Hyundai claims to have benchmarked such cars as the Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX when redesigned its Santa Fe SUV, but in reality the new car (making its world debut in Detroit this week) will have to compete against the Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Grand Vitara, both new models themselves. This battle will occur in the States and back home in Britain, so its an important one.

In Detroit, Hyundai announced the availability of two V6 petrol engines, a modified 2.7-litre from the current Santa Fe and a new 3.3-litre unit with 230bhp and 300Nm of torque. When the Santa Fe comes to Britain, it is expected to feature a powerful turbodiesel engine as well. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard across the range, with driver-selected lockable centre differential for serious off-roading. The mud-plugging ability might be thwarted somewhat by the multi-link independent suspension and anti-roll cars, though let's face it, this car will spend most of its life on the road, where this chassis design should excel.

As the Santa Fe is an all-new vehicle, with monocoque construction, Hyundai has gone to the effort of raising refinement levels, claiming that really the new car is a crossover SUV. Passive safety has been massively improved over the outgoing car. Another major change is the option of a third row of seats, giving the Santa Fe capacity for seven passengers. Hyundai claims that legroom matches that of the much larger new Mercedes GL-class.

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