On the safety front there is standard hill start and downhill assist, seven airbags (including driver’s knee) along with blind spot warning that includes a supplemental system called lane-change assist which measures the closing speed of the car in the adjacent lane, then warns if it’s too high. I got to see this in action when a limo, obviously speeding, zoomed up on me when I was changing lanes.

What we don’t get is navigation, HID headlights, upgraded audio or ventilated front seats. That stuff is found only in the $39,649 2.0T Limited AWD.

Slide into the comfy and well-bolstered driver’s seat and you’re facing a pleasingly logical and stylish dash layout. It’s built to a pretty high standard and the buttons are large and well-marked. There are rotary knobs for radio volume and tuning, and a small rectangular screen in the lower console displays HVAC info. Flanking the shifter are two glove-friendly buttons for the three-stage seat heaters. Having a heated steering wheel during this deep freeze of a winter confirms my belief that this gizmo is the best thing since the beer helmet.

However, the 4.3-inch touchscreen is unfashionably petite. Small screen equals small icons, thus requiring American Sniper-like marksmanship to hit the radio presets with your digit. A couple of times I used my middle finger. It didn’t make the task any easier but I did feel much better about it. The six-speaker audio system is just okay, and the pinched rear windows and thick D-pillars make for limited rear visibility.

On the road, the Santa Fe Sport feels substantial and well put together. The doors close with a reassuring thud and cabin is well isolated.

Hyundai has not been taking criticism of its electric power steering systems lightly – the new calibration has done wonders for steering feel. There are still three steering weights selectable by a button on the wheel – Comfort, Normal and Sport – but now they feel better connected. The previous spooky on-centre vagueness has been banished.

The Santa Fe’s ride is generally good, although certain surface irregularities register more than expected. Handling is competent, if a bit on the ponderous side. Those seeking a sharper driving experience in this segment will look to the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5.

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