Tag Archives: SUV

Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, Motoring

Santa Fe: Family SUV with premium quality

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Hyundai Santa Fe

By Bill McCarthy

Initially seen as more of a budget choice in the SUV market, Hyundai’s flagship model has transitioned into a full premium offering. As the brand continues to grow strongly, the firm clearly has eyes on the upper end of the market.
Starting at more than £48k, rising to almost £55k, expectations are high for this latest fifth-generation model, which boasts premium features and quality. It also looks radically different, something which split opinion with many who saw it.
Primarily a seven-seater, it comes in three specifications: Premium (as driven here in four wheel drive mode), Ultimate, and the range-topping Calligraphy.
A premium six-seat configuration is also available, as seen on this model.

The Santa Fe’s design has evolved into a more boxy shape, yet Hyundai claims it is more aerodynamic.
The exterior was optimised to reduce the drag coefficient to just 0.29 (down from 0.33 in the previous generation), though it’s hard to believe at first glance.
The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, retaining the same width, while the wheelbase has been extended by a couple of inches.

Yes, it’s a big vehicle—with a head-turning presence, whether parked or in traffic.
It features distinctive H-shaped headlamps and tail lights, complemented by a full-width light bar integrated into the grille.
The SUV sits on imposing 20-inch alloy wheels, framed by equally large wheel arches.
Additional exterior touches include electric-folding door mirrors, privacy glass, a powered tailgate, and integrated roof rails for a rugged aesthetic.

Upmarket interior

The interior is quite an experience – stylish and minimalist, with a curved twin display spanning the dashboard. It exudes a premium feel.
One screen handles infotainment, navigation, and smartphone connectivity, while the other displays real-time driver information.
The touchscreen controls both navigation and infotainment, paired with a high-end 10-speaker audio system and DAB radio.
Smartphone connectivity is via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, alongside Bluetooth with voice recognition.
The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates for various systems.

Executive features include heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and 360degree camera for safety.
Convenient USB-C charging points are fitted across all three rows, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, with lumbar support for the driver.

Efficiency and performance

Paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering impressive fuel economy, with around 40mpg exceptional for such a large vehicle.

On the road, it starts silently under electric power, with the petrol engine engaging as you accelerate – though it can sound slightly raucous initially.
It excels on motorways, offering a comfortable ride and ample torque for confident overtaking.

Driving dynamics

For its size, the Santa Fe handles surprisingly sharply, though some body roll is inevitable on tighter bends.
For challenging conditions or off-road, you can easily engage four-wheel-drive mode on this model.

Practicality

Highly versatile, with flexible seating including foldable, twistable, and 60/40 split-folding second-row seats.
With all six seats up, boot space is limited, but it expands to a generous 1,945 litres when needed.
The rearmost seats are spacious and accessible for children, though older adults – particularly seniors – may find entry trickier.

Safety

The Santa Fe comes packed with safety tech, including a full suite of airbags, all wheel drive control, autonomous emergency braking, hill-start and descent control, and lane-keep assist with departure warning.

Verdict

The fifth-generation’ Santa Fe successfully transitions into the luxury SUV segment with bold styling, a premium interior, and impressive tech. Its hybrid’s hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency, while the spacious, versatile cabin offers a roomy environment for families. Ride comfort and refinement are good, though some may find the design polarising.

Factfile

  • Hyundai Santa Fe Premium 1.6T Hybrid 6AT 4WD
  • Price: £48,830
  • Mechanical: 215PS, 1598cc 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor driving all wheels via 7-speed, auto gearbox
  • Max speed: 112mph
  • 0-60mph: 9.8 seconds
  • Combine mpg: 38-41
  • Insurance group: 35
  • CO2 emissions: 165g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles
Crossover, Mazda, Motoring, SUV

Efficiency Meets Elegance with 2025 Mazda

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Mazda CX-30

By Bill McCarthy

When you have a winner on your hands, change can be a gamble. As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This certainly applies to Mazda’s CX range – a lineup celebrated for striking design and practicality, making these crossover SUVs true head-turners.

.The CX-30 continues to impress as a stylish, fun-to-drive compact SUV that also delivers strong fuel efficiency, and Mazda’s hallmark reliability.

What’s new?

The previous 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv-G (122PS) has been replaced by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv-G unit, now producing 140PS and 238Nm of torque – an 18PS and 25Nm increase. 

This new engine benefits from cylinder deactivation and Mazda’s M-Hybrid mild-hybrid system, improving efficiency while, says Mazda, delivering smoother acceleration and reduced vibrations. 

The manufacturer says its “right-sizing” philosophy ensures optimal combustion, balancing performance and emissions. For those seeking even more power, a 186PS Skyactiv-X variant is also available.

While the updated engine is the key feature, the 2025 model retains its sleek Kodo design language, blending, says Mazda,  elegance and sportiness. It does look good, with sharp lines and a sleek, sporty profile.

 Aerodynamic touches, like the tapered rear and integrated spoiler, further enhance efficiency. Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged, but still offers some premium touches.

Exterior features

A stylish SUV, this  Exclusive-Line trim includes 18-inch silver alloy wheels, a gloss black front grille, and adaptive LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights.

In addition, there is privacy glass for rear windows, a powered tailgate, and both front/rear parking sensors with a reversing camera

Inside, the cabin is a comfortable place to be with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, Qi wireless charging, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift.

Central is a 10.25″ screen which controls infotainment via a premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system,  Mazda Connect connectivity for smartphone, Amazon Alex integration and a navigation system with seven years of free European map updates. 

Performance:

Acceleration is brisk, if not startling, and hits the  60 mph benchmark in a around 9.5 seconds. An entertaining drive it is, but not at the expense of fuel economy with i-stop idle-stop technology and Mazda’s M Hybrid mild hybrid system delivering improved efficiency and WLTP economy of and impressive 47.1mpg

The CX-30 has always stood out for its engaging drive, and the 2025 model is no exception. The steering remains precise, the chassis well-balanced, and the suspension finely tuned for comfort and agility. It is a fun car to drive, feeling solid and stable on fast corners, but feeling equally at home on the motorway, where decent torque allows for comfortable overtaking.

Space and practicality

This type of vehicle needs to be practical and comfortable and it offers supportive seats with good adjustability and decent head legroom. Boot space is decent, if not class-leading, with 422 litres expanding to a maximum of  1,398 litres with the rear seats folded. In addition, there are bins, cupholders and a deep storage area under the centre console.

Safety 

The vehicle is safe, offering a full complement of airbags and equipped with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, lane-keep assist with departure warning, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. 

Other features include Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), driver attention alert, and intelligent speed assist.

Factfile

  • Mazda CX-30 140ps Exclusive-Line
  • Price: £29,435
  • Engine: 2488cc, 140 PS 4-cyl mild hybrid petrol engine driving front wheels via six-speed manual gearbox
  • Top speed: 121 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 9.7 sec
  • Economy: 47.1 mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 136g/km
  • Insurance group: 17E
  • Warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles