Pre-orders for Hyundai’s new compact SUV Casper, have been fully booked (in South Korea) on the first day despite exclusively available for online pre-ordering, selling a record-high 18,940 units, well over this year’s production target of 12,000 units. The entry-level mini SUV is the first byproduct from the manufacturing joint venture of Hyundai Motor Group and city of Gwangju aimed to boost jobs in the region. South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in was also amongst the pre-order makers.
The Casper which was unveiled earlier this month, is named after a kick-flip technique in skateboarding, and is implied to signify a “change of direction” in text translated from Korean on its official website. The vehicle has been developed in compliance with the “light car” category in South Korea which offers tax incentives for vehicles with exterior dimensions below 3,600 mm in length and 1,600 mm in width. Casper’s dimensions are:
| Length | 3,595mm |
| Width | 1,595mm |
| Height | 1,575mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,400mm |
Despite its small size, the Casper will come rich in safety with features such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention, lane keep assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning and a forward vehicle departure notification, all offered as standard across the range. This is supported by a 7-airbags, rear parking distance monitoring and TMPS as well. More details on the features of Hyundai Casper are mentioned in previous article.
Related: Hyundai Casper Interior and Features Revealed
Hyundai Casper will be offered in two engine options, a 1.0L MPI naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0L T-GDI turbocharged petrol with both engines to come paired with 4-speed automatic transmission. For global markets, Hyundai is also likely to offer Casper SUV with a hybrid or full electric engine option. There are also reports that the Hyundai Casper EV will go into production by mid-2023. It is likely to get an integrated drive module (iDM).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
