A few days before the Hyundai Mufasa makes its premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show, the automaker published the first photos of the production version on Weibo. Predictably, the SUV looks like a toned-down version of the rugged Mufasa Adventure concept from last month, and is set to replace the aging iX35 in the Chinese market slotting below the similarly-sized Tucson.
This is not the first time we see the Hyundai Mufasa in the flesh as photos and specs were made public last February on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website. Still, the new and official shots are more revealing, showing the SUV from different angles.
Read: Rugged Hyundai Mufasa Adventure Concept Previews Tucson-Sized Production Model
Despite the fact it is based on the widely used Sensuous Sportiness styling language, the Mufasa can be easily distinguished from other Hyundai-badged SUVs thanks to the vertically-stacked headlights and the large grille integrating the lower bumper intake.
On the profile, the surfacing on the fenders is more aggressive than in the Tucson, and the windows are connected with the rear glass by a trim piece that is similar to the Elantra. At the back, the full-width LED taillights enclose a black panel with Hyundai lettering, and the bumper features faux inlets and a decorative diffuser. Unfortunately, the company didn’t show the five-seater interior which is expected to feature a digital cockpit.
According to data from the MIIT, the Mufasa measures 4,475 mm (176.1 inches) long, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) wide, and 1,686 mm (66.4 inches) tall. This makes it slightly shorter and narrower but taller than the Tucson which is also offered in China by Beijing Hyundai. The new SUV will be powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine producing 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS), although we can’t rule out the possibility of a hybrid option in the future.
More details about the Hyundai Mufasa will be made public on April 18, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the automaker publishes more revealing photos prior to that date. The model will be manufactured locally by Beijing Hyundai and it is not clear if it will be exported to other markets outside China.
