2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

“The new AMG G 63 brings driving performance to the segment of unadulterated off-road vehicles in unexpected form. It was important for us to tie in with the original character on account of the cult status the G 63 enjoys with our customers and fans,” says Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG GmbH CEO.

thanks to advances in both hardware and software. The cylinder deactivation system allows the G 63 to turn off cylinders two, three, five and eight under partial load scenarios, for example cruising on the highway, to lower fuel consumption.

Rather than the previous 50:50 4MATIC all-wheel drive torque split, the current offering is rear 40:60 rear biased providing a sharp handling experience on paved surfaces. Off them, the intelligent multi-plate clutch can behave autonomously to ensure traction is always available, or when the going gets seriously tough the front, centre and rear axle differentials can all be locked individually depending on the need in either LOW or HIGH RANGE mode.

Sitting on a fresh independent double-wishbone/five-link suspension, complimented by AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive adjustable damping, the ride is quite smooth and comfortable and never too hard, even on uneven surfaces. Three settings may be chosen: Comfort, Sport and Sport+ to tailor response to various needs.

What’s great about the G Class is throughout the years the signature boxy styling is consistently retained, however adding in contemporary innovations whether they be full LED lighting or the use of protective foil cladding inside the doors — that really have to be slammed to close properly, mind you — to prevent water seepage during fording.

In addition, the AMG version features an exclusive upright-slatted polished grille, and aggressive sidemounted twin exhaust pipes poking out below the running boards guaranteed to draw some looks. Speaking of which, even with the (thin) running boards installed, climbing in and out can prove challenging given the overall height measures a lofty 1,966 millimetres.

There’s a stunning attention to detail paid throughout the interior: for example, the two-tone quilted Nappa leather upholstery; carbon fibre trim; D-shaped DINAMICA covered steering wheel, IWCdesigned analogue clock, and the G manufaktur-embossed passenger dashboard grab handle signaling the automaker’s bespoke customization program. A 12.3-inch infotainment display and wireless mobile device charging are now standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG G 63 continues to be built out of Austria — however given ongoing supply chain issues as a result of the global pandemic, the brand has indicated the luxury SUV, along with other V8 vehicles in the lineup, will not be produced in the coming model year. Stay tuned for more news to come.

DARPAN AutoREVIEW USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF THE MINI TRUCK 2022

PHOTOS: HYUNDAI PRESSROOM HYUNDAI

BY Benjamin Yong

SANTA CRUZ

HIGHLIGHTS

Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin security meets the changing everyday needs of its adventure-oriented buyers, while the powerful and efficient engine and superb manoeuvrability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments,” says José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO.

Following a much-anticipated preview as a concept vehicle back at the Detroit Auto Show some six years ago, there wasn’t a lot of expectation that the Hyundai HCD-15 compact pickup would actually be made. Well, fast forward to present day and the 2022 Santa Cruz is a happy reality.

“Santa Cruz, with its bold styling, breaks open all new segment territory, both for Hyundai and the industry as a whole. Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin security meets the changing everyday needs of its adventure-oriented buyers, while the powerful and efficient engine and superb manoeuvrability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments. Our customers will wonder just how they managed before owning one,” says José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO, in a news release.

Rather than a traditional body-on-frame build, this small truck has a unibody construction based on the Tucson crossover, which becomes evident when MSRP: $44,799 Motor: 2.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 277 @ 5,800 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 460 @ 1,700 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed dualclutch automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 14.6 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

The system also features multi-terrain control modes when road conditions become challenging: Snow, Mud and Sand. The short wheelbase and wide track allows agile lane changes in traffic that would make a Toyota Tacoma jealous.

you look at the two side-by-side: both sharing many traits from the windshield forward, for example the headlamps hiding behind the large black T-shaped grille.

The front end is quite different from the concept, though the general essence remains the same. Around the side, the former rear suicide half doors have been replaced by regular versions allowing much easier occupant ingress and egress. The second row area is slightly smaller than the Tucson’s, the up-to-three passengers in the back enjoying a little less legroom as a result at around 927 millimeters. Still, an infant car seat fits no problem.

Measuring 4.34 feet, the bed is small by pickup standards. Carrying lengthy recreational toys may be an issue, however towing shouldn’t be the vehicle boasting 5,000 pounds of capacity, nevertheless the design is unique and useful. The floor can be lifted up to reveal a smaller storage compartment underneath, and a factory sliding and lockable tonneau cover keeps valuables concealed and protected against the elements, and can even hold up to 100 kilograms of weight.

Possessing a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and mated to an eight-speed “wet” (utilizing oil to lubricate and cool the transmission for increased performance) dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Santa Cruz is way more fun to pilot than a truck should be.

The vehicle accelerates like a bat out of hell, admittedly at times in a jerky fashion, enough to unexpectedly spin the tires despite standard tractionproviding HTRAC all-wheel drive. The system also features multi-terrain control modes when road conditions become challenging: Snow, Mud and Sand. The short wheelbase and wide track allows agile lane changes in traffic that would make a Toyota Tacoma jealous.

The interior is set up similar to a typical contemporary Hyundai or Kia product, the dash anchored by a big 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Navigating the infotainment is easy enough, however the lack of a rotary volume knob really makes surfing radio channels — SiriusXM in particular — cumbersome. At least designers have kept a T-handle shifter in place rather than putting in a gear selector dial or, even worse, buttons.

Two trims are available: Preferred, starting at $38,499, and Ultimate, $44,799, the latter including additional equipment such as full LED lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, Surround View Monitor to assist parking, ventilated front seating and others. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is U.S-built, at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.