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.
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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 (176.1 inches) long, which is 25 mm (1 inch) 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 (118 kW / 160 PS) 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.
