Hyundai has unveiled a new concept sedan called the Hyundai Mistra positioned between the Sonata and Elantra at the ongoing Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. This mid-size sedan is destined solely for the Chinese market and the South-Korean giant is making an all-out effort to boost its presence in China. This is expected to compete directly against the Honda Crider which was also previewed at the Motor Show. Many companies are trying their level best to woo Chinese customers, the world’s largest automobile market.
The Hyundai Mistra sedan concept with a wheelbase of 2770 mm measures 4710 mm in length, 1820 mm in width and 1470 mm in height. The Mistra’s dimensions are somewhat similar to that of the Volkswagen Passat! The Mistra is being offered with 19-inch alloy wheels and an all new green paint option that is being called as Frost Jade. This paint has been specially developed for the Chinese market, probably because green is a favourite in that country.
Hyundai entered relatively late in China in 2002 through a 50-50 JV partnership called the Beijing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC). The car was co-developed in Hyundai’s Korean R&D Center and the Beijing Hyundai Technical Center. Although there is no official word on the engines yet, we expect a 2.0-litre petrol motor to power this sedan. However, we don’t expect this car to be launched in India in the near future, where there is little place for Hyundai to slot this between the Elantra and Sonata.
