What's all this about?

It's only a bleedin' new Hyundai Santa Fe, innit?!

Sorry, is there a reason you've slipped into the Cockney vernacular, at all?

No. No, there isn't. Apologies.

Right. So tell me about this Santa Fe, then.

OK, we will. The outgoing model, which is the third-generation of Santa Fe, is one of our favourite big SUVs. Affordable without feeling cut-price, it offers seven seats, a load of technology and a long warranty in an attractive, well-built package. But now Hyundai clearly wants a slice of the premium pie.

What makes you think that?

Just look at the Santa Fe Mk4 - it's a bit daring, isn't it? The styling is clearly influenced by the smaller Kona crossover, because the all-new Santa Fe has slim twin headlights, a bold 'Cascading Grille' and plenty of black plastic body cladding down the sides. It's slightly longer (up 70mm at 4,770mm in total) and wider (10mm larger at 1,890mm) than its predecessor, with a longer-than-the-Mk3's-2,700mm wheelbase as well - although Hyundai won't tell us by precisely how much the new floorpan has been stretched. The interior design combines 'premium quality with a horizontal and roomy layout and enhanced visibility', as well as what Hyundai calls best-in-class safety features.

And what would they be?

Active driver assist systems under the 'SmartSense' banner will now include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, which is a first on a Hyundai. This not only warns the driver of approaching traffic when reversing out of narrow side spaces/driveways, but it also applies the brakes automatically. Meanwhile, Safety Exit Assist prevents accidents when vehicles approach from behind by temporarily locking the doors, so that passengers should be able to exit the car safely.

Anything else?

More details on the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe will be released ahead of the Geneva Motor Show in March, when the car will be a key part of the Korean manufacturer's stand.

Matt Robinson - 6 Feb 2018