Hyundai Santa Fe

 Hi Munro21, the reason we don't particularly like the 7 seater is that our 5 seater has a good deal of packing space where the additional 2 seats would go. We certainly used this on our Italian trip last year for spare bedding etc. Otherwise the boot space is the same as our current model, although I think the car itself is a bit longer.

OH has suggested maybe we could e-mail Hyundai to see if we could order a manual 5 seater Santa Fe, even if we had to wait a year. I understand from our local Hyundai dealer that they will be able to sell diesel cars until 2040.

I also noted pterodactyl's comment about electronic handbrake which I concur with, but I think this seems to be a current trend.

Just been looking at the spec's and it seems that they have changed from a full sized spare wheel to a space saver?

Have you looked at the Kia Sorento ?

or would a Sportage be adequate

Sportage is not big enough. I have been looking at the Sorento as another option.

The latest Sorento also has a space saver. Its to make room for the Adblue tank. Also be careful you get a tow bar for the 2019 model year. 

Decent towcar, not the best I have had but not bad. Lots of toys.

Hope this helps.

I have a 7 seater diesel auto Santa Fe. It’s the Bradley Wiggins special edition (just a few extra bits such as running boards and different wheels). I didn’t particularly want or need 7 seats but the other components of the spec I did want, at that time and at that price, meant there was no 5 seat option.

I've therefore never missed any potential extra space, and the 2 extra seats do fold pretty flat. I do have a full size spare wheel - important I think.

i love it, probably the best all round vehicle I've owned/driven. Lots of toys, smooth ride, comfortable driving position, tows well. Never really focussed on mpg, as it is what it is. But the onboard computer does indicate optimum towing revs/speed, so I try to use that.