205kW Hyundai double-cab bakkie coming?

The leisure double-cab bakkie market is hotting up. Hyundai’s latest reveal of the Santa Cruz bakkie has just about broken the internet but the Korean firm is only getting started.

While the Santa Cruz will be produced in Alabama, USA, with the intention of infiltrating the North American market, it will rival the likes of the new forthcoming Ford Maverick bakkie.

However, Hyundai is preparing a mid-size bakkie that will take on the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok V6, to name just a few and it’s worth mentioning that Kia is keen on getting in on the action too!

Australian online motoring publication, Carsguide, has reported that the incoming Hyundai double-cab bakkie could offer as much as 205kW and 588Nm if fitted with the intended 3litre, in-line 6cylinder turbodiesel engine, the same which powers the Genesis GV80 premium SUV.

It’s also well-known that Hyundai will not develop new engine technology as the brand is gradually shifting into the electric realm. Hyundai has also previously stated that this powerful diesel engine is available for commercial use, which means its deployment is highly likely.

Albert Biermann, Hyundai’s research and development head-honcho previously commented: “With this engine, we can have so many applications. As you know, we make commercial vehicles and so on, so this engine will be out there for quite some time. You don’t need to worry about that engine.”

The Volkswagen’s 190kW Amarok V6 is currently the most powerful double-cab bakkie on offer in South Africa, Hyundai’s newcomer could trump all in this segment if this engine is used in the final production version.

As it stands, Hyundai (and Kia) are expected to launch their new double-cab bakkies in 2023 and are still in the process of confirming where production will take place. For now, further details remain under wraps but we will keep a close eye on this developing story and keep you informed.

This article originally appeared on Cars.co.za