Hyundai adds Mufasa and Grand Creta SUVs to Nigerian lineup

Hyundai Motors Nigeria has added two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to its local range: the five-seat Mufasa and the seven-seat Grand Creta. The company said the models are aimed at families, professionals and business buyers.

Hyundai did not announce prices for either vehicle. That leaves the key question for many Nigerian buyers unanswered, since cost, fuel consumption and spare parts often decide what sells here.

Gaurav Vashisht, Hyundai Motors Nigeria's general manager for sales and marketing, said the SUV segment keeps drawing strong interest locally because buyers now put comfort, safety, technology and versatility first.

"The SUV segment continues to attract strong interest in Nigeria," Vashisht said.

He said the Mufasa is for buyers who want bold design and modern technology, while the Grand Creta suits larger families that need space.

What each model offers

The Mufasa is a five-seater with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox. Hyundai says it produces roughly 150 to 160 PS and 193 Nm of torque, with front-wheel drive and a 54-litre fuel tank.

Depending on the variant, it comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charging and selectable driving modes. Safety features listed include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, airbags and parking assistance.

The Grand Creta seats up to seven across three rows, and its seating can be adjusted to carry more passengers or more luggage. It uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing about 159 PS and 191 Nm of torque, with a six-speed automatic on automatic variants.

On selected specifications, the Grand Creta offers an 8-inch touchscreen, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry and push-button start. Higher variants may add a digital instrument cluster, leather-appointed seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof. Safety equipment includes six airbags, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

Both models join Hyundai's existing SUVs in Nigeria: the Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.

Why it matters

Nigerians buying cars usually weigh purchase price, fuel use, maintenance and after-sales support. Hyundai says the new models will be backed by its authorised dealer network, after-sales service and genuine spare parts.

How the two SUVs perform in the market will depend largely on pricing, fuel consumption, maintenance costs and specifications, which the company has not yet disclosed.