THINGS move fast in the car world. A new Hyundai Santa Fe arrived only two years ago, but the big family SUV is already being shown the door, writes William Scholes.

It wasn't a bad car, either. But this new one ought to be a step-change better, especially as it shares a platform and engines with the Sorento from sister company Kia.

The latest Sorento genuinely - and surprisingly - impressed me when I drove it last year, and it was easily one of my favourite cars of a pandemic-scarred 2021.

The Santa Fe gets the same 1.6-litre engine, offered as either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. If you think that sounds too small for such a large vehicle, think again.

The regular hybrid has a power output of 227bhp and the plug-in 261bhp; the outgoing Santa Fe had a 2.2-litre diesel with 197bhp, and it was never as quiet or as smooth as this latest generation petrol-hybrid. The plug-in is claimed to be able to do 36 miles on a full charge.

There are front- and four-wheel-drive options and a six-speed automatic is your only gearbox choice.

It's a massive vehicle, so has plenty of room for seven passengers. Your kids will love it.

The big SUV is generously equipped as well. It's offered in two trim levels - Premium and Ultimate - with prices starting at £40,250 and rising to just shy of £49k for a plug-in Ultimate.

That pricing tracks the Sorento and while it sounds like strong money, if the Santa Fe is anywhere as accomplished and plush as the Kia, it could be worth it.