Hyundai released the first images of the production version of the Mufasa on Weibo a few days before it debuts at the Shanghai Auto Show. The SUV, as expected, has a more refined appearance than the tough Mufasa Adventure concept from last month. The following images, which Beijing Hyundai posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, show an edgy design like the Tucson. It differs from the well-known compact crossover with its complicated vertical headlights and cylinder-shaped taillights.
Hyundai has not yet made official the technical details of the Mufasa, but they were inadvertently disclosed when it received homologation from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The dimensions of the small crossover are 1850 mm broad, 1665 mm height, and 4475 mm long.
The surface on the fenders is more aggressive than it is on the Tucson, and a trim piece resembling that of the Elantra connects the windows with the rear glass. The bumper has fake inlets, and the full-width LED taillights at the back surround a black panel with Hyundai lettering. The five-seater cabin, which is anticipated to have a computerized cockpit, was not displayed by Hyundai.
A 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated engine with 160 horsepower will be installed by Hyundai, according to the same document. This engine will only drive the front wheels. According to local media, the Mufasa will eventually also be available with a hybrid system, probably in the form of a 48V mild hybrid setup, although nothing is official at this time.
On April 18, more information regarding the Hyundai Mufasa will be made available, but we wouldn't be surprised if the carmaker released more enlightening images before then. Beijing Hyundai will produce the model domestically, although it is unclear if it would be sold in markets outside of China.