Hyundai Mistra Previews Future China-Only Model

HyundaiHyundaiRepublic of Korea, 1967 > present79 models
1921 photos
3 videos
has introduced a new concept in Shanghai called the MistraHyundai MistraRepublic of Korea, 2013 > 2013 that it plans to produce in the future to fit between the ElantraHyundai Elantra Gen.5Republic of Korea, 2011 > present16 versions
44 photos
and SonataHyundai Sonata Gen.6Republic of Korea, 2010 > 201410 versions
31 photos
in China. Hyundai wants to become a bigger player in China, which is rapidly becoming one of the world’s major auto markets.

The Mistra is a mid-size sedan that will go into production by the end of the year. It was designed with the Chinese market in mind from the very beginning. The version on display in Shanghai is still technically a concept, but Hyundai says that the production version will look very similar to the concept. The vehicle was designed with three concepts in mind: Modern Simplicity, Understated Sportiness and Smart Luxury. The name comes from a city in southern Greece that has the ruins of a Byzantine city.

The simplicity and luxury are shown in the exterior design. It has a wide, three-bar chrome grill with a long, simple hood and LED fog lights. The side is quite simple with a subtle crease through the door pulls to the taillights. The rear features three-dimensional LED wrap-around taillights.

Hyundai did not discuss the interior of the Mistra or release any images of it. It also did not say what engine options will be available for the car.

It plans to aim the car at young parents in China looking for a mid-size family sedan.

Hyundai moved into the Chinese market in 2002 and established a joint venture with BAIC.