Current mileage: 3,850

First, a correction. In the April 8 report on the Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 CRTD CDX auto there was a grumble about our test car not getting anywhere near to the manufacturer’s claimed combined cycle fuel economy of 39.8mpg. That’s because the near 40mpg figure quoted is for the manual transmission version. The auto we’re running is officially capable of 30.7mpg.

Second, another qualified grumble. The real life driving figure is 26mpg (at an average of 37mph, according to the 4x4’s trip computer) but – and here’s the qualification – our experience of new diesels shows that it takes at least 5,000 miles for the engine to comfortably bed in. Our Santa Fe is approaching 3,000 miles, so we’ve got some way to go before it is performing by the book.

It may be an East Midlands quirk, or the ‘it takes one to recognise one’ syndrome, but there seems to be a heck of a lot of Santa Fes on the roads around the AM HQ.

Nationally, they are relatively rare: last year, HCUK sold 2,844 diesel Santa Fes and 1,494 petrol models. Having simplified the range by dropping the lower GSi trim and the 2.4-litre petrol engine, 2005 sales are expected to be slightly up on 2004 with a similar diesel/petrol mix.

We’re getting used to the Santa Fe’s sluggish progress and its thirst. In fact, the hefty 4x4 is beginning to grow on the staff drivers here – rather like Hyundai itself is growing on the UK as a whole.

Price: £19,990 (as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre CRTD, 111bhp, 192lb-ft torque
Performance: 0-62mph 17sec; top speed 99mph
Efficiency: 30.7mpg (comb), 246g/km CO2
Transmission: 4sp automatic
Servicing: 10,000 miles
Optional extras: Privacy glass, Trafficmaster smartnav
CAP RV (3/30): £6,550 (35%)
Rivals: Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV-4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail