Hyundai currently pulled the plug from its entry-level hatchback, Santro and now we wonder if they're making way for their upcoming mini SUV, Casper that'll rival the likes of Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis. Hyundai Santro was not doing in the Indian market and even earlier the South Korean carmaker axed off some of the variants of the hatchback but now the production has completely stopped.
The dealers have been asked to stop taking the bookings of the Santro and only a few units of the hatchback are available at them till stocks last. We first saw the launch of Santro in 1988 and it was a runaway success for the carmaker. However, with several new models and technology, the demand for the Santro was hit and it was discontinued finally in 2014.
Now, sharing information about the upcoming mini SUV from Hyundai that's named, Casper will be quite a rival to the Tata Punch. The carmaker understands the Indian market and since everyone wants an SUV on a budget, the Casper will be just that.
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Feature-wise, the upcoming Casper will be well equipped and we expect it to get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-function steering wheel, wireless charging, power-folding ORVMs, push-button start/stop, keyless entry and more. We can also expect cruise control in the Hyundai Casper as its competition, Tata Punch too gets one.
Safety equipment on the Casper will be dual airbags at the front, a front seat-belt reminder, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, a high-speed alert system, a speed-sensing door lock, child safety door lock, rear parking camera, reverse parking sensors and more.
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As of now, there are no official reports as to which engine will the Casper get. To keep the costs low, Hyundai might bring in a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit for the lower variants and a bigger and more powerful, 1.2-litre, petrol motor will be reserved for the higher variants. A 5-speed manual transmission will be offered as standard along with an AMT as an option.
Tata Punch is priced between Rs 5.68 lakh to Rs 9.49 lakh. This pricing completely rivals compact SUVs like Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. We believe that the Hyundai Casper is expected to be priced between Rs 5.20 lakh to Rs 8.20 lakh. All prices stick to ex-showroom, Delhi.
