We know that building bakkies can be rather lucritive, just ask Ford in the USA and Toyota. That makes it all the more interesting why Hyundai-KIA has not gone down that route yet. That is, until now.
Showing its Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, the Korean manufacturer calls the car a “convention-shattering concept, showing Hyundai’s fresh take on the sport truck concept”.
Sporty it definitely is. The huge wheels (with Brembo brake callipers), nose section with the narrow lights and finally the fact that it is a cab-and-a-half model, all contribute to the sporty stance of the bakkie.
Under the bonnet is a 2,0-litre, turbodiesel engine delivering 142 kW and 407 N.m. This engine sends the torque to all four wheels through Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.
Unlike current cab-and-a-half bakkies that only offers loading space behind the rear seats, the Hyundai offers seating for three passengers. We do expect it to be a rather tight fit though.
Although Hyundai hasn’t released the exact dimensions of the vehicle, the company made it quite clear that it is smaller than current bakkies. The idea is to offer a vehicle that can be driven and parked in the usual spots, and which isn’t as big as the current crop of bakkies. Here we think specifically of the American-sized trucks.
There is also a tailgate extension, which allows larger equipment to be loaded in the rear.
However, Hyundai pointed out that towing and payload capacity, as well as ground clearance was not the primary goals with the Santa Cruz. They rather aim to lure crossover, compact SUV and sedan buyers.
It will be interesting to see what Hyundai’s next step with this concept will be.
