Only available online, 2022 Hyundai Casper SUV is launched in Korea

On 29-September 2021, Hyundai officially launched the 2022 Hyundai Casper in Korea. The entry-level SUV is the cheapest and smallest SUV offered by Hyundai with prices starting from KRW 13.85 million (~RM 49,000) and is only available online.

The prices and features on the italic Lambang H SUV are enticing enough for it to be the most booked Hyundai model ever with nearly 19,000 units booked on the first day. Even the President of Korea will be among the proud owners of this lil’ SUV.

Also read: Support local: Korea’s President Moon Jae-in is buying a Hyundai Casper

As the Casper is targeted for younger buyers, it comes with a load of customisation options across three variants – Smart, Modern, and Inspiration. Buyers could choose between 6 exterior colours and 3 interior designs.

Aside from the customisation options, Hyundai also offers accessories to spruce up the Casper including a camping gear, storage trays, and harnesses for pets.

The Casper itself is pretty nifty inside with seats that can fold completely flat to fit a mattress or even to gaze upon the night sky through the sunroof. The rear seats can also be adjusted to move forwards or backwards and can recline up to 39 degrees.

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

There are two powertrains available for the Casper, a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre SmartStream engine (76 PS/95 Nm) or a turbocharged 1.0-litre Kappa engine (100 PS/172 Nm). Both 3-pot units are paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

In spite of being FWD, Hyundai claims that the Casper is capable of going through non-asphalt type of roads. It comes with a 2WD rough road mode (Snow/Sand/Mud) that would adjust the driving force, engine torque, and braking according to the set-up selected.

Besides, the Casper is also well-equipped in features with a large 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The Bluetooth system also allows multiple connections with up to 2 devices used simultaneously.

In terms of safety, the Casper is equipped with 7 airbags as standard and ADAS is available for all variants which includes AEB, high-beam assist, lane keeping assist, and lane departure avoidance assist.

Also read: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS, more harm than good?

The SUV is only available for purchase online and is built at a new plant in Gwangju which does not carry the Hyundai Motor Group’s name. Instead, the plant is called the Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) plant is majority owned by the Gwangju local government.

So far, there is no news on the Casper’s availability overseas but this is the sort of car that would be popular in many markets including Malaysia. The popularity of the Perodua Axia Style is hopefully convincing enough for HSDM to consider bringing it to Malaysia.