[BahamaTodd]

If anyone is interested to see what the 2.0 diesel is like, here are a few acceleration videos of the engine in the ix35 (same as the Tucson) which the Santa Cruz is based off of. Keep in mind 100 km/h = 60 mph. It gets to 60 mph in just under 10 seconds. Its not the fastest thing out there, but after owning a 100hp VW TDI, I can definitely vouch for the punchy low end torque performance of a diesel in city driving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OhRfa4tnHs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6wldNI7VB0


With a manual transmission. I'd love one but very slim chance we'd get it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFvoQ-DLBQo

 

[ChuckAStone]

Do you think Hyundai will have more than 1 engine option for the SantaCruz?

Peace

 

[BahamaTodd]

Yes. I would expect two gas engines - an entry level no more than 200 hp, and a higher output with 250+ hp. The diesel would be a possible third option.

 

[don4331]

I'm late to party; but full of opinion:

Santa Cruz is based on Tuscon = 2 power choices: 2.0 I-4 w/164hp, FWD std/AWD opt; 2.4l I-4 w/182hp AWD.
Diesel might be 3rd option if Santa Cruz is built as a "World Vehicle".

Don

 

[Santana]

I'm late to party; but full of opinion:

Santa Cruz is based on Tuscon = 2 power choices: 2.0 I-4 w/164hp, FWD std/AWD opt; 2.4l I-4 w/182hp AWD.
Diesel might be 3rd option if Santa Cruz is built as a "World Vehicle".

Don

I can definitely see a diesel making it into the SC... just not in the western part of the world.

 

[ChuckAStone]

I hope they make a diesel! I will be very interested in buying this truck if an option for diesel is available. Otherwise, I don't have interest for a petrol compact truck.

 

[BahamaTodd]

I'm late to party; but full of opinion:

Santa Cruz is based on Tuscon = 2 power choices: 2.0 I-4 w/164hp, FWD std/AWD opt; 2.4l I-4 w/182hp AWD.
Diesel might be 3rd option if Santa Cruz is built as a "World Vehicle".

Don

I've been hoping that doesn't happen. They have the 260hp 2.0T which is in the Kia Sportage which is the same size as the Tucson. They build the Santa Fe and other sedans in the US so the 2.0T is available for US production.

If we don't get a diesel, and there is no turbo 4cyl with around 250hp I'm out. I could never own a vehicle that doesn't have good low end torque.

 

[Santana]

The current trend involves going with smaller engines with turbos to make up for their poor power as a stand-alone NA, in the process helping to meet their MPG agenda. Turbo is likely.

 

[BahamaTodd]

The turbo is a definite. The new 2016 has a turbo, but its only a 1.6L with 170hp. Not going to cut it.

One thing I did think of though is that over the next few years Hyundai is putting their E-4WD into their vehicles. We saw it in the Kia Trailster concept where its a conventional FWD drivetrain with an electric motor at the rear wheels. The Santa Fe will be the first to get it for next year. I'm hoping they design it so that the electric motor can provide a noticeable boost during acceleration.

Report: Hyundai To Launch Santa Fe Hybrid Powered Next Year - The Korean Car Blog

 

[don4331]

Big horsepower number does not equal good low end torque (In fact, it is often converse).

Torque is displacement - volumetric or artificial (supercharger - mechanical or turbine driven).

I sort of agree with Santana - small engine with turbo - e.g. 1.6T from the Veloster would get good 'brochure numbers - 201hp' + 8 spd AT - would get the required EPA numbers. The many speed automatics also help with low speed perception by allowing engine to get into power band.

But turbos and 'zillion' speed automatics cost - and Hyundai needs to hit the price point or they won't sell. (Needs to be equal or less than Canyon/Colorado/Tacoma/Frontier).

 

[don4331]

E-4WD is great for improving city fuel efficiency numbers - the short duration of acceleration afforded by the suitcase size 1.2kwh Li battery really helps (+3 mpg). But there is trade off of 150+ lbs of electric motors; controllers and wiring, and cost...

And it isn't a system that is useful to me in mud/snow where I have a continuous high power requirement.
E-4WD would be show stopper for me. (And I am really hoping to replace my Ranger with one of these).

 

[TimmyB]

Big horsepower number does not equal good low end torque (In fact, it is often converse).

Torque is displacement - volumetric or artificial (supercharger - mechanical or turbine driven).

