Twenty years ago, no-one would have countenanced a Japanese luxury saloon and been able to keep a straight face but all that has changed. Korean cars are the next to make that switch in perception but it needs time and for the moment, the current Santa Fe represents a manageable aspiration for Hyundai.

Bigger than its predecessor, it also tones down the car's rather controversial styling with more conventional, but still distinctively Hyundai, lines. The front lights are significantly larger and more rakishly swept back onto the front wing and bonnet while the grille is narrower and deeper, giving the Santa Fe a more imperious and expensive look.

Hyundai has a pair of engines to give the Santa Fe's chances a power-up. The big seller will be the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel with 148bhp that has a good deal more about it than the 115bhp common-rail fitted to the old Santa Fe. Fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger, the diesel engine develops 335Nm between 1,800 and 2,500rpm and, like most modern engines, not only offers more power but also improves on the fuel consumption figures of its predecessor.

The latest Santa Fe now offers higher quality wood and metal detailing, mesh type upholstery fabrics and piped leathers.

Features such as dual zone air- conditioning, ESP stability control, heated front seats and a multi- adjustable steering wheel are features buyers in this sector now demand rather than aspire to.

One of the biggest material changes to the current Santa Fe is that there's now an option of seven full sized' seats, although adults may question that description if subjected to a lengthy spell in the back.

The 175mm in extra length over the old model has been put to good use though and there's 84 litres more cargo space the total rising to 774 litres.

There's little doubt that these changes lift the Santa Fe onto a whole different plane in terms of sophistication and desirability. The omens look good.