GLOBAL warming has done more for the sales of off-roaders than any amount of clever marketing.

Floods, blizzards and high winds have given real purpose to the 4x4 market.

Hyundai has decided to join the fray with the introduction of its first ever off-roader, the Santa Fe.

At first glance it has the look of a Subaru Forester, but up close it's actually much bigger, much beefier.

Styled in the US, Hyundai invested $230m in its development and will churn out 100,000 of them a year. The Santa Fe is likely to cost between £16,000 and £18,000.

Permanent 4WD gives the Santa Fe go anywhere ability. Two engines, a 2.4 litre four and a 2.7 litre V6, offer good performance.

Specification will also be high with ABS brakes, radio/CD player, electric sunroof and windows, alarm and alloy wheels as standard.

Both models will be available from March with a 2.0 diesel expected to be introduced later in the year.