In China, beyond the apparent reach of the Disney corporation’s lawyers, Hyundai is planning to release a new SUV called the Mufasa. For those unfamiliar, Mufasa is a character from Disney’s 1994 animated classic, The Lion King.
As newly discovered documents filed with the MIIT reveal, although the new five-seater SUV bears a Hyundai badge, it features some design cues that North Americans might be more accustomed to seeing on Kia branded vehicles. The general X-shape of the front fascia, for example, are reminiscent of the Sportage, while the oval taillights and rear section are broadly similar to the design language used in the EV6.
Along the sides of the vehicle, though, Hyundai’s design influence is clearer to see. The sharply creased body lines, and the wide wheels arches are design elements more commonly seen on vehicles like the Tucson.
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Although no photos of the interior were offered as part of these disclosures, the vehicle is expected to seat up to five people. It will measure in at 4,475 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,686 mm tall (176x72x66 inches). Those measurements keep it closer in size to the short wheelbase version of the Sportage offered in Europe, than the longer model offered in North America.
Under the hood, meanwhile, the Hyundai Mufasa will be powered by a 2.0-liter gas engine that pumps out 158 hp (118 kW/160 PS). No plans for a hybrid or an electric version currently exist. In all, the crossover will weigh 4,210 lbs (1,910 kg) and have a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h).
With a name like Mufasa, the SUV is expected to remain exclusive to the Chinese market. Customers will be able to take their first look inside when it makes its official debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, in March.
