The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup might be given the green light for the US market this year. The compact crossover made its first public appearance at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup combines a unibody design with a burly façade featuring a large hexagonal grille and furrowed headlights. Aimed at the young market segment for outdoor activities, it offers a number of cargo securing options on the roof and a pickup bed which is extendable by about five feet and also has a slide-out cover. The extension mechanism for the pickup bed involves sliding out an entire section along with the tailgate, taillights and rear bumper, though it is not confirmed if this will be considered for production.
Despite its compact appearance, the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup has five seats, and if given a go ahead for production it will be the first Hyundai diesel model for the American market. According to Hyundai Motor America’s CEO, Dave Zuchowski, the Santa Cruz generated enough enthusiasm at the Detroit Auto Show to make a strong case for production.