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FROM TIME TO time I get a tad jealous of my colleagues on What Car?, especially when they have early access to an important new car. In the world of towcars, there are few more important this year than the new Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

The car won’t be on sale until October, but What Car?‘s Steve Huntingford has driven one already. Steve is no stranger to towing, having been a judge for the past three Towcar Awards, so I was interested to read his thoughts.

 

Steve reckons the car is “classier, more efficient, better equipped, and better to drive” than its predecessor. However, he does sound a note of caution over the car’s price. Starting from £25,495, the new Santa Fe is £1740 more expensive than the old. In fact, because the entry-level model is now front-wheel drive, the like-for-like price increase is greater. The cheapest 4×4 model will be £26,895, a huge £3140 more than today’s car.

 

It’s a shame to see the price inflate so much. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the Santa Fe isn’t going to go the same way as the Kia Sorento, comprosing its appeal as a towcar by pushing upmarket and weighing less.

 

I’ve put in a call to Hyundai to ask for the new car’s kerbweight and towing limit. In the meantime, here’s a link to Steve’s review.