Hyundai believes its all-new Santa Fe, launched in both five- and seven-seat formats, is set to storm the UK sports utility vehicle market.

With prices starting from £20,995, the 4x4, which went on sale this month, marks a further significant development in the history of Hyundai, the world's seventh largest automotive manufacturer.

The Santa Fe was Hyundai's first foray in the SUV segment when it was launched in 2001.

Now the all-new incarnation is equipped to propel Hyundai to the forefront of the global sports utility vehicle market in terms of style, performance, packaging and, crucially, quality and reliability.

The new Santa Fe marks a pivotal moment for Hyundai in its efforts to elevate itself to become recognised as a manufacturer of high quality, desirable cars at an accessible price.

While the five-seat model will build on the enviable reputation of the existing Santa Fe, it is anticipated that the seven-seat model, with its slick-operating, split-folding third row seats will make the biggest impact.

Capable of carrying seven passengers in total comfort, the seven-seat all-new Santa Fe crosses the boundary between full-size people carrier and Sports Utility Vehicle to offer supreme practicality and go anywhere' capability.

Thanks to strong engines, a sophisticated suspension set-up, including self-levelling rear suspension on seven-seat variants, and an array of active safety features designed to enhance the driving experience, Hyundai says the the Santa Fe can perform with as much sporting prowess on the road as any car owner could wish for.

Ensuring the widest possible customer choice, Hyundai is offering every model in the Santa Fe range with the option of seven seats, at a premium of £600 over the equivalent five-seat version (£625 for entry-level five-seat GSI).

Tony Whitehorn, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: "Hyundai has to date claimed a significant portion of the UK and European SUV market with its Santa Fe, Tucson and Terracan 4x4 models.

"With the new Santa Fe being so stylish and capable, and especially in light of the introduction of the seven seat model, we are confident that it will make a significant contribution to Hyundai increasing its SUV market share."

Mr Whitehorn added: "The new Santa Fe provides car buyers with what we call accessible quality' across the range, from its practicality and personality, desirability and driveability, to its further improved refinement and reliability."