Mysterious Hyundai SUV spied in Korea – Is it the Casper, Stargazer or Bayon LWB?

Over the weekend, a user posted a heavily camouflaged SUV on a Korean forum site. Speculations were abound asking what could this mysterious Hyundai SUV be with answers ranging from the Casper to the Stargazer and even the Bayon.

Hyundai is pushing its SUV line-up beyond just the Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe with a few other models announced or offered. Currently, it has 10 SUVs available worldwide with a few competing in the same segment.

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

That being said, what are the three aforementioned models, and do they match the mysterious SUV?

Theory #1: Hyundai Casper

With a name that is probably inspired by a friendly ghost, the Hyundai Casper is expected to be the smallest SUV in Hyundai’s line-up. Codenamed AX1, the micro-SUV would be assembled at a new plant in Gwangju, Korea.

The Casper would be targeting developing markets like India where it would face the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Tata HBX. The size also reminds us of the Perodua Axia Style.

Also read: Suzuki to return to Malaysia, which models are coming?

According to some media, the Casper is likely powered by a petrol 1.0-litre 3-cylinder SmartStream G 1.0 engine (75 PS/95 Nm) that is used in the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto.

Given the reported size dimensions, however, the theory that the mysterious SUV would be the Casper might be busted. The size is clearly larger than the upcoming Casper which brings us to the next theory.

Theory #2: Hyundai Stargazer

Various Indonesian media picked up on the theory that the heavily-cladded SUV is Hyundai’s rival against the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Toyota Avanza.

Also read: Hyundai’s Toyota Avanza/Perodua Alza rival to be launched by end of 2021?

With Hyundai Motor Company patenting the name with the Indonesian copyright office (Hak Kekayaan Intelektual, HAKI), it is possible that the Stargazer name would be used on this upcoming 7-seater.

Also read: Hyundai Stargazer patented, potential 7-seater MPV aimed at Alza, BR-V, and Xpander

The MPV segment is quite lucrative in Indonesia and the Hyundai Stargazer will be facing some very stiff competition. It is rumoured to be powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine (115 PS/144 Nm) that is paired to a CVT-type automatic that sends power to the front wheels.

Despite looking more like an SUV than an MPV, the Stargazer theory is plausible. Rivals like the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Suzuki XL7 blurred the line between an MPV and SUV in design, so perhaps Hyundai could be following their style with its upcoming 7-seater.

Theory #3: Hyundai Bayon LWB

This final theory is based on the comments of the original post in the forum. Few commenters speculated that the mysterious SUV could be a long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the Hyundai Bayon.

Also read: The Hyundai Bayon is a Kona designed by ex-Lambo designer

The Bayon was unveiled back in March and it is a B-segment SUV exclusively marketed for the European market only, for now.

This theory though might be plausible too as Hyundai (and Kia, for that matter) offers long-wheelbase versions of some of their SUVs in Korea. Perhaps Hyundai might have plans to bring the Bayon to its home market but it needs to extend the wheelbase for it to sell.

Also read: Premium SUVs can move aside, the all-new 2021 Hyundai Tucson will be the best SUV on sale

Unlike in Europe, Korean buyers, like in most Asian markets, prefer larger interior space over compact size. The Bayon is powered by either a turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi engine (100 or 120 PS/172 Nm) or a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre MPi engine (84 PS/118 Nm) in Europe.

Out of the three theories mentioned, which do you think is the likely answer for this mysterious Hyundai SUV?