The child restraints were found to give "good protection", except in the case of the dummy representing the 18-month-old when a high neck load was discovered in the frontal test. Pedestrian protection was very weak.
The Santa Fe recall record is negligible and Hyundai has come out on top in recent all-important JD Power reliability surveys (although I have heard odd stories of steering wheels cracking). A 2003 petrol version with a 2.0 litre engine, 42,000 miles on the clock, alloys, sunroof , immobiliser, twin airbags and CD player has an asking price of €21,750 at one garage. The better is the diesel option. A 2005 diesel with 33,000 miles on the clock and extras such as leather upholstery has an asking price of €33,000.
FOR: Spacious and less expensive alternative to other SUVs. Excellent warranty covering 100,000 kilometres or three years
AGAINST: Confused styling and soft cornering