The Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept has debuted in the brand's stand at the 2015 edition of the Detroit Auto Show. The model is a pick-up with futuristic design, designed specifically for Generation "Y".
Although this model prefigures the possibility of the first pick-up in the manufacturer's range, those at Hyundai have let it be understood that they are not talking about a future production model in the near future. But it is possible that the design lines present on this model will influence their future SUV.
In the case of the Santa Cruz Crossover Truck, Hyundai used a design addressed to "urban adventurers" who need a versatile means of transport, and pleasant from an aesthetic point of view too.
The concept from Hyundai stands out by a trapezoidal large size front grille and through a set of angular optical blocks. The taillights have a different silhouette from what we were shown until now by the Korean manufacturer. But their form is still attractive and we hope to find in the future series models of the mark.
With regards to the motorization, Hyundai announced a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine rated at 190 hp and 406 Nm of torque. The unit is coupled to a HTRAC all-wheel drive system and announces a combined fuel consumption of 7.8 liters every 100 km. The representatives of the South Korean brand have not talked about the chances of developing a series variant of this concept.
The concept is basically a half-truck half-CUV with seating for five, and the city-friendly footprint of a small crossover.
On the other hand, the Santa Cruz is not a Ford F-150 either. Hyundai's Director of Corporate Planning Mark Dipko said during the world premiere of the vehicle in Detroit that "max payload, towing, and ground clearance are not the point at all."
In order to obtain a larger market share, the Santa Cruz model was designed to address different categories of clients at the same time. Part of this strategy is the presence of media. Thanks to its presence the style and features of this mode are promoted.
Because of its dimensions it is ideal for navigating in the urban jungle or in a tight parking spot. Most pickup drivers have to go through these special situations regularly.
This model provides typical CUV driving characteristics. But it comes with a versatile cargo space, which has separate storage, regardless if it's a recycling center trip, or hauling a pair of mountain bikes. But whatever the activity involved, all tools that are dirty, sweaty, moist, sandy, or bulky remain in the back of the truck, separately from the passenger compartment.
"The Santa Cruz crossover truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing Millennial lifestyle we call ‘Urban Adventurers'. This new crossover allows them all the expandable utility they need throughout their active week, from work-life professionalism, to social interests, to a whole variety of outdoor pursuits, without the typical compromises they have come to expect from the industry's current product offerings" stated Mark Dipko, Hyundai's Director of Corporate Planning.