Hyundai Casper name trademarked in India, launch possible in the near future
Hyundai Casper is a micro SUV currently sold in the international market. There were speculations about the launch of this product in India few years back but it didn’t get a green signal by the carmaker. However, now the Casper has been trademarked officially in India, they might have revised their strategy to introduce it as an entry level micro SUV in our country.
If launched, it will be positioned under the Hyundai Exter as the Casper is much smaller in terms of dimensions. For comparison, the Casper measures 3595 mm in length, 1595 mm in width and 1575 mm in height, with a 2400 mm wheelbase. The Exter measures 3815 mm in length, 1710 mm in width and 1631 mm in height, with a 2450 mm wheelbase.
Considering the size, this might even undercut the Grand i10 Nios in terms of positioning and be launched as a replacement for the Hyundai Santro.
In terms of looks, it appears to be a tallboy hatchback with compact SUV styling. It follows the latest design language of Hyundai with LED DRLs on top and headlight units integrated on to the bumper with a unique grille design. It comes with roof rails to appear tall and even has a sunroof to give that premium appeal.
The door handle for the rear doors is positioned on the C-pillar just like the outgoing generation of the Swift. The alloy wheels look fancy and even the tail lights have a unique design. If launched in India, Hyundai might add some unique styling elements for our market.
The interior of the Hyundai Casper looks funky with the two-spoke Verna inspired steering wheel, floating touchscreen infotainment system, dashboard mounter gear lever and centre console. It also gets an all-digital instrument cluster. The overall interior colour and elements look rather basic for Hyundai standards but we believe it will be positioned accordingly in their lineup.
It is based on the K1 platform which also underpins the Santro and the Grand i10 Nios. It is powered by a 1.0-litre, naturally aspirated MPI petrol engine with 85 BHP and a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine with 99 BHP 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.
