Korean automaker, Hyundai has slowly increasing its presence in the fast growing SUV segment. In fact, the brand has enough products in the large crossover segment as well. Products like Palisade and Santa Fe are hugely popular across the globe. These SUVs offer premium cabin and looks without compromising on the overall ride quality.
However, Hyundai hasn’t introduced any SUV based on the robust ladder-frame chassis, which could impact their off-road true SUV character. In order to change this, Hyundai and its sister brand, Kia, considering entering into the Ladder-Frame based SUV segment, which is currently dominated by Toyota.
Speaking to Carsguide, Hyundai Australia’s General Manager of Product, Andrew Tuitahi, said that the brand is capable enough to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser as an ultimate off-road SUV. He claimed that the confidence of developing such SUV came from the brand’s recent success in new segments with products like Hyundai i30 N and the iLoad. Also See – Hyundai Palisade SUV – Top 10 Features On Offer
He commented, “I think what we’ve done with things like the i30 N, challenging the traditional RS and GTI buyer mindset has been very successful. Similarly, what we’ve done with iLoad, challenging cars like HiAce in a segment that they’ve typically dominated. We’ve done a very good job of challenging that mindset.” He further claimed that the brand won’t have any problem in introducing a rugged SUV in the market.
Previous reports claim that Hyundai is developing a ladder-frame platform to develop robust pickup and SUV. This platform is expected to be shared with Kia Motors; however, the brand is yet to make an official statement. The group has recently introduced a new 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which powers the Genesis GV80. This engine produces 274bhp of power and 588Nm of torque. It is healthy enough to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser.
