Hyundai reveals one-off ‘convertible’
Let’s make a couple of things clear from the outset.
No, this is technically not a “convertible” Santa Fe from Hyundai, as the roof has been lopped off completely.
And no, there will not be a production run, as this particular crossover was a one-off example designed specifically for an advertising campaign.
Indeed, this chopped model had been destined to hit the crusher, but was given a temporary lease on life when Australian publication Car Advice, after no little amount of finagling, took the one-off for a spin on closed roads.
If nothing else, the, ahem, “convertible” offers another headlinegrabbing opportunity to showcase the new Santa Fe’s striking, aggressive front end design, as well as its emphasis on more cabin space and driver-assistance technology heading into 2019.
As you’d expect, the one-off model also features the same fourcylinder engine that will power the Santa Fe when it hits showrooms.
Two options of said unit are available, including a 185-hp 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated example; and its 235-hp 2.0-litre turbocharged equivalent, both of which will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power and torque — 178 lb-ft and 260 lb-ft, respectively — to all four wheels.
With the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet now off the table, fans of open-top SUVs are pretty much left with two options: a Range Rover Evoque convertible that will take $40,000 to $50,000 from your wallet; or a base-level $30K Santa Fe you don’t mind taking an angle grinder to. Decisions, decisions …