Stylish, seven-seat Santa Fe

Immediately obvious is that the new Santa embraces a far more cohesive styling approach than its awkwardly proportioned forerunner. The latest-gen SUV is 175mm longer, 55mm taller and 50mm higher than its predecessor, essentially moving it up half a class.

Its dimensional expansion has liberated a larger cabin, enabling a third row of seats to be squeezed in - a novelty for the segment. The rear-most pews fold flat into the boot floor when not required, yielding a relatively spacious luggage compartment.

A range of engines will be available in overseas markets, including a new 114kW/343Nm 2.2-litre common-rail turbo diesel, and two V6s with variable valve timing - a 140kW/248Nm 2.7-litre unit and a 3.3-litre (as per the Sonata) with 173kW/304Nm. The diesel and 3.3 come with a five-speed manual or auto, but the 2.7's self-shifter is a four-speeder.

A new electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system automatically the torque split, but the driver can dial in a '4WD lock' setting that provides a continuous 50/50 split between front and rear wheels when tackling gnarly terrain.

The quest for more car-like handling and refinement has resulted in the current model's double wishbone rear suspension being turfed in favour of a multi-link set-up with automatic self-levelling.

ABS and stability control come are standard features in overseas models, as are front, front-side and curtain airbags, active head restraints, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors and front screen and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The new Santa Fe lands here in July/August, and the vehicle's added size and generous kit levels suggest pricing will move north. Expect a $35K-plus entry point.