Hyundai in the UK: Santa Fe, Tucson and the Hydrogen Future

Hyundai has made serious strides in the UK over the past few years. While some might still lump the brand in with Asian rivals Toyota or Kia, the Koreans have long since built up a loyal following of their own. You can't miss their SUVs, particularly the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe, on British roads. But Hyundai wouldn't be Hyundai if it weren't also looking ahead to the future of mobility – and that's where hydrogen comes in.

If you're currently in the market for a Hyundai Santa Fe, you're in luck. The used car market is absolutely teeming with them at the moment. It's no surprise, really, given how many were originally used as company cars or have come back from leasing deals, now hitting the open market. The hybrid versions are particularly sought-after. The blend of a frugal electric motor with that cavernous interior makes the Santa Fe a genuine alternative to posh German SUVs. And it comes at a price that's often significantly lower than the competition's. I had a look at one recently myself – the spec sheet had absolutely everything: leather seats, a large sat-nav, driver assists coming out of its ears. It makes you wonder why anyone bothers buying new.

But it's not just the Santa Fe causing a stir. The Hyundai Tucson, its little brother, has been one of the brand's best-sellers for years. It just hits the mark perfectly: compact dimensions but loads of space, sharp styling and a wide choice of engines. Again, Hyundai is big on electrification here – you can get the Tucson as a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. For a lot of families, it's the go-to choice for a dependable daily driver.

So, what makes these current used deals so tempting? A few things:

• Generous standard kit: Even basic trims often come with things like automatic climate control and decent infotainment – a real bargain when you're buying used.
• Hybrids on the rise: More and more Santa Fes and Tucsons are rolling in as hybrids, which saves you fuel and helps keep their resale value strong.
• Warranty perk: Many used models still benefit from that famously lengthy manufacturer's warranty that Hyundai provides – gives you real peace of mind.

However, the Hyundai Motor Company – and the wider Hyundai Group with it – is playing a longer game. While most manufacturers are going all-in on battery-electric vehicles, the group is sticking with fuel cell tech. This hydrogen strategy is no empty promise: they've already got the NEXO on the road as a production model, and development is charging ahead unabated. Word in industry circles has it that the next-generation Santa Fe, or maybe even a dedicated hydrogen SUV, is in the pipeline. One thing's for sure: Hyundai genuinely believes in the future of hydrogen, particularly for commercial vehicles, but also for private buyers who regularly cover long distances and don't have the time for lengthy charging stops.

So, whether you're thinking about a brand-new Tucson or a used Santa Fe Hybrid, picking a Hyundai gets you more than just a solid motor. You're also buying into a slice of future tech. The Koreans seem to understand that mobility needs to come in different forms – and that's precisely why they're doing so well here in Britain.