Hyundai is gearing up to launch its first micro-SUV that is likely to be known as Casper (codenamed AX1) in South Korea; however, its India-bound model could receive a different moniker. While we already have some idea about its exterior design, the latest set of spy images reveals some of its interior details for the first time.
The spy pics reveal that the production guise of the Hyundai Casper will get a dual-tone interior with white leather upholstery. It will be a 4-seater offering (at least in Korea), featuring 50:50 split seats in the second row. There is also a front centre armrest for driver and co-passenger, while the centre console houses a cup holder.
While the dashboard of the car was fully covered, it is likely to get features like a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, multifunction steering wheel, wireless charger, BlueLink connected car technology, and more.
The spy images also reveal a round thing that seems integrated into the rectangular mesh-pattern grille. Other visible bits of the upcoming Hyundai AX1 includes a split headlamp setup (round headlamps positioned lower on the front bumper with LED DRLs and the turn indicators mounted on top), flatter front bumper, steeply raked windshield, a boxy silhouette, C-pillars mounted rear door-handles, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45 section tires, sturdy roofrails, sharkfin antenna, integrated roof spoiler with high-mount stop lamps, LED taillamps with triangular-shaped elements, and bumper-mounted round turn signals complementing the front design.
The Hyundai Casper micro-SUV will be based on the Grand i10 Nios platform and is rumored to be under 3.6 meters in length, making it even shorter than the Hyundai Santro.
As far as the mechanical details are concerned, the Korean-spec Hyundai Casper is reportedly to get either a 1.0-liter naturally-aspirated petrol or a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine. However, its India-bound model is expected to be powered by 1.2-liter petrol and diesel engines from the Grand i10 Nios. The 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit of the Nios/Aura could also make its way to the Casper. Transmission choices could include a manual, iMT, and an automatic unit.
Expect Hyundai to launch the Casper/AX1 by early 2022 in the Indian market. Once launched, it will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT, and the upcoming Tata HBX.
