Hyundai Casper name registered in India, launch possible in near future
Hyundai Casper is a micro SUV currently sold on the international market. There were speculations about the launch of this product in India a few years ago, but it did not receive a green signal from the automaker. However, now that the Casper has been officially registered in India, they may have revised their strategy to introduce it as an entry-level micro SUV in our country.
If launched, it will be positioned below the Hyundai Exter, as the Casper is much smaller in terms of dimensions. For comparison, the Casper measures 3,595 mm long, 1,595 mm wide and 1,575 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. The Exter measures 3,815mm long, 1,710mm wide and 1,631mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,450mm.
Considering the size, this could even undermine the Grand i10 Nios in terms of positioning and be launched as a replacement for the Hyundai Santro.
In terms of appearance, it appears to be a tall hatchback with compact SUV styling. It follows Hyundai’s latest design language with LED DRLs on top and headlamps integrated into the bumper with a unique grille design. It comes with roof rails to make it look tall and even has a sunroof to give it that premium appeal.
The rear door handle is positioned on the C pillar, just like the previous generation Swift. The alloy wheels look sophisticated and even the tail lamps have a unique design. If it launches in India, Hyundai could add some styling elements exclusive to our market.
The interior of the Hyundai Casper looks modern with the Verna-inspired two-spoke steering wheel, floating touchscreen infotainment system, dashboard-mounted gear lever and center console. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster. The overall color and interior elements look quite basic by Hyundai standards, but we believe they will be positioned accordingly in its lineup.
It is based on the K1 platform that also underpins the Santro and Grand i10 Nios. It is powered by a 1.0 liter naturally aspirated MPI petrol engine with 85 hp and a 1.0 liter T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine with 99 hp in the international market. In India, we can expect Hyundai to offer it with the 1.0-litre NA petrol engine along with manual and AMT options.