Santana Cajal: What should you know about the new Spanish all-terrain?

O new spanish all-terrain name is Santana Cajal. Santana Motors' work in collaboration with Chinese BAIC proposes a diesel engine and features that make it cut out for off-road routes.

The “heart” of the model is a engine 2.0 litres diesel fuelled (the deposit is 85 liters), which debits 163 hp power and 390 Binary Nm. The traction is integral, with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The mechanics were developed alongside Cummins. You can choose 11 different driving modes.

Its features make it an unmistakable “weapon” for the all-terrain: free height to the ground of 22 centimeters, passage to ford of 80 centimeters and entrance and exit angles of 37° and 31° respectively. Also mention the ability to tow up to 2,500 kg.

One of the major highlights announced by Santana are the differential blocks in the three axesSomething unusual in an all-terrain vehicle. If it is difficult to advance on the road, the central lock is connected in 4H and 4L modes, and it is also possible to activate the front and rear if necessary – an operation performed by the driver.

Although it is introduced as a diesel engine combustion model, you will also have a variant of gasoline. Later, there will be an option electric with autonomy extender (REEV).

The typical robust SUV

Santana Cajal© Santana Motors  

The exterior features of Santana Cajal form an imposing and square image, reminding in a way the iconic Land Rover Freelander or a Mercedes-Benz Class G.

The front grid is large, including LED headlights and a luminous contour. The mudguard also incorporates elements of lighting. From the lateral friezes to the arches of the wheels in a line that extends to a pronounced side crease, through the large bumpers, robustness is a slogan.

There are no door frames and the trunk with 530 liters is accessible from a gate that opens in two sections – the bottom of the side opening carries the alternate wheel, a feature of several all-terrain vehicles. If the rear seats are hit, the trunk capacity increases to 945 litres.

In terms of dimensions, the Cajal measures 4.790 mm in length, 1.940 mm in width and 1.915 mm in height, with 2.760 mm in wheelbase. There are roof bars and conventional door handles.

Spacious and technological interior

Inside© Santana Motors  

Meets in Santana Cajal one technical passenger compartment, with 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, 12.8-inch central infoentertainment screen and another in the same dimensions for the front passenger (not mentioned in the segment, says Spanish brand).

There is also a configurable screen as a 1.92-inch boot button between central vents. The interior rear-view mirror is digital, through a rear-view camera. And if you are for example a music admirer, you can enjoy a sound system with ten speakers and a subwoofer.

The panoramic roof of electric glass has protection against ultraviolet rays. For convenience of the occupants, there is a wireless charger for smartphones with 50 watts of power and a total of ten power ports throughout the interior.

The focus of the interior design is on the driver and front passenger. There are leather carpets, contrasting seams and no lack of space, thanks to the distance between axes. You can follow five persons on board (driver included).

When does it arrive and how much does it cost?

For now, there is not a final price, which depends on the final approval. Santana's goal is to stay below 50,000 euros. New developments are sent to September, expecting deliveries to begin in December.

It should be noted that Santana Cajal inaugurates a new brand nomenclature strategy, which honors important figures in Spanish history. The tribute is to Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906.