Santa Cruz, the Car?

Hyundai has released a series of teaser sketches of the production version of its upcoming Santa Cruz pickup/ute, two weeks ahead of the official unveiling on April 15.

From PerformanceDrive.com.au: Hyundai describes the Santa Cruz as a “sport adventure vehicle”, and claims it shatters both the SUV and pickup/ute segments of the market, creating what it describes as “an entirely new vehicle category”.

Exactly how Hyundai plans to create this entirely new vehicle category is yet to be known, but questions will be answered in a fortnight’s time. Judging by its size and proportions, it might be picked up by buyers as a compact alternative to the mammoth-sized GM and Ford trucks in America.

So far, confirmed details of the Santa Cruz are difficult to find, other than Hyundai’s claims of a flexible, open bed for gear, bold styling, a powerful yet efficient powertrain, a heap of tech, as well as all-wheel drive running gear for off-road and towing situations.

So here is our question. What do you think of the car that will bear our city’s name? Is this a car that appropriately represents Santa Cruz? Let us know in the comments below.