BOLDNESS and radical design are usually born through confidence. Nowhere is this more evident than in the latest Hyundai Santa Fe, a seven-seater SUV that was previously easily overlooked in the car park.

With its squared-off, boxy lines, muscle car stance and matt paintwork, it's like a magnet to admiring onlookers. Something of a contrast, then, from the previous car, which though admirably practical, was somewhat bland visually.

But looks are just part of the story. And the latest Santa Fe, powered by a relatively lowly 1.6litre hybrid petrol engine, performs vigorously without making too much of a dent in the bank balance to run.

Perhaps the Santa Fe's strongest attraction is its practicality. Not only does it have one of the largest tailgates know to man, enabling easy loading but it has copious storage spaces within the luxurious cabin. Furnishings are rich and high grade, giving the interior a distinctly prestigious feel.

Space for all seven passengers is generous, particularly in the front to two rows. The squared-off tail ensures decent headroom all round and makes loading tall items into the boot easy enough.

With the two rear rows folded, no less than 1,942litres of space is available and there's still 700litres of luggage room with five people onboard. Cup holders, power sockets and charging ports abound, as do places to dump your family clutter.

We found the two front seats hugely comfortable and supportive and were impressed at the ease of entry into the final row seats which were quite acceptable for adults.

The rear doors open wide, which takes the hassle out of getting in the back for the elderly or infirm.

Obviously, a family car with this much everyday usefulness can't be expected to replicate a sports car. Nevertheless, the all-wheel drive Santa Fe is pleasing to drive with a good turn of speed and sharp response, thanks partly to the electric motor.

It also manages to absorb most bumps and pock-marks in the road yet avoids too much body roll when cornering. Overall, a good compromise is reached.

The four cylinder engine and 13.8kWh battery allows acceleration to 62mph in around nine seconds, which is sufficient to keep pace with most rivals. It does so with little mechanical or wind noise, despite the blunt shape. It's capable of running for 33 miles on electric alone.

For such a sizeable vehicle we were pleasantly surprised with its meagre thirst. We average 43mpg with 45mpg regularly coming up during relaxed country running. There are obvious tax advantages to the Plug-In version with its low CO2 and theoretical consumption of 166mpg.

The mid-range Ultimate version, driven here, has stacks of equipment as standard including heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, glass sliding sunroof, head-up display, 360degree parking assistance and Bose sound system.

As with all the Hyundai range, the Santa Fe comes with the protection of a five-year warranty.

With striking looks, a reasonably price tag and exceptional practicality, the latest Santa Fe presents an appealing proposition to families.

£55,135

1.6litre, 253, 4 cyl petrol hybrid engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

112mph

9.3 sec

166.0

38

38g/km

12%

5yrs/100,000 miles

4.8