Bread, butter in Santa Fe

While I'm jotting down the report on this week's pre-owned car, a Toyota Auris HSD is parked in the yard.

It has no connection to the sport-utility Hyundai Santa Fe. I just thought I'd let you know about it.

Okay, there is a point to my mentioning another car instead of the pre-owned one.

The Hybrid Auris saved me a packet in fuel money last weekend. I spent a day criss-crossing Soweto townships: to Zola, then Dobsonville; a visit in Dube, ending back in Zola.

The point is, 70% of that driving was handled by the electric motor.

Aside the 'green' credentials and practicality of the car, it covered the basics very well. I did the traditional Kasi cruise fully - and had consumption of 4.5l/100km to show for it.

Hyundai's Santa Fe also covers the basics well. It's an SUV, but it will not go up a ragged mountain.

What it will do is offer you a commanding driving position and as many airbags as you need.

It will drive well enough to lull the babies to sleep, and the money it will cost won't get you and your spouse in a tiff.

They are generally well stocked with most of the modern luxury and convenience features. Don't expect navigation, a rear view parking camera or a two-speed transfer case. Nor should you hope for a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

You will find the basics, which enjoy better quality workmanship - and better materials - than their Accent stable-mates , and they also gain from the commendable, new-found skills of engineering and assembly, which have seen Hyundai walk away with accolades the world over.

Because they are for general road use, the risk of a bent chassis, scratched paintwork due to African thorn and dodgy suspension caused by regular axle articulation is minimal, if not non-existent.

Previous owners would never have dared travel where our Bruce Fraser took the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport last week.

The biggest danger is finding three-year-old crumbs in hidden crevices. Hyundai has been particularly good with ensuring peace of mind. The warranties and maintenance plans are deal-clinchers and because they haven't breached the upper class yet, a three-year-old Santa Fe's price is a bargain in comparison to newer soft-roader species, including little brother ix35. If you are interested in a Santa Fe regularity don't be shy and if you are not up to large fuel bills, avoid the V6 version and get the diesel.

Prices range between R230000 and R400000.