Hyundai Santa Fe performance isn’t going to set the world on fire – after all, this is a rather large car. There’s just one engine – a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine which makes 195bhp and 421Nm of torque. In two-wheel-drive configuration the Santa Fe will hit 62mph in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 118mph. The engine is a fairly strong one, though – there’s loads of torque fairly low down the rev range which means acceleration feels pretty brisk.

It’s also smooth and refined, and not too noisy either. You have the option of two gearboxes: the six-speed automatic is slightly slow and can be frustrating, while the six-speed manual transforms the driving experience and really helps the engine to shine.

Through corners the Santa Fe holds on incredibly well thanks to its four-wheel-drive system, which cuts in only when the front wheels begin to loose traction. Even off-road it’s a capable car, able to tackle steep hills thanks to its hill descent assist system. There’s also a differential locking button, which ensures all four wheels get exactly 25% of the engine’s power each.

Although a fairly comfortable ride, there’s quite a lot of body lean when travelling quickly through corners. The steering is light and lacks feedback, but is direct and responsive when required.