The jacked-up supermini will also be launched in India
The Hyundai Getz lived a rather short life – it was taken off the market in 2011, just nine years after making its debut. Now, the supermini is set to get a replacement model in the form of the new Hyundai Casper. It will be launched in South Korea first, followed by India sometime this year.
Positioned below the Venue in terms of size, the Casper sports a cutesy modern-retro look that is sure to attract younger audience. Following the footsteps of some other current Hyundais, its front fascia features a split lighting setup with sharp daytime running lights below the bonnet line and circular headlights integrated into the cool-looking grille.
Along the side, you’ll find that the Casper has flared wheel arches, crossover-esque black body mouldings as well as roof rails. The rear section looks quite premium for a car in its segment, thanks to the parametric jewel-type LED lights encased in a black panel which covers the upper half of the hatch. It also appears that higher specs will get a sunroof and large dual-tone alloy wheels.
According to India Car News, the Casper measures 3,595 mm in length, 1,595 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm. It rides on the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform, which also underpins the Hyundai i10/Kia Picanto twins.
Official interior images have yet to be revealed but if this diagram leaked by The Korean Car Blog last month is anything to go by, the mini SUV will come with a free-standing central display mounted atop the dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel and what seems to be a digital instrument cluster.
In its home market, the Casper will reportedly be offered with a choice of two engines – a 1.0-litre multi-point injected petrol with 75 hp and a 1.0-litre direct injected turbo that makes 99 hp. Both will be paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Indian-market Casper, meanwhile, will get a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre mill making 83 hp and 114 Nm of torque.
Superminis/mini SUVs are one of those niche segments most automakers choose to stay away from but the Casper will still have to face stiff competition from the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Renault Kwid and Tata Punch when it enters the market.
