For years, the Vatican has been receiving special vehicles from automakers around the globe. Probably one of the more famous ones was the Ferrari Enzo gifted by the legendary Maranello-based supercar builder.
But, over the past couple of decades, if the Pope was making a visit and a public appearance, he was more often than not seen standing in a specially configured Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Essentially, it made the Pope appear as though he was in a telephone booth, except this was one seriously armored vehicle.
Now though there's been a change at the request of the Pope. Rather than travel in an armored vehicle, he has opted for an open-air vehicle. Turns out Hyundai was the manufacturer up to the task. This is where the modified Santa Fe comes into the picture.
I don't want to be too cynical here, but is it possible this is another PR move from the Vatican/Pope as it continues to shed its old image of the church? Austerity is in, baby!
A new, specially modified Hyundai SUV has joined the elite ranks of the popemobile fleet.
The open-roof, white Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi had its debut in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday during Pope Francis' weekly general audience.
The vehicle sits lower than the typical popemobiles, which had higher ground clearance or a raised bed to offer crowds maximum visibility of the pope, who stands or sits in the back.
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