Equipped with a range of off-roading accessories, the showstopper Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept highlights the potential of the upcoming production model
Hyundai’s new mid-size SUV for Chinese market, named Mufasa, was unveiled earlier this month. The production version is scheduled to debut in April at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. It is expected to go on sale in China around June.
Ahead of its debut, Hyundai has showcased an off-road concept version of the SUV called Mufasa Adventure. It gets a range of off-roading accessories and rugged design elements. As compared to the original, this concept version is better equipped to get everyone’s attention.
Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept SUV details
Hyundai Mufasa Adventure concept looks familiar to battle hardened vehicles typically seen in zombie apocalypse movies. The only things missing are some spikes and probably a roof-mounted heavy-duty machine gun. Mufasa Adventure concept has a dominating street presence with features such as large front grille in black finish, prominent front bumper in metallic shade, aggressive lighting and bonnet handles.
Side profile has armour-style panelling, thick wheel arches, blacked-out pillars, functional roof rack with integrated LED lights and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres. Rear windows get a grille-type add-on, which enhances the SUV’s sporty profile. At rear, the SUV gets full-width LED tail lights and a chunky bumper.
Overall, the styling of Mufasa is essentially a mix of design elements taken from multiple Hyundai and Kia cars. For example, the X-shaped profile of the front fascia reminds one of Kia Sportage. In comparison, the rear section and tail lights are reminiscent of Kia EV6. Design elements like sharp body panelling and wide wheel arches are similar to that of Hyundai Tucson.
Hyundai Mufasa is 4,475 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,686 mm tall. In size, it is bigger than Creta (4300mm) but smaller than Tucson (4630mm). In essence, Mufasa is dimensionally closer to the short wheelbase version of Sportage sold in European markets. The Mufasa Adventure off-road concept can be slightly longer with its extra thick bumpers at front and rear. But there won’t be any difference in the space available inside the SUV.
Hyundai is yet to provide a preview of the interiors. However, it’s easy to guess that Mufasa will be getting a comprehensive range of premium and hi-tech features. Some key highlights include large touchscreen infotainment system, premium sound system, leatherette seats, head-up display, ADAS and connectivity platform. Mufasa is expected to be launched as a 5-seater SUV.
Hyundai Mufasa performance
Powering the production version of Hyundai Mufasa will be a 2.0-litre petrol motor that generates 158 hp of max power. The SUV will be offered in front-wheel drive format. A hybrid variant could be introduced at a later date, but there is no official confirmation as of now. More details will be revealed when the SUV is showcased at Shanghai Auto Show in April. It is unlikely that Hyundai Mufasa will be launched in India anytime soon.
