WHILE the ‘i’ range of small cars has been packing Hyundai dealers with eager buyers for the past year, it was a much bigger beast that first put the Korean car maker on the map.

In 2006, the firm rolled out the Santa Fe, a big, beefy 4x4 with a competitive price tag to make other sports utility vehicle manufacturers wince.

Four years on the name is the same but the Santa Fe has been sharpened up internally and externally, but more importantly given a mechanical leg-up to help maintain its competitive edge.

On the road, the accent is firmly on comfort, as opposed to pin-sharp handling. The test model’s combination of powerful new engine, automatic gearbox and steering wheel-mounted cruise control made for a relaxed motorway cruiser.

Externally, the Santa Fe looks much like its predecessor, a chrome-edged three-bar grille at the front replacing the former black two-bar version. New headlight clusters sit above a more sculpted bumper, which also houses new foglights. The rear gains a new bumper, more distinctive light clusters, and trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

On the inside, wood trim has been replaced by carbon black trim and the CD/radio unit comes with an AUX/USB connection with iPod control.

But it’s under the bonnet that much more interesting things have been going on, with the installation of a new 2.2-litre direct injection diesel engine developing 194 horsepower.

The boost in performance and crucially in low-end pulling power, has been combined with improvements in economy and in emissions.

The test model, like all seven-seat versions, was fitted with self-levelling rear suspension as standard, a real boon for those carrying heavy loads. In addition, the new Santa Fe has increased its towing capacity still further, with a maximum braked towing weight of 2,500kg, up 300kg on the outgoing model.

Hyundai has simplified the range to two models – entry-level Style and higher spec Premium.

Priced from under £22,000, Style models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors, electronic stability programme and air conditioning as standard, while moving up to Premium adds 18-inch wheels, dual climate control, heated leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver and automated lights and wipers. All versions are fitted with twin front, side and full-length curtain airbags, while active head restraints are standard across the range.

Price: £25,705 Insurance group: 30 (1-50) Fuel consumption (Combined): 38.2mpg Top speed: 118mph Length: 466cm/183.4in Width: 189cm/74.4in Luggage capacity: 34.2 cu ft Fuel tank capacity: 15.4gallons/70 litres CO2 emissions: 197g/km Warranty: 5 years/unlimited mileage