I think they are very handsome cars and very well priced:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/hyundai/santa-fe

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/hyundai/santa-fe/first-drives/hyundai-santa-fe-2wd-22-crdi-first-drive-review

Can't stand the look of the iX35 so will never look at one of them.

But they both have that sloping back again.

But they both have that sloping back again.

Not as pronounced as some!!! And it is a FAR FAR bigger car than the Yeti. This thing is Mercedes M-class sized in looks... and boot space. For similar money to a Yeti...

I think they are very handsome cars and very well priced:

http://www.autocar.c...yundai/santa-fe

http://www.autocar.c...st-drive-review

Can't stand the look of the iX35 so will never look at one of them.

Till you discover they have an electronic handbrake .....

JeZ

The new Suzuki being unleashed next month looks quite nice from the teaser shots. Having had Suzukis before I will be very interested to see how they compare.

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This raises an interesting question, why did we buy a Yeti? They are not the most fuel efficient vehicles, nor the most comfortable or refined, so why did we buy them?

In my case it was mainly because of the higher driving position, looks, DSG automatic gearbox and was so much less boring than the other cars I looked at - hardly a scientific analysis I agree!

Also having previously owned an Octavia Estate for 7 years I also appreciated Skoda's solidity and reliability record.

This raises an interesting question, why did we buy a Yeti? They are not the most fuel efficient vehicles, nor the most comfortable or refined, so why did we buy them?

In my case it was mainly because of the higher driving position, looks, DSG automatic gearbox and was so much less boring than the other cars I looked at - hardly a scientific analysis I agree!

Also having previously owned an Octavia Estate for 7 years I also appreciated Skoda's solidity and reliability record.

Easy to answer. My previous Audi had two things I wanted in a next car come what may:

1. Rear seats that can be taken out and left at home
   
2. A sunroof that can open
   

The ONLY car on sale right now that does both of those is the Yeti.

So yes this Hyundai fails on the seats bit, BUT the boot is so big you don't need to leave the seats at home as I currently have to from time to time...

I looked at the iX35 when investigating the Yeti as it was the closest match in terms of size, spec and cost. I don't mind the looks but much prefer the Yeti, and the engine range seemed better too. I was back at the Hyundai dealership a few weeks ago to take SWMBO's i10 for its MOT and service, so had a look round their range of cars again. The only one I kept coming back to was the Santa Fe. It's bigger than I want/need but I like what you get for the money.

First impression for me, Johann, is that this is just another high-bonnet, kick-tailed bullfrog shape. Lots of complex profiles and sections in the pressings and in the details (lamps and so on).

I haven't looked at the tech stuff so I don't know if it would meet the spec that led me from the X-Trail to the Yeti. However, because I do like my cars to look workmanlike rather than 'pretty', this Hyundai would be no further up my 'to look at next' list than the Kuga and all the rest of that type.

JMO

I have recently changed car from a Volvo XC90, which was a great car but a bit too big for my needs now. I looked at VW Touran (boring), Mazda CX5 (sporty but plasticy and expensive), Volvo XC60 (thirsty and still big). Loads of cars now look the same with the Hyundai, Kia's and even the Mazda CX5 similar looking. We liked the Yeti because it does stand out as being different, has a quality finish and excellent visibility all round. And not everybody else has one!

First impression for me, Johann, is that this is just another high-bonnet, kick-tailed bullfrog shape. Lots of complex profiles and sections in the pressings and in the details (lamps and so on).

I haven't looked at the tech stuff so I don't know if it would meet the spec that led me from the X-Trail to the Yeti. However, because I do like my cars to look workmanlike rather than 'pretty', this Hyundai would be no further up my 'to look at next' list than the Kuga and all the rest of that type.

JMO

Yes, there is truth in that and I agree with most of what you say. But there is just something about this Hyundai that does it for me. It has a strong, purposeful nose whereas all the others are over designed and not this butch. I'll never get one I know. But I will test drive one for sure.

True the Hyundai is a lot of car for the money but one of the main reasons I traded down years ago from a Honda CRV then a Freelander to a 4wd Golf, then having reverted to an Octavia Scout changed to a Yeti, was that the Yetis seems to me the best compromise size-wise as regards parking and general manouevrability together with the van-like square back that allows you to carry much more luggage etc. than the sloping-back tribe of larger and more ungainly 4x4s. I wouldn't want a larger car now, nor would I want a new-look Yeti to be either stretched, or rounded off at the back.

This raises an interesting question, why did we buy a Yeti? They are not the most fuel efficient vehicles, nor the most comfortable or refined, so why did we buy them?

No bling.

Sensible car for going to meetings.

4x4 availability.

Driving position.

2000kg towing ability.

Decent spec with options for the price.

Not common.

I really like this new santa fe. Definately on the shortlist when its time to trade in the missus's rav 4. Good all round package from what i can make out with a decent 5 year warranty.