I sort of agree with Santana - small engine with turbo - e.g. 1.6T from the Veloster would get good 'brochure numbers - 201hp' + 8 spd AT - would get the required EPA numbers. The many speed automatics also help with low speed perception by allowing engine to get into power band.

But turbos and 'zillion' speed automatics cost - and Hyundai needs to hit the price point or they won't sell. (Needs to be equal or less than Canyon/Colorado/Tacoma/Frontier).

I don't disagree with most of your post, but I do with your last sentence. This vehicle is not competing with those "smaller" pickup trucks. This vehicle is going to be compared to small CUV's, as an option for those who want to carry all their gear, but not necessarily INSIDE their vehicle. People like myself, who are looking at another Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe, or a Subaru Outback. Hyundai has been VERY specific about this not being a competitor to any traditional PU. People will look at a $30-35K Outback or Tucson/SF and compare the SC to that. I know I will be!

 

[Santana]

I don't disagree with most of your post, but I do with your last sentence. This vehicle is not competing with those "smaller" pickup trucks. This vehicle is going to be compared to small CUV's, as an option for those who want to carry all their gear, but not necessarily INSIDE their vehicle. People like myself, who are looking at another Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe, or a Subaru Outback. Hyundai has been VERY specific about this not being a competitor to any traditional PU. People will look at a $30-35K Outback or Tucson/SF and compare the SC to that. I know I will be!

Exactly, this is not your traditional truck.
Best way to think of it is as a Tucson that someone took a hacksaw to and chopped off what was needed to make it look like a truck
Not the best way to put it, but you guys know what I mean

 

[TimmyB]

Exactly, this is not your traditional truck.
Best way to think of it is as a Tucson that someone took a hacksaw to and chopped off what was needed to make it look like a truck
Not the best way to put it, but you guys know what I mean

No, this is EXACTLY the way to put it! We are buying a new vehicle this year. We'd already have an Outback (it's THAT good this year), but the thing is in such short supply, the dealers are simply not aggressive in any way. So, we're waiting until the fall, so we can compare it to the new Tucson (of which, we currently own a 2010 model). This Santa Cruz is exactly what we have always wanted: CUV styling, size, handling, etc., with an exterior place for stuff (triathlon gear, kayaking stuff, etc.)

 

[don4331]

Gentlemen:

For me; the Santa Cruz IS competing direct with small PU; my '98 Ford Ranger (regular cab/step side/4x2) needs to be replaced in next couple years. This offering by Hyundai would exactly fit the bill

I need ability to transport 2 (+ 2 would be nice) and the occasional item that isn't convenient to load inside/I don't want to strap to roof (e.g. muddy mtb bike/sheet of plywood/etc). But I don't need/want Raptor styling/fuel economy/etc: Tacoma/Frontier/Canyon all gravitate that way.

I see calling it a CUV "with an open air storage compartment behind the rear seat" as Hyundai's marketing attempt to avoid the 'chicken tax'. Similar to SUVs sold with only 3 seat belts so they weren't cars; then dealers adding the seat belts. More about cheating a broken system than a functional differentiation.

I would call it a 'Coupé Utility'.

 

[TimmyB]

Gentlemen:

For me; the Santa Cruz IS competing direct with small PU; my '98 Ford Ranger (regular cab/step side/4x2) needs to be replaced in next couple years. This offering by Hyundai would exactly fit the bill

I need ability to transport 2 (+ 2 would be nice) and the occasional item that isn't convenient to load inside/I don't want to strap to roof (e.g. muddy mtb bike/sheet of plywood/etc). But I don't need/want Raptor styling/fuel economy/etc: Tacoma/Frontier/Canyon all gravitate that way.

I see calling it a CUV "with an open air storage compartment behind the rear seat" as Hyundai's marketing attempt to avoid the 'chicken tax'. Similar to SUVs sold with only 3 seat belts so they weren't cars; then dealers adding the seat belts. More about cheating a broken system than a functional differentiation.

I would call it a 'Coupé Utility'.

I totally get what you are saying, Don. I'm not trying to say that individuals can't see this as a truck alternative. I'm just referring to how Hyundai is going to market this vehicle. They know they will get killed by the media if they try to portray this as a "small truck" ("too small, doesn't tow anything, blah blah blah...")

It would be hilarious if Hyundai were able to import this thing as a car, using the description you provided!

 

[Santana]

RAM, Ford and GM will have a field day if they catch Hyundai saying that, along with the media. So far though Hyundai seems to have the right people on board to make the right calls on this.