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Drive... Model: Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate hybrid 1.6 T-GDi 4WD 6spd auto. Price: £45,830 Engine:1.6 Petrol Hybrid Pictures: Hyundai
If you're on the trail for SUV serendipity you just might want to say 'Hi' to the bigger and bolder third generation Hyundai Santa Fe which has consistently received accolades as one of the best large SUVs.
It's a sleek and appealing 'whip crack away' seven seater from Korea with an indomitable presence that's practical, classy, top quality and well equipped inside and outside. Therefore, that proper five year, unlimited mileage, warranty comes as no surprise. Do you think the likes of Peugeot, Vauxhall and Renault would chance a warranty like that? I don't. Since its entry into this highly competitive market, competitors have quaked. And with good reason, for you'd be hard-pressed to match its 'bangs for bucks' that Hyundai makes it their business to deliver. At £45,830, the Ultimate spec.7 seat 1.6 petrol hybrid with the new six speed automatic, with 'on demand' four-wheel drive is up there with the best for much less - and it's top quality too. We all know that the appeal of the SUV is dependent on ultra practicality and versatility. You can go anywhere with anyone in any weather and virtually on any highway short of the Rocky Mountains in one of these because it is no 'soft-roader'. It has different drive modes for different challenging conditions.
There's acres of room for five and their luggage and if you flip up the other two seats from the boot floor, there's still room for luggage. Put all seats down and you have a veritable pantechnicon.
Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate hybrid
The name given to this model is redolent of adventurous treks 'Out West' but for the British market Hyundai have made subtle and clever adaptations. UK models are chassis tuned to the unique demands of our great British roads. A cynic might claim, therefore, that this SUV is 'pothole perfect' and capable of undertaking journeys without terminal damage to the chassis. A positive thinking person like your correspondent relishes the good roadholding, the tautness behind the wheel and the effortless 'red-carpeting' of rough highways. In a Santa Fe you might be forgiven for thinking that the Minister of Transport had - in a fit of the vapours - lavished untold fortunes on our roads. Unfortunately this is not so: merely a consequence of the Santa Fe's impressive road manners. The chassis certainly betrays no load carrying imperfections. Driving along it feels as smooth as silk with a ride as supple as a Spanish señorita. For a big car it's so easy to drive. It even has Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) so that when you are towing a trailer with your mother-in-law in, she wont get car sick. The torquey 1.6 petrol engine combines with the 44.2 kW electric motor to give lovely smooth and linear performance, taking you to 'certainly fast enough' mph - and yet you don't struggle to get 45 mpg in eco mode on a long run. Inside, comfort is....er...as comfy as comfy can be, on heated and cooled seats that are power operated. There are so many bells and whistles to make your life complete. There's every adjunct to sybaritic living and hedonism and you and yours are kept safe by safety systems galore. The flight deck displays an array of instruments and controls that are the ultimate in digital digitalness and you are soothed by a sound system of sonic excellence. To put it in a nutshell (and a very big one at that) it has as much going for it as rivals that are over half as much again.
By Syd Taylor
Motoring Reviewer
With indomitable presence and sculptural purposefulness the Santa Fe delivers like a galloping Pony Express. If you're in the market for a big-hearted hunk of a car that won't take a massive chunk out of your earnings, here is utility value that's worth flagging up: and never has practicality felt so luxurious.
You could carry the Queen of Sheba and guarantee not to spill her sherbet in one of these - and it's also a fairway to carry a gaggle of golfers on their way to the eighteenth.
Floating Into Relaxation
After speaking with the owner, Kevin, on several occasions and hearing how having a ‘Float’ in a salt-water pod has so many amazing reviews, I decided now would be the time to pay a visit and see what it was all about.
After a full safety brief and all of my questions answered, I found myself stepping into a salt-water filled pod, lying back and lowering the lid to enclose myself; I felt myself relaxing as the lights and music starting to dim and after a few minutes, everything was pitch black and silent and I was floating without a care in the world and no idea of the time in a private room. The initial thought of being in an enclosed pod, pitch black and silence was a little daunting and I was a little apprehensive –but no, I didn’t feel any of these. It happens to be an amazing stress reliever, among many other things. Eliminating your senses; touching, hearing, seeing and smelling in a floating tank, your brain switches off which allows you to relax and drift off. You can’t measure time in there: it could have been 5 minutes or 1 hour. Due to 550kgs of salt added to the water, your body will naturally float with no effort on your part. When your 60 minutes are over, the pod lights start to brighten a little and you’re able to get yourself out and shower. I noticed immediately how soft my skin was feeling and how the pain I would usually suffer with from having back and shoulder issues, just weren’t there – it felt instantly amazing.
We Review...
Shropshire Floats
Myddle, Shrewsbury
To be told by the owner, Kevin, the benefits of floating can: Reduce stress, speeds muscle recovery, reduces depression and anxiety, improves cardiovascular health, enhances creativity and can reduce tension headaches, I was not initially convinced that floating in salt-water could do this. After 60 minutes, I wouldn’t question it: I can’t recommend it enough and I will be going on a regular basis. My visit wasn’t over when I finished floating, I was then shown the ‘Seychelles Sunroom’ - I was in heaven. Their unique Swedish sunlight simulators fully replicate a day at the beach without any UV risks but all the benefits. As I sat on a sun lounger in light summer clothes, listening to the sounds of the beach, I couldn’t help but completely relax and switch off from everything. The room was so tranquil and a beautiful indulgence, I could feel my mood boost, and couldn’t help but sit there smiling. There are so many benefits to the sunroom and again, after experiencing it, I would never question it. It’s known to; Increase energy, boost immune system, soothe aches and pains, reduce stress and anxiety, increases motivation /energy, reduces stress, both mental and physical and more. I can’t recommend a visit to Shropshire Floats enough. Kevin & Suzie will guide you through every step and ensures you’re happy before leaving. A professional service by very professional people. Review by Debbie.
FLOAT INTO WELLNESS
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