Santana returns to the off-road with the Cajal: 4x4 made in Linares with diesel, gasoline, and electric engines

Santana has set a date and name for its first 4x4 manufactured in Spain. The Cajal promises to bring the off-road spirit at a price that will leave no one indifferent, and it will do so very soon, right after summer.

With diesel, petrol engines and an electric version on the horizon, this vehicle with Spanish DNA wants to put Linares back on the all-terrain mobility map.

Santana Cajal: a 4x4 with a legendary name and local origin

Why does this interest our reader? Because it is not common for a Spanish brand to bet strongly again on the all-terrain vehicle segment with a nationally manufactured model and with both traditional and modern mechanical options.

What does the name Cajal hide?

The name of the new Santana is no accident. It is a tribute to Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a universal reference in Spanish science and innovation, a symbol of perseverance and excellence. A move with personality that aims to link the brand to deeply Spanish and inspiring values.

Where is it manufactured and when will it arrive?

The Santana plant in Linares, Jaén, will be the scene where the Cajal is born. The official presentation is set for July 2026, and sales will begin during the second half of the year. So stay tuned, as the event promises to be exciting.

Design and capabilities: the formula for a practical and versatile 4x4

Why does this interest the reader? Because the Cajal will not be just another SUV. It combines generous dimensions with real off-road and daily use capabilities, a combination that has long been missing in our local offer.

What are its dimensions and advantages?

The vehicle measures 4.7 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 1.9 meters high. The wheelbase is 2.7 meters, which guarantees a spacious interior for five occupants. Perfect for those who want space without giving up adventure.

How does it perform off-road?

Based on the BAIC BJ40, the Cajal offers approach angles of 37º, ventral of 23º, and departure of 31º, as well as a ground clearance of 220 mm and a fording capacity of up to 800 mm. Not bad for a vehicle that also wants to be comfortable and usable every day.

Engines and versions: from tradition to electric future

Why pay attention? Because the Cajal incorporates mechanical options that adapt to current demands, without giving up tradition or sustainable innovation.

What engine options will the Cajal have?

The first models will arrive with diesel and petrol engines, both with automatic transmission and permanent 4WD. A ZF eight-speed gearbox is talked about, a guarantee for 4x4 lovers with character.

When will the electric version come out?

A little later a version with extended-range electric technology will arrive, which will allow access to the 0 emissions label from the DGT. A smart move that places Santana in the sustainable mobility race.

With this bet, Santana wants to recover lost ground and offer a model that, despite having one foot in tradition, looks sideways at the electric future. All in a market where 4x4s still have a loyal but increasingly demanding audience.

The reality is that the Santana Cajal represents a bold move in the Spanish automotive sector, with a clear commitment to national identity and technological diversity. The brand, which pays tribute to such an emblematic figure as Santiago Ramón y Cajal, wants this 4x4 to be synonymous with reliability, innovation, and versatility.

With its presentation in summer and market arrival in the second half of 2026, the Cajal positions itself as an option to seriously consider for all-terrain lovers looking for a model with strong Spanish character and mechanical options that adapt to current needs.