Driving the latest fifth generation Hyundai Sante Fe hybrid seven-seat SUV – a
totally different SUV to its predecessor – firstly in appearance and on first
impression its very much in the mould of a Land Rover, somewhat square edged
with a stronger presence and more interior room. This last aspect with an
enlarged tailgate gives it a rather tail happy appearance which drew some
negativity. As a family mover it offers generous interior room with ten airbags
over three seat rows and increased cargo space. Available initially as a 1.6-litre
turbo-petrol hybrid six-speed automatic, three grades, Base, Elite and Calligraphy
and depending on model, front or all-wheel-drive. I drove the well specified Elite
all-wheel drive now $2,000 dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid
power train impressive, offering three levels of regenerative braking, and there’s
a number of drive modes available including terrain modes like snow, mud and
sand. The dash most impressive with a combined information display and
instrument cluster that’s first class. The cabin ambience most impressive.
There’s a big lift in technology, Hyundai adding over the air software capability to
keep you up with driver assist systems remotely without the need to visit a
dealer. Warranty five year/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

Driving the latest fifth generation Hyundai Sante Fe hybrid seven-seat SUV &ndash; a totally different SUV to its predecessor &ndash; firstly in appearance and on first impression its very much in the mould of a Land Rover, somewhat square edged with a stronger presence and more interior room. This last aspect with an enlarged tailgate gives it a rather tail happy appearance which drew some negativity. As a family mover it offers generous interior room with ten airbags over three seat rows and increased cargo space. Available initially as a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid six-speed automatic, three grades, Base, Elite and Calligraphy and depending on model, front or all-wheel-drive. I drove the well specified Elite all-wheel drive now $2,000 dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid power train impressive, offering three levels of regenerative braking, and there&rsquo;s a number of drive modes available including terrain modes like snow, mud and sand. The dash most impressive with a combined information display and instrument cluster that&rsquo;s first class. The cabin ambience most impressive. There&rsquo;s a big lift in technology, Hyundai adding over the air software capability to keep you up with driver assist systems remotely without the need to visit a dealer. Warranty five year/unlimited km. Drive details next. I&rsquo;m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

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