Hyundai will incorporate latest design cues on the production model and is expected to arrive in global markets by the end of this decade
Hyundai unveiled a highly-welcoming pickup truck concept at the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) three years ago and speculations floated on the internet suggested a probable production version ever since. The Santa Cruz concept depicted a road-going Hyundai workhorse in all its reality but to the disappointment of many it won’t entering international showrooms anytime soon.
Rumours said that despite significant talks over the production Santa Cruz, it will not be launched this year or in 2019. This goes on to say the arrival of the sporty pickup truck is at least two years away. The main reason for the delayed transformation between the concept and production phase is the enough time taken for the project to get a green signal from Hyundai board.
It was reported to have not received the approval until late 2016 and since ex-Hyundai America CEO Dave Zuchowski was sacked in the same year, the production pickup truck project faced a number of hurdles. Since the concept is more three years old, we had decided to incorporate the latest global design philosophy of Hyundai in the rendered images and see how it looked.
Needless to say, it fit the bill perfectly with now-signature cascading grille, sharp headlamps, side profile and rear taking inspiration from the facelifted Creta and a usable bed for carrying load. Hyundai may not offer a diesel engine despite the Creta Santa Cruz Crossover Concept using a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel motor, which produced a maximum power output of 190 hp and 406 Nm of peak torque.
The production version of Hyundai Creta STC pickup truck is expected to compete against the likes of forthcoming Jeep Scrambler and Ford Ranger in the United States. The rivalry will only get tough as Volkswagen is preparing Tanoak Concept based pickup truck as well.
2018 Hyundai Creta STC (Santa Cruz Crossover) Rendered
