Just as well the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a sturdy vehicle, with the accolades being heaped upon it.

The glamorous newcomer has now been named Recreational SUV of the Year by New Zealand 4WD Magazine, New Zealand’s leading publication in the specialist market.

Distinct from Utility SUV of the Year, this award normally goes to the vehicle with greater off-road ability, but the magazine says the Santa Fe demonstrates superior all-round performance and simply cannot be ignored.

The diesel version of the stunning new off-roader has already been named SUV of the Year at the NZ Automotive Awards by AutoTrader Magazine.

In the important business market, Santa Fe was chosen as National Business Review’s SUV of the Year.

And the diesel was recognised as the most efficient large lifestyle/leisure vehicle with its victory in this week’s EnergyWise Rally.

This on top of the vehicle’s success in the Fair Go Ad Awards, where its compelling TV commercial featuring the cute surfing toddlers was given Best Ad Award by the programme’s biggest-ever margin.

Hyundai is only now delivering vehicles to New Zealand customers who have had to wait for their new Santa Fe as its popularity pushed orders beyond availability.

“We are honoured the new Santa Fe is being recognised by the major media of New Zealand so soon after its introduction,” commented the Managing Director of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Philip Eustace.

“We always knew this model would be something special, especially for New Zealanders, but its instant popularity even caught us a little by surprise.”

Five different models cover diesel and petrol options of the South Korean masterpiece, which is available with five and seven-seat options for New Zealand families.