Looks like a truck, drives like a crossover, has four doors, and holds five passengers. Either Hyundai is introducing one confused vehicle or they have a vision to the future that we cannot see. The Hyundai Santa Cruz–a crossover truck concept under code name HCE-15–was revealed to the press at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Focusing on the needs of the Urban Adventurer, this crossover concept has a versatile cargo bed and compact dimensions that is suitable for piloting any city street. While the general shape of the Hyundai Santa Cruz likens to a modern version of something in between a Subaru Brat or Chevy El Camino, this is a different type of truck that isn’t really a truck. Hyundai says this fresh concept reflects a completely new interpretation of truck utility for a new generation of buyers, specifically Millennials, who represent the second-largest population of car buyers. Hyundai believes that young adults face tighter parking in urban areas and as such are looking for a crossover vehicle between a comfortable car and a utilitarian truck. Hyundai calls this class of car buyers, Urban Adventurers. “The Santa Cruz crossover truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing Millennial lifestyle we call ‘Urban Adventurers’,” said Mark Dipko, director, corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. “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.” For ease of access to the rear seats, the Santa Cruz features convenient, rear-hinged rear doors which integrate seamlessly with the front door design. The wheel arches, roof, and bed rails offer convenient tie-down cleats for securing cargo of all shapes and sizes. From the rear, the concept presents highly-contoured bed forms, and for extra utility, the expandable bed can be easily reconfigured for longer cargo, using a unique drawer-like sliding function. Power is supplied by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel that will deliver 190 horsepower and 300 lb-ft torque; fuel economy expected to be in the high thirties. With its small truck bed and low ground clearance Hyundai emphasized that the Santa Cruz is not a truck and not designed for towing duty. Multiple capabilities were the design goals and Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-wheel drive system make it suitable for traveling over more than just pavement and country backroads. Carrying five full-size passengers and different types of gear seem to be the strengths of the Santa Cruz. When more cargo room is necessary, the Santa Cruz offers an innovative tailgate extension that allows the bed length to be expanded whenever those “just in case” moments arise. The extension is perfect for everything from an epic mountain bike trip to bringing home an antique chest or classic motorcycle that’s ripe for restoration. When fully extended, Santa Cruz’s bed length is similar to a mid-size pickup, providing the ability to carry much more than its compact footprint would suggest, yet only when needed. Santa Cruz was designed to accommodate whatever the Urban Adventurer’s lifestyle calls for, whether expected or unexpected. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, by design does not offer the towing, payload and ground clearance of a true truck. Rather, the Santa Cruz is intended to attract CUV and sedan buyers who are seeking greater utility, without the compromises that traditional trucks often require. The way Hyundai sees it, the Santa Cruz is for the growing population who sees and pursues the world differently, those who want all the traditional attributes of a compact crossover, but need the day-to-day versatility of an open bed. It’s the crossover truck that meets the unspoken needs of Urban Adventurers.from eBay Motors Blog http://ift.tt/1ABqFCk
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