HYUNDAI Motor Firm (HMC) has launched 4 darkened teaser photographs of its upcoming Santa Cruz pick-up truck forward of its world reveal on April 15, nonetheless an area introduction has been definitively dominated out by the Australian subsidiary.
Brandishing the same entrance finish and light-weight signature to the imminently arriving Tucson medium SUV, the Santa Cruz is predicted to be underpinned by the identical N3 platform because the Santa Fe seven-seater with which it is usually anticipated to share its powertrain(s).
Very similar to the Jeep Gladiator, the Santa Cruz will likely be marketed extra as a leisure automobile than an out-and-out workhorse on account of its SUV underpinnings – a monocoque chassis and the seemingly omission of leaf springs – nonetheless all-wheel drive is sort of assured to be provided.
Consistent with the present HMC design language, angles and sharp contours are aplenty on the Santa Cruz whereas the bathtub is noticeably shorter than different utes, one other indication of its leisure intentions.
Regardless of the immense reputation of pick-up vehicles – particularly 4×4 variations – in Australia, the native arm of HMC has dominated out an area introduction for the Santa Cruz regardless of its curiosity, citing supply complexities related to the ute’s Alabama manufacturing.
“We expressed curiosity in Santa Cruz, and consider it might carve out a distinct segment within the Australian market, however with manufacturing coming from our Alabama plant the enterprise case for improvement of right-hand drive wasn’t practicable,” a spokesperson advised GoAuto.
If the Santa Cruz did make it Down Underneath, its almost definitely rival could be the short-wheelbase model of the SsangYong Musso with the 2 sharing equally squat tubs, coil-sprung rear ends with impartial suspension and in the end comparable outputs with HMC’s turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (as seen within the Santa Fe) churning out 140kW/440Nm to the Musso’s 133kW/420Nm – additionally from a force-fed 2.2.
The Musso fights again nonetheless with what ought to show a vastly superior braked towing capability (3500kg vs the Santa Fe’s 2500kg) and a low-range switch case for the selectable 4×4 system.
With the Musso not at present provided within the North American market, HMC says the Santa Cruz will “break new floor inside the SUV, truck and crossover segments by providing a brand new class of auto not like anything”.
“Santa Cruz, with its daring styling, breaks open all-new phase territory, each for Hyundai and the business as an entire,” Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO Jose Munoz stated.
“Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin safety meets the altering on a regular basis wants of its adventure-oriented consumers, whereas highly effective and environment friendly engines and very good manoeuvrability guarantee it’s a pleasure to drive in city or off-road environments.
“Our prospects will marvel simply how they managed earlier than proudly owning one.”
Ford could have a spanner or two to throw into HMC’s plans stateside because it gears as much as reveal and launch its new Maverick pick-up – one other semi-skim ute not destined for Australian shores.
