Hyundai Unveils Mufasa, Grand Creta SUVs to Strengthen Nigeria Line-up (Updated)

Hyundai Motors Nigeria has expanded its sport utility vehicle (SUV) range with the introduction of the all-new Mufasa and Grand Creta, offering Nigerian motorists more choices in styling, performance, technology and passenger comfort.

The two models, unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, are targeted at different customer segments, with the Mufasa designed for motorists seeking a stylish, five-seater SUV, while the Grand Creta offers a three-row, seven-seater configuration suited to larger families and customers requiring additional passenger space.

The launch underscores Hyundai’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Nigeria’s competitive automotive market, where demand for versatile vehicles that combine comfort, safety, performance and practicality continues to shape consumer preferences.

Speaking at the launch, Hyundai Motors Nigeria’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mr Gaurav Vashisht, said the new models reflected the company’s commitment to providing vehicles that meet the changing needs of Nigerian customers.

“The SUV segment continues to attract strong interest in Nigeria, as customers increasingly prioritise comfort, safety, technology and versatility,” Vashisht said.

He also gave a rundown of the two new vehicles’ features even as he stated that the Mufasa and Grand Creta were designed to meet different lifestyle requirements while maintaining Hyundai’s global standards of quality and innovation.

Mufasa targets style-conscious motorists

The Hyundai Mufasa combines bold exterior styling with a spacious cabin and features designed for everyday driving. Its distinctive front grille, signature LED lighting and muscular bodywork give it a commanding road presence.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre Smartstream multipoint fuel injection (MPi) petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market specification, the engine produces approximately 150–160 horsepower and 193Nm of torque.

The five-seater SUV measures about 4,475mm in length, with a 2,680mm wheelbase, providing room for passengers and luggage while retaining a practical footprint for urban driving and longer journeys.

Its cabin features a modern dashboard, digital displays and storage spaces, while available equipment, depending on the variant, includes touchscreen infotainment, smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charging and selectable driving modes.

Safety and driver-support features include anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, airbags and parking assistance, subject to the vehicle specification.

The Mufasa is positioned as an option for professionals, younger motorists and families seeking a combination of contemporary design, technology and everyday usability.

Grand Creta offers seven-seat flexibility

The Grand Creta complements the Mufasa with a larger cabin and seating for up to seven occupants, making it suitable for families and motorists who prioritise passenger capacity and interior flexibility.

The SUV is powered by an available 2.0-litre Smartstream petrol engine producing approximately 159 horsepower and 191Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is offered on automatic variant.

Its 2,760mm wheelbase supports a spacious three-row layout, while the flexible seating arrangement allows occupants to adjust the cabin to accommodate passengers or luggage.

Depending on the trim, convenience features include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, push-button start and a digital instrument cluster.

Higher-specification versions may also feature leather-appointed seats, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety equipment offered across the range includes six airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.

The model is aimed particularly at larger families seeking additional space and comfort without sacrificing the styling and versatility associated with SUVs.

After-sales support in focus

Beyond the new models, Hyundai Motors Nigeria says it is focused on delivering a comprehensive ownership experience through its authorised dealership network, after-sales services and access to genuine spare parts.

Vashisht said the Mufasa would appeal to customers seeking bold styling, modern technology and dynamic performance, while the Grand Creta would cater to those requiring greater passenger capacity, comfort and versatility.

“Our objective is not simply to introduce new vehicles but to deliver a complete ownership experience,” he said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to building long-term customer confidence in the Hyundai brand.

The two additions expand Hyundai’s existing SUV portfolio, which includes the Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.

Their introduction comes as automakers compete to attract Nigerian buyers with vehicles offering a balance of comfort, safety, technology, performance and long-term ownership value.

With the Mufasa and Grand Creta, Hyundai is seeking to broaden its appeal across different customer categories while strengthening its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.

No 5% Petrol Tax Plan, Oyedele Says, Amid Public Concerns

The Federal Government has no plan to introduce a new tax on petrol, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said, dismissing reports that the administration of President Bola Tinubu intends to impose a five per cent levy on petroleum products.

Oyedele clarified the issue in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, insisting that a fuel tax was not being considered by the government.

“In my interview with ARISE News, I was clear: a fuel tax is not on the table,” he said.

His statement follows reports linking him to the proposed five per cent tax, which sparked concerns about a possible increase in the cost of petrol amid Nigeria’s persistent cost-of-living crisis.

Petrol prices have remained a major driver of transportation and distribution costs since the removal of the fuel subsidy, contributing to higher prices of food and other essential goods and services.

The prospect of an additional levy had raised fears that households and businesses could face further financial pressure.

However, Oyedele’s clarification indicates that the Federal Government is not currently considering the proposed fuel tax, amid broader efforts to reform Nigeria’s tax system and strengthen public finances.

