Hyundai Santa Fe hailed ‘Large SUV of the Year’ by 'What Car?'

MANILA: The Hyundai Santa Fe was named as the “Large SUV of the Year” in the 2022 What Car? Car of the Year Awards. In the “Best Buy” categories, Hyundai i10 won the “Best Small Car for the City” award and the Hyundai Tucson bagged the “Best Family for Practicality” award. The Santa Fe was also hailed as the “Best Plug-in Hybrid for Big Families” in the same category.

The judges praised the Santa Fe for the improvements that have taken the stylish, high-tech SUV to new heights. The Santa Fe is best known for its spacious interior that can accommodate up to seven people.

In a statement, What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford said, “Hyundai has proven that small changes can make all the difference, with the addition of hybrid and plug-in hybrid power options turning this already good large SUV into a great one. Running costs are reduced and refinement improved. Plus, you still get a well-controlled ride, outstanding value for money, and a nicely finished interior with seating for seven.”

Meanwhile, the Hyundai i10, which comes with a variety of efficient petrol engines, features the same sophisticated technology and intelligent safety systems found on the brand’s larger models. The i10, like every Hyundai, is designed and equipped to face whatever difficulties the road throws at it, a fact that was proven by the What Car? team during the road test.

“Living in the urban sprawl demands specific attributes from a car. These include light controls to take the effort out of maneuvering, for example, as well as a peppy engine and a ride that's comfortable enough to soak up potholes with ease, and the Hyundai i10 excels in all these areas. However, don't go thinking that it's only good at low speeds — once the road opens up, it impresses with nicely weighted steering and plenty of grip,” Huntingford stated.

Before being named as “Best Family SUV for Practicality” by What Car?, the Hyundai Tucson won Car Buyer’s “Car of the Year,” Auto Express’ “Midsize SUV of the Year,” and Scottish Car of the Year’s “Best Family SUV.” The Tucson offers a wide range of revolutionary petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, as well as an unrivaled family appeal, as mentioned by What Car?

“Growing families can breathe easy with the Hyundai Tucson, knowing that even in a field of outstanding rivals, none can come close to beating it for sheer family friendliness,” Huntingford said. “There’s simply masses of space inside, whether you’re talking about how much room your passengers will have to stretch out, or how much you can fit into the boot. What's more, its rear seats recline if anyone fancies a snooze, or the backrests can fold down in a versatile 40/20/40 split.”

In the What Car? “Innovation” category, Hyundai’s blind spot detection technology took the runner-up spot. This technology effectively gives the driver an additional pair of eyes by helping them monitor the blind spot.

Earlier this month, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was also hailed as the “Car of the Year” by Company Car and Van and overall winner in the 2022 Company Car Today CCT100 Awards.

Hyundai Motor UK Managing Director Ashley Andrew stated, “Hyundai’s success in the 2022 What Car? Car of the Year Awards is especially gratifying as it highlights the appeal of our vehicles, from our smallest car, the i10, to our largest SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe. It really reinforces the strength of our current range which offers customers a wide range of choice to suit their individual needs.”

Photos from Hyundai

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