Scrappage made the 'Dai

Premium ... Santa Fe is Hyundai's most expensive model

In the not-too-distant past that was a strict no-no for a Hyundai, but the Santa Fe showed people were looking at the firm in a different light and were willing to pay a higher price.

The face-lifted Santa Fe which has just gone on sale reaffirms that Hyundai now have a 4x4 that more than justifies a price tag starting at �21,495 for the five-seat Style version.

But to make the most of the Santa Fe's versatility, go for the seven-seat model, which starts at �22,249 and goes up to �25,495 for the auto Premium - still great value.

All are powered by a refined 2.2litre turbo-diesel, which returns 38.2 to 41.5mpg - depending on whether you go for auto or manual. The exterior has been given only minor tweaks and remains one of the more stylish 4x4s, while the cabin is well laid-out with bags of room for five adults.

Even the optional third row of two seats offers reasonable comfort for shorter journeys but boot space becomes minimal. With the seats flat, it's an ample 969 litres, which opens up to a cavernous 2,247 if you also stash away the second row of seats.

And the 4x4 system is effective enough to make the Sante Fe capable of taking the recent flurry of snow in its stride. To sum up, the Sante Fe does most things well and, best of all, comes with a really good price and a five-year warranty.

road test HYUNDAI i30

Challenger ... i30 really put Hyundai on the small car map

THE i30 was the car that made Hyundai a serious challenger to mainstream hatchbacks such as the Focus, Astra and Peugeot 308.

It was a Hyundai without compromise and stood up against the competition whether you judged it on styling, performance or price.

From certain angles, particularly the rear, it looks like a BMW 1 Series. But in fact it has more rear leg room and boot space than the Beemer.

Now the i30, like the i10 and i20 models, gets a new Edition version, which adds more equipment. But prices start at �13,400 - �4,000 cheaper than a Focus.

So what do you get that makes the Edition a special edition? New 15in alloy wheels, side skirts, front fog lights, privacy glass and twin chrome exhaust pipes.

Step inside and the upgrades continue, with mock aluminium pedals, chrome gear knob, electric windows all round, electric heated door mirrors, remote locking and six-speaker sound system. You can't help but be impressed.

It's also practical, with plenty of room for five adults and a boot which offers 340 litres, increasing to 1,250 with the rear seats folded.

Even the improved entry 1.4litre petrol engine offers reasonable performance and a fuel economy of 45.6mpg. For performance, though, go for the 1.6litre diesel. The i30 starts at �12,000 - a price and value few can match.