Hyundai sees double: Latest Santa Fe 4×4 has shades of the Land Rover Discovery, says RAY MASSEY

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so Land Rover should feel honored with the latest SUV from Korean giant Hyundai unveiled this week.

The fifth-generation Santa Fe 4×4 has sparked intense social media debate and divided opinion. In a radical design departure, the curves of its predecessor are gone in favor of a dramatically angular look reminiscent of the earlier generation Land Rover Discovery 4.

Of this, the first full model change since 2018, Hyundai says the square shape and signature silhouette stem from the long wheelbase and wide tailgate.

Riding on 21-inch wheels, a longer wheelbase accommodates a bold roofline, extended tailgate, roomy cabin and sharply defined wheel arches that deliver a rugged, adventurous look, says Hyundai.

Young families will appreciate the flexible rear space for groceries, chores, sporting and recreational outings, and transporting pets. A minimalist, high-tech interior with a panoramic curved display connecting the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system, and dual wireless charging.

No prices have been published, but the current model starts from just over £43,000, so expect an increase to just under £50,000 when the larger edition goes on sale next year.

By contrast, you can buy a Land Rover Discovery 4 built from 2009 to 2016 from £10,000 to well over £30,000, depending on the year and condition.

The new Santa Fe will also be available here in hybrid and plug-in hybrid gasoline variants.

It currently has a 1.6-litre engine, but that may increase given the larger dimensions of the new model.

So far there is no diesel in the UK.

Obviously there won’t be an all-electric version – that will be reserved for Hyundai’s Ioniq 7 large SUV.

It comes as Hyundai launched its sporty Ioniq 5N rally-inspired electric performance car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​last week. With 650 hp, it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, up to 261 km/h. On sale next year from around £65,000.

Hyundai sold 46,351 cars in the UK in the first six months of this year.

Some like the solidity and clean lines of the Hyundai Santa Fe and others are not convinced at all, especially at the rear.

From the front and from the side it certainly has an imposing monumental appearance.

But the expansive flat rear view — with an expansive interior big enough for camping — proves a little too generous for some tastes, prompting the question for potential owners: “Does my butt look big in this?”

The Santa Fe’s dramatically angular look is reminiscent of the earlier generation Land Rover Discovery 4 (pictured)

The fifth-generation Santa Fe 4×4 has sparked intense social media debate and divided opinion. In a radical departure, the curves of its predecessor have disappeared

The new Santa Fe will also be available in the UK in petrol hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants

Hyundai says the rectangular shape and signature silhouette stem from the long wheelbase and wide tailgate

Riding on 21-inch wheels, a longer wheelbase accommodates a bold roofline, extended tailgate, roomy cabin and sharply defined wheel arches that deliver a rugged, adventurous look.

Hyundai notes, “With plenty of room for adventurers and their gear, the interior of the all-new Santa Fe offers generous living space for an effortless outdoor lifestyle.

“The more accommodating tailgate creates a roomy interior with a terrace-like feel to the rear when open.”

The fully folding seats in the second and third rows offer plenty of interior space.

Soft-touch wood-pattern trim and Nappa leather seats with delicate embroidery, while the second- and third-row suede headliner, car mats and seatbacks are made from recycled plastic. The crash pad and door trim are made of eco-friendly synthetic leather.

Hyundai said: “The front of the vehicle creates a sense of grandeur with its high bonnet, H-shaped headlights and bold, sharp fenders. The H-shaped headlights harmonize with the H-motif at the lower front end to enhance visual completeness. The H-shaped design elements reinterpret Hyundai’s ‘H’ emblem.’

SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center said, “The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that strikes a perfect balance between city life and the outdoors, capable of handling everything from busy family routes to car camping adventures.”

He added: “With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV assets to deliver more versatility than ever before, as well as a premium customer experience.”

Founded in 1967, Hyundai has been selling vehicles in the UK since 1982 and in 2005 opened its own UK subsidiary, Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, now based in Leatherhead, Surrey. Record sales in the UK before Covid exceeded 100,000. Last year it sold 80,419 cars, but sold 46,351 in the first six months of this year – an increase of 13 percent year-on-year.

It claims one of the youngest product ranges of any manufacturer, with almost all models under 1½ years old. More than three-quarters of the company’s model range is now available as an electrified version and, largely through the IONIQ sub-brand, it plans to electrify the entire range by 2025.

Autocar launches online archive

Just six months before the Daily Mail was born, on November 2, 1895, the world’s longest-running motoring magazine Autocar – claiming to be the inventor of the test drive – was launched on November 2, 1895.

Now access to 128 years of automotive history is available through the magazine’s new online archive – developed in conjunction with digital publishing platform Exact Editions – with more than 5,900 fully searchable issues.

Favourite: Autocar reported on the launch of the VW Beetle or ‘Volksauto’ (pictured) on February 10, 1939

The stories range from the first public demonstration of cars in 1895 to the launch of the original Mini in 1959, as well as today’s EVs.

It also reported on the launch of the VW Beetle or ‘Volksauto’ on February 10, 1939. Hitler said the model, priced at 990 marks (£83), would bring happiness to millions. It did. But much later.

Archive subscriptions are available.

Get ready for summer vacation travel

Getaway: The AA predicts that about a quarter of a million cars used for vacations will break down this summer

As the big summer holiday really starts this weekend, motorists are advised to be careful on the roads and prepare their cars properly for longer journeys.

The AA predicts that about a quarter of a million cars used for vacations will break down this summer, with cars coming from cities or owned by those most likely to have families at greatest risk.

The RAC says that if schools in England and Wales break up, drivers will make around 12.6 million trips over the coming weekend.

According to RAC research, the largest number of holiday travelers will be on the road today – a whopping 3.1 million separate trips and 2.5 million tomorrow.

Rod Dennis of RAC Breakdown says: ‘We are seeing a huge increase in breakdowns, with crippling prices leading some people to cut back on car maintenance.’