Hyundai Casper EV? Just build it

It’s chunky, funky and called Casper; Hyundai’s personality-packed city SUV currently only for sale in the Korean market.

Now, how about an electric version? Even more, would Australia be ready to rock the Casper should a zero emissions version arrive?

Korean news outlet Pulse has claimed, via leaked industry information, that a test Casper EV would be made this year with a production model likely by 2024. This interests us greatly.

Long range, big appeal

The source also said it would be a rangey little thing, likely to offer up to 400km on a single charge to match the new Chevrolet Bolt’s figure. The Chevy EV – for now – is the dominant sales force on the Korean small EV market.

At the global launch of the new Ioniq 6 in Seoul, South Korea, Hyundai was keen for international journalists – including Australian representatives – to sample Casper in its current petrol guise.

It was pointed out Casper was a domestic offering only for now, but it doesn’t take a crystal ball to work out Hyundai’s plans for the SUV are more global.

While Hyundai Australia wouldn’t comment on a potential Casper EV for our market, the brand’s embracing of EVs – and their success here – would suggest its hand would be firmly up for any new electric cars. Especially in the in-vogue space of relatively affordable SUVs.

Our cheapest EV?

A Casper EV would likely be a sub-$40,000 offering should it land in Australia, giving it the coveted title of our cheapest (or most affordable) electric car. That honour currently sits with the MG ZS EV at $44,990 drive-away.

The Casper EV is a smaller SUV than the MG, measuring just 3595mm long – same as a platform-sharing Kia Picanto. Consider it comparable in size to a Suzuki Jimny or Ignis, but with far more modern styling, plus a better cabin and features.

Bigger than you’d think

Having a brief poke, prod and test drive of the little Casper, it actually uses its interior space very well. Despite its ickle size there are five doors (unlike the current Suzuki Jimny), and its two wide rear seats offer huge headroom and acceptable legroom.

Up front it’s cosy but not cramped, and it’s rich with technology and features. In fact, it’s a lovely little dashboard with familiar classy Hyundai DNA that feels far from budget. Well, apart from the slews of hard plastics.

Safety equipment and driver aids abound, there’s radar cruise control, ambient lighting, a digital dashboard and heated and cooled faux leather seats.

You’d imagine a Casper EV would be a target for empty nesters or childless couples, meaning the rear chairs could be permanently folded for increased practicality.

These fold totally flat for a handy cargo bay, while the fronts also fold forward, offering enough space for a mattress inside. Really. The SUV’s designer said some Korean owners take their Caspers camping and sleep inside. Handy solution to Australia’s housing crisis?

Funky styling impresses

Another reason a Casper EV would work in Australia is its looks. We’re suckers for SUVs with a bit of body muscle and modern/retro design. Casper delivers – it’s like a little toy with its mighty circular lights front and rear, funky vertical light bands, bulbous wheel arches and 17-inch alloys.

We had a quick drive of a Casper equipped with a 76kW three-cylinder petrol, and it proved a fun urban partner. Not quick and plenty of road noise when on the highway, but incredibly easy to drive and manoeuvre, plus visibility through the giant front windows and near-vertical windscreen was excellent in the urban jungle.

Ready to undercut EV rivals

With thousands of Australians getting deposits down for the circa $45,000 BYD Atto 3 – a brand with no history in Australia and a questionable warranty/service program – you sense the interest and ‘shut up and take my money’ potential of a Casper EV.

Hyundai’s a well-established and respected brand in Australia with a large dealer network; its EV portfolio is already lengthy and is no stranger to sharp pricing versus the competition.

Without question the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV – small rather than city SUVs – are the preferred size for Australian buyers, but if a Casper EV could hit our market with a price number beginning with ‘3’ the queue could be a long one indeed.