All-new Hyundai Mufasa SUV revealed; slots above the Creta

KUALA LUMPUR: While we are yet to receive the Hyundai Creta, the Chinese automotive market is gearing up to welcome an all-new Hyundai SUV that sits above the Creta in the brand’s lineup. The automaker calls it ‘Mufasa’ and has revealed its first official images ahead of its global debut at the Auto Shanghai 2023, to be held between 18th April to 27th April 2023. 

Also read: Hyundai Creta on its way to Malaysia, order books open

As a replacement for the ix35 in China, the all-new Hyundai Mufasa will be sold by Beijing Hyundai, a 50:50 joint venture of the South Korean automaker and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC). It derives its name from Simba’s dad in Lion King, signifying its wild styling and pronounced stance. 

The new Hyundai SUV boasts a giant front grille incorporating a Parametric mesh design; it is separated into two parts with a number plate holder placed on a trim. On the edges of the grille lies massive headlights positioned vertically. The bumper houses two silver trim elements along with a faux skid plate-like lower lip. 

Among the other key exterior highlights of the Mufasa SUV are thick side cladding on the doors, large wheel arches, unique alloy wheels, blacked-out side mirrors, C-shaped connected LED tail lights enclosed in gloss back panel, sporty trims on the rear bumper and rear faux skid plate. 

While the automaker remains tight-lipped on the SUV’s specifications so far, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology official filling reveals that the car measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,665 mm in height, 1,850 mm in width, and spans a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. These dimensions make it equivalent to the three-row Hyundai Alcazar offered in the Indian market.

Speaking of the powertrain, the Chinese-spec Mufasa is likely to come powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that kicks out a maximum power of 156 hp. The said engine can also be found on the Alcazar and Tucson.

What are your views on the all-new Hyundai Mufasa? Let us know in the comments.

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