Hyundai Mistra concept revealed

Hyundai has unveiled a new concept vehicle at the Shanghai motor show that previews forthcoming saloon destined solely for the Chinese market.

The Hyundai Mistra concept, a joint project between Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Center and the Beijing Hyundai Technical Center, offers significant insight into the styling of the production version, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year and will bear the same model name.

Hyundai says the Mistra, which is positioned between the Sonata and Elantra, is expected to boost Hyundai's presence in China's mid-sized segment. The mid-sized saloon concept is 4710mm long, 1820mm wide, 1470mm and has a wheelbase of 2770mm. It rides on 19in alloys.

The four-door features bold front end styling incorporating a wide radiator grille and a long hood. The sleek side windows and body shape are supposed to accentuate the Mistra's sporty shape.

The main target customers for the Mistra (which goes by the name Mingtu in China) are young parents in their 20s and 30s.

The Hyundai Grand Santa Fe, a long-wheelbase, three-row version of Hyundai's premium SUV, has also been introduced to the Chinese market at Shanghai. The Grand Santa Fe will begin sales in China in the first half of this year.

Another new model was a face-lifted version of the Hyundai Equus Limousine, which is due to go on sale in China imminently.

Hyundai entered the Chinese market in 2002 with the establishment of Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company.

"Hyundai has achieved remarkable growth in the past decade, in line with the Chinese auto market's rapid growth," said Sung Kee Choi, President of BHMC. "The Mistra and Grand Santa Fe will lead us towards another successful era."

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