Hyundai Casper proves to be popular in Korea, nearly 19k booked on the first day!

Hyundai is really bringing out its mojo with its smallest SUV ever, the Hyundai Casper. In just its first day, Hyundai has reported that 18,940 pre-orders were made by interested Korean buyers.

This figure set a new record for the highest number of first-day pre-orders among Hyundai’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models.

Also read: Hyundai has 10 SUVs on sale globally and 3 of them are in the same segment, here’s a guide

The A-segment SUV is scheduled to be launched on 29-September and early bird bookings were opened online from the 14th.

The Casper had beaten the previous pre-order record set by the 6th-gen Hyundai Grandeur facelift which recorded 17,294 bookings in November 2019.

The reason for the Casper’s explosive response might be due to it being the first of its kind in the country. The A-segment SUV market though is somewhat popular in India.

Also read: 2022 Hyundai Casper unveiled in Korea – Hyundai’s smallest SUV that is inspired by skateboards

Though the Casper is an entry-level SUV, it comes with some bells and whistles that make it quite appealing. Hyundai has released interior photos of the SUV and it features sliding and reclining rear seats (like a Citroen ZX) as well as the world’s first full-folding driver’s seat.

Also read: The Citroen ZX was the affordable European hot hatch Malaysians can get in the 90s

The Casper’s overall design is catered for buyers who think they are active and the SUV is available with two engine variants – a naturally-aspirated 1.0 MPI engine (76 PS/95 Nm) and a turbocharged 1.0 T-GDI engine (100 PS/172 Nm).

Both 3-pots are paired to a 4-speed automatic which sends power to the front wheels. Despite being FWD, Hyundai claims on the Casper’s website that there is a “rough road driving mode” which allows the mini-SUV to go through snow, sand, and mud.

The Casper is also not lacking in safety features with 7 airbags available as standard along with a front centre airbag which minimises the front occupants’ injuries in the event of a side collision.

The ADAS safety suite is also generous in the mini-SUV with Forward Collision Prevention Assist, Lane Departure Prevention Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist all available as standard.

Also read: No, ASA won't prevent the Perodua Myvi crash in Puchong - limits of pedal misoperation control

There are three variants available for the Casper in Korea:

• Smart – KRW 13.85 million (~RM 49,000)
• Modern – KRW 15.9 million (~RM 57,000)
• Inspiration – KRW 18.7 million (~RM 66,000)

The Casper is expected to be sold overseas too with an electric version rumoured to also be in the works. Though Hyundai has other models earmarked to arrive in Malaysia and other markets in ASEAN like the Stargazer MPV and the Creta SUV, could we be seeing the Casper too?

Also read: Hyundai plans Avanza-rival in 2022, coming to Malaysia