Beijing Hyundai launched a pretty interesting compact SUV concept in China last Friday, featuring a number of off-road-focused modifications and a Lion King-inspired name. The Hyundai Mufasa Adventure is a beefed-up preview of the production model that will debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show in April, before going on sale in the Chinese market this June. We have already seen photos of the Hyundai Mufasa thanks to the Chinese Ministry Of Industry and Technology, so we know what to expect. Predictably, the concept looks more impressive thanks to a number of rugged features which will not make it to production, while retaining the Hyundai-Kia mashup of styling cues on the bodywork.
The Mufasa Adventure benefits from a lift
kit and a set of larger and wider grippy all-terrain tires wrapped around the
bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. The wider tracks and increased ground clearance
give it a proper off-roader stance which will be not replicated in the
road-focused SUV which will be the equivalent of the Hyundai Tucson for the
Chinese market, replacing the ix35.
Other concept-only features include the
massive faux aluminum accents on the bumpers looking like skid plates, the
visible mounting points, the special pattern on the side sills, the handles on
the bonnet, the Defender-style add-on on the rear window, and the futuristic
roof rack with integrated LEDs. The Hyundai Mufasa measures 4,475 mm long, which is 25 mm shorter compared to the outgoing ix35 and
the Tucson that is currently on sale in other markets. The Sensuous Sportiness
styling language is common with the latter, especially on the surfacing of the
fenders. The grille and smoked LED lighting units on the other hand are more
techy and complex compared to the Tucson, as is the case with the full-width
LED taillights creating a unique look for the SUV.
Hyundai didn’t provide us with photos from
the interior, but we expect a digital cockpit and a five-seater cabin. We
already know that the production-spec Hyundai Mufasa will come fitted with a
2.0-liter petrol engine producing 158 hp sending power
exclusively to the front axle. A hybrid variant could also follow in the
future, although there is not any official information about it yet. The official
photos and sketches of the Hyundai Mufasa Adventure included a trio of teasers
for the regular production version. We expect to learn more about the SUV at
the Shanghai Auto Show which will take place in China between April 18 and 27.
