Kia to sell a ute too
Re-badged, mildly made-over Hyundai Santa Cruz expected to join Kia line-upKia will release its own interpretation of Hyundai's lifestyle-oriented Santa Cruz utility (pictured), motoring.com.au has learnt.
A source inside the Korean car-maker told us at last week’s launch of the all-new Sportage that if the ix35-based dual-cab ute was produced by Hyundai – which now appears almost certain — a Kia-badged version was certain.
“You can guarantee that if Hyundai builds the Santa Cruz, we will have our own [version],” the source said.
“We have observed how popular the utility is for many different buyers, and a Kia model would also be very popular, I think.”
Seeking to capitalise on Australia’s annual 180,000-plus utility sales, the model is expected to arrive towards the end of 2017.
The dual-cab HCD-15 Hyundai Santa Cruz concept was built on the monocoque platform of the ix35, which has since been replaced by the Tucson, and promises to be a ute aimed at adventurous weekend thrill-seekers rather than hard-working tradies like one-tonners such as the Toyota HiLux.
The all-wheel drive model features a small but extendable rear tray and seating for five, and is powered by a 140kW turbo-diesel engine.
When asked why Kia (and Hyundai) had waited so long to enter the ‘pick-up’ utility market, Kia’s insider offered a pragmatic response.
“We have had a utility model for a very long time, we even sold it in Australia,” he stated, referencing the short-lived K2700.
“The K2700 might seem odd in Australia’s market where big, American-style pick-ups and sedan-based utilities are common, but in Korea a compact, affordable and reliable utility is all that is required — it’s not a symbol of status.”
It might not be a competitor for top-selling utes like the Ford Ranger, but given the adventurous styling of the Santa Cruz, we think status and utility might finally align for the Korean twins.
What do you think? Will non-commercial Australian buyers be happy to park a stylish, light-duty crew-cab ute from Hyundai or Kia in their driveway?
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