The concept previews future rugged SUV that will sit above the Creta; global debut next month.
Hyundai has taken the wraps off an interesting SUV concept named Hyundai Mufasa Adventure. Essentially a rugged iteration of an upcoming Hyundai SUV for China, the production-spec Hyundai Mufasa is likely to see a global debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show 2023 to be held in April 2023. The name “Mufasa” could be inspired by Disney’s 1994 animated classic, The Lion King.
- Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept to debut next month in Shanghai
- Gets rugged looks, more ground clearance
- India to get Hyundai Ai3 SUV this year
Hyundai Mufasa SUV: what exactly is it?
The Mufasa SUV is an addition to the already vast Hyundai global SUV line-up. Set to go on sale in China first, followed by other markets, this new SUV will sit above the Creta (iX25 in China) and slightly below the Tucson. It will give customers more choices, and a slightly more upright-looking design for those who are not attracted by the Tucson’s coupe-like looks.
The five-seater Mufasa SUV is 4.4 metres long and comes with a 2.0-litre NA petrol engine good for 159hp. The main talking point of the new Hyundai Mufasa is its styling. It features a massive X-shaped grille up front with vertically positioned headlamps at each corner. A large 2D Hyundai logo, which is also seen on the updated Grand i10, Aura and the new Verna in India, is positioned in the centre of the grille.
The front bumper has its own set of cuts and creases and also gets a wide air dam finished in contrast black. The grille inserts feature a mix of parametric designs finished in piano black. The SUV gets black cladding on the door and the squarish wheel arches. It also gets a large glasshouse with blacked-out pillars and a slightly tapered roofline. At the back, it features an oval tail-lamp design, which looks similar to the Kia EV6.
Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept: what’s different?
The concept SUV gets a lift kit and a set of beefy 18-inch wheels, which makes it look more rugged than the standard version. The higher ground clearance helps it look more like a proper off-roader than a crossover SUV. It also gets new faux aluminium accents on the front and rear bumpers, new side sills and bonnet handles.
There are many other rugged bits all around, including a Defender-like utility box at the rear quarter glass and the utility roof rack with integrated LEDs like the G-class 4X4 square. There will be some tweaks to the interior as well, however, we are told they will be revealed when the SUV debuts next month.
Hyundai Mufasa: the India connection
While there is no news of Hyundai introducing this car in the Indian market, we do expect future Hyundai SUVs to feature styling cues from the Mufasa. Hyundai India is readying a facelift for the Creta and while a launch timeline for it is currently not clear, an all-new micro-SUV from the Korean brand is also being readied for India and will go on sale before Diwali this year.
Do you think Hyundai should bring the Mufasa to India? Let us know in the comments below.
Also see:
2023 Hyundai Sonata facelift revealed
New Hyundai Verna launched at Rs 10.90 lakh