Hyundai Santa Cruz, B-Segment Crossover Could Be Released In Two Years
The crossover market is growing fast, and Hyundai are about to make a splash into it by adding a pair of new vehicles in the not too distant future.
The vehicles in question will be a production version of the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup concept that was so well received, as well as a subcompact B-segment crossover in the vein of the Chevrolet Trax.
There is no official green light on either vehicle just yet, but the feeling is that it’s just a matter of time before word comes down from Hyundai HQ that these projects are a go.
At least, that is what was being discussed with automotive reporters ahead of the rollout of the new Sonata hybrid car.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Pick Up Launch Very Likely In Two , Three Years
The Detroit Auto Show is where the Santa Cruz concept was shown off.
While the vehicle was on display, Hyundai took the time to pool the visitors of the show, and discovered that 90% of them loved the look of the concept and would think about buying it if it was made available.
Hyundai has been thinking about adding a small pickup to its lineup for a while now, but the approach it took for the concept model was a ways away from traditional.
The first major difference is that the Santa Cruz rides on a car platform. This is a setup that is similar to what is used on the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, both of which have added some life to the midsize pickup category.
The Santa Cruz has more of a car vibe, and is aimed squarely at the young “urban adventurers” market, which is essentially those people who lead an active lifestyle and want something more rugged than a standard car.
B-Segment Hyundai Crossover Vehicle
The big bosses at Hyundai are well aware that if the company is to continue thriving, it needs to get into the crossover vehicle market.
This is why they are giving serious thought to a small crossover that would go head to head with the likes of the Jeep renegade and Honda HR-V.
This is a segment that is becoming a major player in sales, and Hyundai wants in!
Hyundai ix25 Small SUV Not For U.S.
Hyundai have some experience in this segment, as they already have a small crossover vehicle available in China.
The ix25 small SUV may well be suited to the Asian market, but the feeling is that it would not do very well in the US, as the styling is a little bit too much on the conservative side of things.
What that means is that a new small crossover would likely be more aggressively styled, and would run on a new platform (like the Intrado concept).
There has been no decision made as to when production might start on these vehicles.
Hyundai will first have to solve their North American capacity issues, which have been a problem for them for a few years now.
There is currently a study being performed that will determine the capacity needs, with the final results expected to be released in the next 60 to 90 days.
The feeling is that if a new production plant is to be built, it will be in the US and not in Mexico, which is where the new Kia plant will be.
