Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck concept unveiled

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Here’s something a lil’ different from the gaggle of supercars being introduced at the 2015 Detroit motor show. Meet the Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck concept, developed as an exercise to gauge response from what the firm believes is the second-largest population of car buyers – the millennials.

“The Santa Cruz Crossover Truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing Millennial lifestyle we call ‘Urban Adventurers’,” said director of corporate planning for Hyundai North American, Mark Dipko. “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,” he added.

In styling the Santa Cruz concept, Hyundai has opted for a bolder, chunkier design complimented by its aggressive hexagonal, honeycombed front grille. The honeycomb treatment continues onwards into the headlight design theme, along with the addition of LED fog lamps. Yellow-green twin tow hooks are found on the lower front bumper.

In profile, 22-inch centre-locking two-toned wheels, wrapped in 265/40 Michelin tyres featuring an outrageous tread design, add to the truck’s road-hugging stance. Fluorescent yellow-green Brembo brake calipers hide behind the extravagantly-styled wheels while the side mirrors feature the same colour scheme.

Rear-hinged doors help to mask part of the cabin’s bulk – making it appear as a two-door rather than a four-door at first glance. Unfortunately, Hyundai has sealed off details regarding the car’s interior but ensures that the cabin has ample “seating for five.”

At the rear, things get more interesting with the addition of an “innovative tailgate extension” that allows for a myriad of configurations to suit a range of cargo. By employing a “drawer-like” sliding function, the cargo bed can be expanded to match that of a mid-size pickup.

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Tie-down cleats for securing all sorts of objects are to be found on the wheel arches, roof as well as bed rails. An integrated tonneau cover that retracts when required ensures the truck appeals to individuals who are not keen on an open-bed design as well as aiding in keeping valuable objects out of sight.

As for powertrain options, a sole 2.0 litre, turbodiesel is employed, producing 190 hp and 406 Nm of torque with a fuel consumption rating of 12.8 km/litre. All that power gets put to the road via Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

While exact dimensions remain a mystery, the Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck concept is said to possess a footprint similar to that of a small crossover utility vehicle (CUV) – the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 in the US context – which should suit its intended target audience.

Unfortunately, overexcited millennials who fit the bill will be disappointed to know that Hyundai has yet to mention any concrete plans regarding production of the Santa Cruz concept.

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Gregory Sze

An "actor" by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

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