The Chinese automobile industry presents a complicated and fascinating tale of automotive innovation, considering the exorbitant multitude of freshly minted models launched annually. Within this automotive landscape, one of the myriad domestic contenders vying for attention is Beijing Hyundai Motor Co. – a meticulously crafted 50:50 joint venture established by the titans of automotive manufacturing, Hyundai and BAIC, nearly two decades ago. As a testament to its proficiency, the aforementioned company proffers an impressive array of vehicular offerings, including no fewer than five distinct sedans, a versatile minivan, and a slew of crossover SUVs like the Tucson and the larger Santa Fe, which have managed to capture the collective fancy of the Chinese populace. Furthermore, the stalwart ix35, a fixture of the brand’s lineup, has been speculated to be taken over by the impending arrival of the new Mufasa model – a sleek and swanky SUV sure to dazzle and captivate the discerning Chinese consumers.
As the much-awaited Auto Shanghai 2023 is looming, a pre-show spectacle has been unveiled, courtesy of Beijing Hyundai, who has offered us a glimpse into their latest compact model. The official images, which were recently shared on the Chinese social media network, Weibo, depict an aesthetically pleasing yet intricate design, evocative of the Tucson. However, the Beijing Hyundai compact crossover’s unique selling point is its avant-garde and captivating vertical headlights, which imbue the vehicle with an edgy and modern appearance. Similarly, the cylindrical taillights are a testament to the car’s attention to detail, distinguishing it from its counterparts in the market.
Hyundai has yet to reveal the technical specifications of the Mufasa. However, a sly and subtle hint regarding its features was indirectly announced through its homologation by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. On the MIIT website, details regarding the compact crossover were unveiled, revealing its dimensions to be 176.1 inches (4475 millimeters) in length, 72.8 inches (1850 mm) in width, and 65.5 inches (1665 mm) in height. Interestingly, these measurements are similar to the short-wheelbase Tucson, a model that is currently being sold in Europe. Additionally, the Mufasa boasts an axle-to-axle distance of 105.5 inches (2680 mm) and a curb weight of 3,227 pounds (1,464 kilograms).
The document in question has brought to light a rather intriguing piece of information, namely that Hyundai appears to have decided to incorporate an engine with a distinctly retro flavor into their latest project, namely a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated, which will be endowed with a maximum output of 160 horsepower, and will be exclusively channeled to the front wheels. According to reports from local media, the Mufasa is also said to be slated for a hybrid iteration in the future, with rumors pointing towards the possible inclusion of a 48V mild-hybrid configuration, although nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet.
After its recent public debut at Auto Shanghai, the Mufasa is set to become available for purchase in China in the near future. However, any plans to introduce this model to other markets remain shrouded in mystery. As for the nomenclature of this particular vehicle, it draws inspiration from the eponymous character of Simba’s revered paternal figure from Disney’s beloved 1994 animated masterpiece, The Lion King.
Source and Images: Motor1