Hyundai’s wide range of SUVs is going to expand further with the addition of a tiny A-Segment SUV that could be offered in both ICE and BEV variants. The new model is rumored to bear the Casper nameplate which is already a Hyundai trademark. Initially, it will be offered in Korea and India, but in the future, it might also be offered in Europe as Hyundai’s entry-level SUV. Originally codenamed AX-1, the Casper was teased a few months ago with two dark images revealing double headlights with round LEDs on the front bumper and a futuristic honeycomb taillight design. Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted wearing the same lighting units with compact exterior dimensions and bold design features.
Indeed, the Casper will be significantly smaller than the Bayon, the Creta, the Venue and the Kona, all of which are classified as B-SUVs sold in different parts of the world. Based on the K1 platform that is currently underpinning the Hyundai i10, the Casper is rumored to be around 3,6 m in length. Rival models will include the likes of Suzuki Ignis, Renault Kwid, and Tata Punch.
Citing leaked documents, local media suggest that the Casper will be available in South Korea with a 1.0-liter engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants producing 75 hp and 99 hp respectively. However, Indian-spec models could also get other powertrains including the existing 1.2-liter petrol engine found in other similarly sized models.
Besides the rumored ICE-powered variants, the Casper could also be offered in BEV form. It has been confirmed by BorgWarner that a fully electric A-Segment vehicle from Hyundai will start production in mid-2023. While we are not sure whether it will be a city car or a city SUV and whether it will be sold with Hyundai or Kia badges (or both), it is possible that the document refers to the Casper given the timing of the release.
BorgWarner will supply the integrated drive module (iDM) for the A-Segment vehicle. The iDM146 powertrain will consist of the electric motor, gearbox, and inverter while being customizable. It will operate at 400V with a peak power of 181 hp although it is likely that such a lightweight vehicle will use a less powerful version. We expect to learn more about the ICE-powered Hyundai Casper in the official reveal expected before the end of 2021. Production will allegedly start this September in Korea, with a 2022 market launch for India. As for the fully electric version, we expect it to hit the market in mid-2023 but an earlier debut is also possible.