Beyond the Showroom: Why After-Sales Service Will Define Auto Industry Winners

Nigeria’s automotive industry must look beyond vehicle prices, specifications and flashy new models if it hopes to win lasting customer confidence. The real test of competition increasingly lies in what happens after the sale — when a vehicle needs servicing, spare parts, repairs or warranty support.

A car purchase is not a one-off transaction. It marks the beginning of an ownership journey that could last several years, during which the quality of after-sales service can determine whether a customer remains loyal to a brand or regrets the decision to buy it.

When customers struggle to obtain genuine parts, secure timely repairs or get clear answers to warranty claims, their frustration can damage confidence not only in a dealer but also in the manufacturer and the wider automotive market.

After-sales service must therefore move from the background to the centre of automotive competition in Nigeria.

Promises must translate into performance

Effective customer care starts with clear, credible commitments. Buyers deserve to understand warranty coverage, servicing schedules, access to genuine parts, repair procedures and the support available when problems arise.

But promises alone are not enough. A warranty has limited value if customers cannot access a competent service centre. A roadside assistance number means little without an effective response system. And a repair-time guarantee is only as good as the technicians, parts and processes supporting it.

Automotive distributors and dealers must ensure that their marketing promises are matched by the operational capacity to deliver.

Buyers, on their part, should ask questions before committing their money, examine warranty conditions and establish what support they can realistically expect throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

Competing on ownership experience

Nigeria’s automotive market would benefit enormously if brands competed not only on the vehicles they sell but also on the quality of ownership experience they provide.

Such competition could drive improvements in service delivery, warranty transparency, spare-parts availability, technical training, repair turnaround and customer communication.

Some players are already putting more structured after-sales propositions before buyers. Carloha’s CarlohaCare 6-6-7 programme, for instance, combines a six-year warranty, six years of free servicing and a seven-day repair promise, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Its CarlohaCare Rescue service extends the proposition to assistance beyond the workshop.

These offerings illustrate how clearly defined service commitments can become part of a vehicle’s value proposition, rather than an afterthought.

However, the objective should not be to crown a permanent winner or single out one company as the industry benchmark. Every provider must demonstrate that its commitments are practical, transparent and consistently delivered.

The wider industry should embrace continuous improvement, with customers ultimately judging brands by their real-world experiences.

Automotive journalism must ask tougher questions

Automotive journalism has a critical role in broadening the conversation.

Coverage of the sector often focuses on vehicle launches, new technologies, prices, specifications and expansion plans. These remain important, but consumers also need independent reporting on the realities of vehicle ownership.

Journalists can examine warranty conditions, investigate spare-parts availability, interview service managers and fleet operators, document consumer experiences and assess how effectively companies resolve complaints.

They should celebrate genuine improvements while holding businesses accountable when their public commitments fall short.

The Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association (NAJA) is well positioned to encourage this conversation through informed reporting, industry analysis, interviews and stakeholder engagement.

The goal should be to bring manufacturers, distributors, dealers, fleet operators and consumers around a fundamental question: What level of care should Nigerians reasonably expect after buying a vehicle?

That conversation must remain independent, balanced and evidence-led, rather than becoming a promotional platform for individual brands.

Make after-sales service a buying criterion

The shift towards stronger customer care will gather momentum when Nigerians begin to assess after-sales support as seriously as they consider engine performance, fuel economy, safety features and purchase price.

A private buyer should ask about warranty coverage, servicing costs and the location of authorised workshops. A fleet operator should evaluate parts availability, repair turnaround and vehicle downtime alongside acquisition costs. Families should know what assistance is available when a vehicle breaks down far from home.

Dealers that offer transparent terms and dependable support should earn a competitive advantage. Those that fall short should have a clear incentive to improve.

This is particularly important in a market where vehicle ownership involves significant financial commitment and prolonged exposure to maintenance costs. A seemingly attractive purchase can become expensive if parts are difficult to source or repairs take too long.

The industry must therefore recognise that customer care is not merely a cost centre. Properly managed, it can build loyalty, strengthen brand reputation, generate repeat business and encourage referrals.

The real test begins after payment

Nigeria does not need an automotive market in which businesses compete only to sell more vehicles. It needs one in which they also compete to keep customers satisfied long after the keys have been handed over.

The true measure of a brand is not simply how attractively it markets a vehicle or how efficiently it closes a sale. It is how responsibly it responds when the customer needs help most.

As competition intensifies, the companies that combine good products with reliable service, accessible parts and transparent customer support will have a stronger foundation for lasting success.

For buyers, the message is equally clear: look beyond the showroom, ask the difficult questions and compare the support behind the badge.

Buy the car. Demand the care.