I have to admit though that the mazda CX5 is still the one id pick overall. Very roomy inside and i think the cabin is really nice. The diesel engine with the auto box are very clever bits of technology, more so than anything this side of a BMW i would say. Very clean efficient smooth free revving diesel and a brand new torque convertor auto that locks up very early and seems to be far more economical in comparison to everyone elses autos. The only reason the new BMW 4x4's get good mpg from their autos is due to 8th gear being so flippin long legged. Mazdas auto achieves similar mpg's purely from being an efficiently designed box.

The santa fe runs it close in my mind and i think its bigger although i havent sat in one. Its no where near as efficient as the CX5 when in AWD auto form which is a must for me.

As for looks i think the santa fe is actually probably better looking than the CX5 and actually better looking than most other SUV's with the exception of the evoque and the sportage.

The efficiency thing is still in the back of my mind hence why i cant look past the CX5 at the moment. Hoprfully a new yeti will be out by the time we change her car so id like to see what that turns out like. Cant really see them screwing up the formula though as they have pretty much nailed it with the current yeti so a new can only improve on this.

ANy ideas when a new yeti is likely???

Edited 13 February, 201313 yr by Jockdooshbag

True the Hyundai is a lot of car for the money but one of the main reasons I traded down years ago from a Honda CRV then a Freelander to a 4wd Golf, then having reverted to an Octavia Scout changed to a Yeti, was that the Yetis seems to me the best compromise size-wise as regards parking and general manouevrability together with the van-like square back that allows you to carry much more luggage etc. than the sloping-back tribe of larger and more ungainly 4x4s. I wouldn't want a larger car now, nor would I want a new-look Yeti to be either stretched, or rounded off at the back.

This is exactly my point I don't need the space all the time and don't want a huge car for a few days a year....A trailer will do ;-)

BR

JeZ

This is exactly my point I don't need the space all the time and don't want a huge car for a few days a year....A trailer will do ;-)

BR

JeZ

Which is exactly why I got this for those few times a year I need LOTS of space:

I had a test drive for an hour in a Santa Fe before I had a test drive in the Yeti. It was awful, felt like I was driving a tractor. The handling was very poor, I took it on the same route I used with the Yeti and in all departments, comfort, handling, acceleration, braking it was dreadful. Yes, it's got lots of space and a five year warranty but it can't compare with the Yeti. well with a 170 anyway.

I think they are very handsome cars and very well priced:

http://www.autocar.c...yundai/santa-fe

http://www.autocar.c...st-drive-review

Can't stand the look of the iX35 so will never look at one of them.

DON'T go there Johann. :no:

Once you cross over to the dark side, there may be no way of returning.

I had a test drive for an hour in a Santa Fe before I had a test drive in the Yeti. It was awful, felt like I was driving a tractor. The handling was very poor, I took it on the same route I used with the Yeti and in all departments, comfort, handling, acceleration, braking it was dreadful. Yes, it's got lots of space and a five year warranty but it can't compare with the Yeti. well with a 170 anyway.

Are you referring to this just launched Santa Fe pictured above in my first post or the previous just replaced one?

I looked at the iX35 when investigating the Yeti as it was the closest match in terms of size, spec and cost.

So did we, but I felt it was cheap and nasty compared to the Yeti and the back seats did not even lay flat.

My ex missus has a SantaFe - which they bought because it has 3 rows of seats, and toys like the dvd stuff in the back seats. They like to drive to France and the what not for skiing.

Not impressed with the build quality of that either.

We had an i10 for about 6 months before the Citigo, it was ok but all the metal felt "thin" in comparison.

I had a test drive for an hour in a Santa Fe before I had a test drive in the Yeti. It was awful, felt like I was driving a tractor. The handling was very poor, I took it on the same route I used with the Yeti and in all departments, comfort, handling, acceleration, braking it was dreadful. Yes, it's got lots of space and a five year warranty but it can't compare with the Yeti. well with a 170 anyway.

Vagaries of how people feel i guess.

I've driven the new santa fe, and two different ix35's and although a bit vague in the steering i thought both were pretty decent efforts.

I certainly didn't think there was "that much" in it between them and the yeti generally.

The yeti, for me, is the better car for what i need but it isn't a massive leap over some of the competition, in my eyes anyway.

I shall accept my burning as a heretic later

SWMBO wants the santa fe to be our next car but so far i've resisted on the basis we don't need the space / size.

I certainly didn't think there was "that much" in it between them and the yeti generally.

Hence me questioning StewardK as to which Santa Fe he test drove... since all tests say this new one is pretty darn good. Whereas the old one I linked to in reply to him was DIRE.

I live not far from a Hyundai dealer that I often walk past and think that the new Santa Fe looks great. It's huge though and so I can't see how it compares to the Yeti (apart from perhaps being a similar price to top end versions). I'm at the bottom end of the Yeti market and so will look at the new Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and, depending on price, the new Suzuki S Cross.

Johann - great minds think alike. This is currently the one Id move to and for the same reasons you state above! Id make real use of the bigger boot for maybe six weeks of the year, other than that though the bigger car would be a bit wasted though. As you say though, the reviews of the new one are certainly positive.