[Taboleo] Hyundai Casper Experienced by a Compact Car Owner... Design and Space Utilization 'Pass'

Turbo Model Acceleration Performance Also Satisfactory

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] "Instead of buying a compact car, why not add a little more money and get a ○○○?"

This is a phrase that any compact car owner might have heard at least once. The reporter, who owns a 2020 Kia Ray, also heard this advice repeatedly right up until the purchase. It's understandable, as the domestic compact car market has been steadily declining. Due to the trend toward larger and more premium vehicles, the combined sales of the three compact car models (Kia Morning, Ray, Chevrolet Spark) fell below 100,000 units last year.

In this shrinking compact car market, a new model has been released for the first time in about five years since the full change of the Kia Morning in 2017. The protagonist is the 'Casper,' an entry-level sports utility vehicle (SUV) model launched by Hyundai Motor Company for the first time in 19 years since the Atos.

Hyundai developed and sells the Casper, while Gwangju Global Motors (GGM) handles contract manufacturing. Despite the rapid contraction of the compact car market, the Casper achieved a remarkable feat by selling 18,940 units in just one day of pre-orders. As a compact car owner, on the 27th, the reporter test-drove the Casper Inspiration gasoline turbo model over a roughly 56 km route from the Casper Studio in Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, to Anseong and back.

SUV Shape with a Cute Appearance

Before the full test drive, the impression of the Hyundai Casper was 'cute.' The front upper section featured turn signal lamps, and the lower section had circular LED daytime running lights arranged impressively. The mesh-type grille and circular intercooler intake enhanced both cuteness and sophistication. The rear tail lamps featured a parametric pattern and circular turn signal lamps, adding a sense of unity and cuteness.

The size can be summarized as 'bigger than the Morning but smaller than the Ray.' This is because, under current regulations for compact cars (3600 mm × 1600 mm × 2000 mm), the length and width are the same, but the height differs. The actual height of the Casper is 1575 mm, taller than the Morning (1485 mm) but shorter than the Ray (1700 mm). As an SUV, it is smaller than its immediate senior, the Hyundai Venue, making it feel like a true first entry-level SUV.

Interior is Somewhat Compact but Highly Practical

The interior impressed with its simple yet sophisticated design. An LCD cluster and an 8-inch navigation system positioned at eye level enhanced both information delivery and sophistication compared to the reporter's Ray. The passenger seat featured storage space and a USB port for charging, adding convenience.

In terms of space, there is no center console, and the gear lever is mounted on the dashboard, providing considerable openness in the front seats despite being a compact model. For the second-row seats, the reporter, who is 175 cm tall and weighs 70 kg, did not feel any discomfort, but taller users or those with long legs might find it less comfortable.

However, compared to the reporter's Ray, the interior felt narrower in terms of spatial perception. This is due to the difference in height, and a simple comparison with the Ray (3595 mm × 1595 mm × 1700 mm), which pushes the compact car regulations to the limit, is difficult.

Nevertheless, considering recent trends like 'auto camping,' the Hyundai Casper has some advantages. Although the rear seats seem somewhat narrow, they feature a reclining function that allows adjustment up to 160 mm forward and backward and can tilt up to 39 degrees, which is convenient. Additionally, both front and rear seats can be fully folded, providing a maximum length of 2059 mm. This means no additional investment is needed for auto camping, which is a strength compared to the existing Ray.

Cutting-Edge Technology in Full Force... Driving Stability and Acceleration Also Pass

Although satisfied with the Ray, the most inconvenient aspect is acceleration. With a limit of 76 horsepower, it is often difficult to increase speed when entering highways or changing lanes. The acceleration of the Casper Active Turbo model driven that day was decent. The fact that rapid acceleration or lane changes do not require a 'roar(?)' is a clear advantage of the turbo model.

Perhaps due to the vehicle's shape, driving stability was not bad. In the case of the Kia Ray, the high height and shape often cause body roll in sharp curves, but the Casper gave a strong impression of stability. The seat position felt slightly lower than the Ray, and road shocks were less noticeable compared to the Ray. This contributed to a sense of stability during highway driving.

The biggest strength of the Casper is the extensive application of cutting-edge technology. For the first time in a compact car, all trims come standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Front Vehicle Departure Alert. In particular, although the LFA felt somewhat crude, it proactively prevented lane departure, which would be useful for novice drivers. Additionally, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (oncoming traffic at intersections), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Smart Cruise Control all operated smoothly.