The upcoming micro-SUV from Hyundai Motors (codenamed AX1) is likely to be called CASPER in the Korean market, where it is scheduled to be launched first, probably by year-end. However, it could carry a different name for Indian soil. It will be Hyundai's smallest SUV that will be positioned below the Venue sub-compact SUV. It's India launch is expected in early 2022.
The Hyundai Casper is expected to be based on the K1 compact platform that also underpins the entry-level Santro and Grand i10 Nios hatchbacks. According to a Korean media report, it is likely to be measured 3,595mm in length, 1,595mm in width, and 1,575mm in height, which makes it even smaller than the Hyundai Santro, which is 3,610mm long, 1,645mm wide, and 1,560mm tall.
The upcoming micro-SUV has been spied numerous times in South Korea, exposing several design details. It will get an upright boxy style with notable quirky bits like a rectangular grille with rounded off edge & triangle inserts, a split-headlamp setup, a flat bumper & bonnet, sporty alloy wheels, roof rails, C-pillar mounted door handles, a roof-mounted spoiler, and LED tail lamps with triangle-shaped elements.
The interior of the car is yet to be seen. But it is expected to be equipped with premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, connected car tech, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, air purifier, keyless entry with push-button start, multi-function steering wheel, and more.
Powering the Hyundai Casper could be the Grand i10 Nios's 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (83PS/114Nm), 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (100PS/172Nm), and 1.2-litre diesel (75PS/190Nm) engines. Transmission options could include manual, automatic as well as iMT clutchless manual units.
Expect Hyundai to price the Casper micro-SUV from around Rs 5.5 lakh, placing it in the same class as the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT, and the upcoming Tata HBX.
