HYUNDAI has released its new seven-seat Santa Fe, and in doing so closed a chapter in its brief history.

It is not yet three years since the company premiered its European-style ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language on the ix35 compact SUV, and in the ensuing years it has brought its entire nine-model passenger range into line.

The third-generation Santa Fe – a rival for ‘faux-wheel-drives’ such as the Ford Territory, Holden Captiva 7 and Toyota Kluger – was the final piece in that puzzle.

Larger, better-equipped and more fuel-efficient than before – and armed with a long five-year warranty – the new Santa Fe is among best-in-class and sure to tempt more buyers than its predecessor.