All-new Santa Fe makes a splash

Next-gen family SUV adopts bold outdoorsy look and has 'class-leading' cabin space

- CHARLIE MARTIN

The next-generation Santa Fe will become Hyundai's most flexible family car to date, adopting a boxy design aimed at appealing to new customers in the off-road "lifestyle' market.

The new Santa Fe's wheelbase is longer than that of the outgoing model, bringing what Hyundai claims is class-leading interior space.

Its tailgate has also been enlarged with the aim of providing a 'terrace-like' space when the second and third rows of seats are folded down, with room for a small workstation or lounge area.

The SUV's length is unlikely to increase too significantly, however, because the front overhang has been shortened, although Hyundai has yet to officially disclose the exact dimensions of the new model.

Inside, a focus on usability and practicality is evident, with physical buttons and dials provided for key functions such as the climate control, radio and drive modes.