Hyundai Motor Unveils Exterior Design of Entry SUV 'Casper' for the First Time

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[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the entry-level sport utility vehicle (SUV) 'Casper' to be released in the second half of this year. Industry attention is focused on whether the Hyundai Casper can become the savior of the compact car market, which is on the brink of collapse due to the trend of premiumization and upsizing in the automobile market.

Casper, revealed by Hyundai on the 1st, is named after the 'casper' technique of landing by flipping a skateboard upside down. The company explained that this reflects their determination to change the landscape and stereotypes of the automobile market with a new vehicle class and excellent product quality.

The Casper meets the compact car criteria with a length of 3595 mm, wheelbase of 2400 mm, width of 1595 mm, and height of 1575 mm. It consists of a base model equipped with a 1.0 MPI engine and an Active model (turbo model) equipped with a 1.0 T-GDI engine.

The exterior design embodies a young and dynamic sensibility unique to entry-level SUVs, based on confidence and solidity. The front design features a separated layout with turn signal lamps on the upper part and iconic circular LED daytime running lights on the lower part, a futuristic parametric pattern grille, and a wide skid plate emphasizing individuality.

The side emphasizes the vehicle's dynamism with voluminous fenders (wheel arches) and high ground clearance. The black A-pillars visually connect the front and side first-row windows to enhance openness, and the B-pillars, seamlessly connected with the door panels, along with a bridge-type roof rack, emphasize a sturdy impression.

Additionally, the rear door handles are applied in a hidden type on the window glass area, adding a sophisticated and clean impression, and a Casper-exclusive character emblem shaped like a smiling person is mounted above the rear door handle, clearly expressing the vehicle's personality.

The rear features a wide tailgate with increased width on both sides to improve loading convenience, and the parametric pattern of the front grille is also applied to the rear lamps to emphasize a futuristic feel, completing a unified design with identical circular turn signal lamps on the front and rear.

On this day, Hyundai also presented images of the Active model, equipped with a turbo engine and added sporty design elements. The Active model emphasizes dynamism with a circular intercooler intake and mesh-type grille on the front. Additionally, the front features a sporty skid plate design, and the rear applies a diffuser design skid plate, completing a dynamic image.

Lee Sang-yeop, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor's Design Division, said, "Casper is a vehicle designed targeting all generations pursuing individuality and youthful sensibility," adding, "It will present a new standard for entry-level SUVs that elicits intergenerational empathy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.