Hyundai recently unveiled the Santa Cruz for the US market, stating this model is a new “sport adventure vehicle”.
While the vehicle is built in the style of a pickup – called a bakkie in South Africa – Hyundai states that it “shatters both SUV and truck segments, creating an entirely new vehicle category”.
“The 2022 Santa Cruz breaks new ground within the SUV, truck, and crossover segments by offering a true Sport Adventure Vehicle unlike anything else in the US market,” said Hyundai.
“The Santa Cruz boasts a bold yet sophisticated design, powerful and efficient powertrain options, a flexible open bed for gear, cutting-edge connectivity, and a highly maneuverable all-wheel drive platform that is equally at home in urban and adventure-focused environments.”
Powering the vehicle is one of two engine options, both of which are powerful, flexible, and efficient – according to Hyundai.
The first engine option is a 2.5-litre direct-injected, inline four-cylinder motor with an “estimated” 141kW and 244Nm.
“This engine couples to an eight-speed hydraulic automatic transmission for quick acceleration and superb efficiency.”
The second engine option is a 2.5-litre direct-injected, turbocharged engine – with an estimated 205kW and 420Nm.
This engine is linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which features steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifting.
All-wheel drive
Hyundai stated that both these engine options will be linked to the company’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system in the vehicle.
“The HTRAC system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles,” said Hyundai.
This includes a Sport mode which sends more power to the rear wheels.
Launch photos of the new Hyundai Santa Cruz are shown below.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport – Photos
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