Hyundai might retain the Casper nomenclature when launching the car in India as well
Hyundai has chosen the title Casper as the official name of its AX1 micro SUV which is due to be unveiled later this year.
The Korean carmaker has registered the title in its homeland (where it will first go on sale) already even as it continues development of the small car.
Whether Hyundai will stick to this name in India is unknown as the firm has the habit of addressing the same vehicle using different names based on the market in which it is sold.
For example, the Verna C-segment sedan which competes with the Honda City is called the Accent or Solaris in other markets, while the Creta compact SUV goes by the name ix25 in select nations.
Once Hyundai trademarks a title for the micro SUV in India, such doubts can be put to rest indefinitely. We sure do hope that the automaker can use the Casper title in India.
Another aspect of the car that came to light recently is its dimensions. The Hyundai Casper will be 3595 mm long, 1595 mm wide and 1575 mm tall, which is pretty compact as cars bearing the pseudo SUV shape get.
To sit below the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup, the Casper is expected to be unveiled by September, followed by a global launch by the end of the calendar year or early next year.
It should be launched in India with a 83 HP 1.2-litre petrol engine, but reports suggest the Santro’s 1.1-litre could be offered in the entry-level variant.
The car could also feature the Korean firm’s 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine in select markets. Gearbox options will include a manual and an AMT.
Once launched in India, the Hyundai Casper will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the upcoming Tata HBX.