Hyundai has revealed that the Santa Cruz is a business-focused pickup competing with the Ford Ranger for the US market.
Claimed to “innovate” by combining elements from the SUV, truck and crossover segments in its design, the Tuscon will go into production in Alabama in June before a summer on-sale date.
The Santa Cruz was developed to serve urban drivers whose lifestyle would suit an open cargo bay better than a conventional SUV boot. The bed itself is approximately 1270mm long and includes a lockable bedspread for enhanced security, as well as hidden storage areas underneath.
Hyundai says the new model is comparable in handling and efficiency to a standard midsize SUV. Power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing either 190 hp and 180 lb-ft in atmospheric form, or 275 hp and 310 lb-ft with a turbocharger.
Both powerhouses send their reserves to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is linked to shift paddles behind the steering wheel for manual gear shifting. The atmo engine offers a towing capacity of 1,600 kg, while the turbo brings it to almost 2,300 kg.
Overall, the Santa Cruz is clearly inspired by the styling of the recently launched Tucson SUV, most notably in its spectacular full-width grille with signature daytime running lights and angular silhouette. A prominent skid plate is a nod to its off-road capability, while elongated wheel arches and large 20-inch wheels lend a certain ruggedness.
At the rear, the Santa Cruz adopts new and unique T-shaped light groups that have not yet appeared on any other production Hyundai model.
Inside, the Santa Cruz adopts a layout and design philosophy familiar to the Tucson. A pair of 10-inch screens are used for infotainment and digital displays, while Hyundai’s BlueLink connectivity services come standard.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-15 16:59:09
