A small electric car with a value beyond its increased size
Ensuring versatile packaging and excellent driving experience
Securing outstanding competitiveness as a practical means of transportation,
Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, ‘[Seoul Economy]’, In recent days, the domestic automobile market has been showing increasing skepticism and anxiety towards electric vehicles due to ‘electric car fires’. In response, brands are making efforts to enhance consumer trust by sequentially disclosing various information and continuing efforts to ‘change the atmosphere’.,
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, “In this situation, Hyundai unveiled an electric car ‘Casper Electric’ in the market by raising the stature of ‘Casper,’ encapsulating various technologies and ideas within a small size, and incorporating multiple technologies to alleviate the ‘anxiety about electric vehicles’ as described earlier.”,
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, ‘What charm and value will Hyundai’s new EV, Casper Electric, present?’,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Casper Grows Larger, Casper Electric,
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, “Casper Electric has decentralized the advantages of a distinctive packaging as a ‘compact SUV’ as explained earlier. In actuality, compared to the previous Casper, Casper Electric has an increased overall length of 230mm, an extended wheelbase of 180mm, and an increased width of 15mm. Nevertheless, the ‘distinctive image of Casper’ remains intact.”,
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, ‘The design of the vehicle inherits the emotions of Casper. Since Casper itself is quite different from the typical Hyundai design, Casper Electric is captivating enough to draw everyone’s attention. Pixel-structured headlights adding an extra touch of electric car sensibility, bold round light units, and a well-developed body kit enhance its charm on the road.’,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Due to the increased overall length and wheelbase of the vehicle, there were concerns that the overall balance of the vehicle might be compromised. However, Casper Electric presents a sufficiently attractive appearance. Although slightly longer than the regular Casper, there are no major awkward points, and newly designed 17-inch wheels contribute to the overall satisfaction of the vehicle.,
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, ‘Furthermore, the rear, with pixel-designed taillights, adds novelty. Other components maintain the typical image of Casper. The balanced compact size and clear Casper lettering take center stage. Rounded light units, body kits, and skid plates that enhance the SUV’s character also demonstrate a strong presence.’,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Practical Small EV,
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, “While acknowledging the ‘physical limits’ of a small vehicle’s interior space, Casper Electric effectively arranges various functions and elements to greatly enhance the ‘competitiveness of the vehicle.'”,
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, “The clean digital cluster, steering wheel that easily manipulates various functions, and an infotainment system showcasing the advantages of domestic cars are thoughtfully arranged. Furthermore, various functions can be operated easily with buttons and dials to skillfully suppress ‘discomfort.'”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, In terms of functionality, it clearly highlights the advantages of domestic cars by offering a clean graphic and intuitive interface that allows for easy navigation and control of various vehicle functions. Thus, discomfort with regards to functions is not significantly felt throughout the drive.,
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, “In addition, various areas, including column-shift gear shift, a charging port and power outlet located between the long home in the center of the dashboard, make the most of small spaces. Elements such as cup holders integrated with driver seats also fully reflect this ‘development principle’.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric,
, The vehicle’s size is larger than ‘Casper,’ but still relatively small in absolute terms. It may be challenging to consider the space ‘spacious,’ not only for the first row but also for the second row. However, due to its superior basic packaging and high utility of the seats, it boasts excellent ‘utility.’,
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, “However, the cargo space and storage space are somewhat narrow. Also, considering the ‘physical limit’ that if the driver or first-row passenger is large, they may experience ‘discomfort’ in terms of interior livability when adjusting the seats, as the ‘B-pillar’ may touch the shoulders.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, A More Rational Packaging EV,
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, “Casper Electric has a packaging that focuses on daily mobility, very different from the ‘specs inflation’ seen in the domestic electric car market.”,
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, ‘In reality, it is equipped with an 84.5kW electric motor under the bonnet, producing an equivalent of 114.9 horsepower and 15.0 kg.m of torque in conversion standards. It adopts front-wheel drive for a focus on overall driving efficiency and vehicle space utilization. It is equipped with a 49kWh lithium-ion battery.’,
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, “Through this configuration, Casper Electric realizes the driving performance of a ‘rational small car.’ Additionally, it offers a driving range of 295 km on one charge (combined standard, based on 17-inch wheel tires) to enhance its appeal in daily use. (Certified efficiency 5.2km/kWh)”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Ensuring Pleasant Mobility and More with EV,
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, ‘After thoroughly examining Casper Electric and preparing for a genuine drive, I settled into the seat. Due to its small stature, being fundamentally based on a compact car, it is necessary to accept that the space in the seat and overall space is limited. Moreover, for larger drivers, the B-pillar may press against the shoulders.’,
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, “Yet, despite the small stature of the vehicle, the ‘features and composition’ contained within the vehicle are quite satisfactory and abundant. The excellent visibility of the digital cluster, along with various other aspects such as the infotainment system, exudes robust appeal.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Recent electric cars are spearheading a steep ‘rise in output,’ opening the era of ‘output inflation.’ However, Casper Electric is a vehicle completely separate from this trend. The output of the electric motor is akin to the electrification conversion version of small cars running cheerfully on narrow roads in Europe or Japan.,
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, “Nevertheless, the vehicle’s movement is quite sufficient. Unlike the weak engines of compact and small cars, an electric motor can immediately and effectively demonstrate its performance, allowing for enhanced ‘vehicle agility’ in handling. Additionally, the proficiency in the texture and noise of the electric motor provided a high level of satisfaction.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, In addition, by focusing on elements such as regenerative braking and various driving-related factors, the vehicle is dedicated to delivering a smooth driving experience. Clear distinction is seen in the ‘presence of Casper Electric,’ distinctly differentiating it from the past ‘weak configuration’ or roughness of small electric cars.,
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, “Moreover, it showcases a clear charm in ‘quietness’ throughout the drive. Efforts were made throughout the vehicle to suppress ‘background noise,’ effectively diminishing ‘stress’ on poor road surfaces. However, the rain sounds transmitted through the windows and sunroof were quite noticeable.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, Personally, the most outstanding aspects of driving Casper Electric were the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort. As mentioned earlier, ‘small electric cars’ naturally require many compromises in the composition of their packaging, demanding significant compromises in the aspect of ‘ride comfort.’,
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, “However, Casper Electric guarantees ‘ride comfort surpassing its size’ and significantly reduces stress during driving. Considering its small stature, coupled with its manageable aspects, it can be evaluated as enhancing ‘vehicle satisfaction.’,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, In actual driving in various environments with Casper Electric, it showed quite skillful responsiveness and finely tuned handling, ensuring a ‘satisfactory driving experience’ for both the driver and passengers, even when faced with sudden impacts. This reflects the ‘development team’s efforts’ for calibration.,
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, “Personally, one of the most disappointing aspects when riding Hyundai or Kia vehicles has been the ‘short test drive’ leading to a favorable assessment, but causing significant fatigue during ‘extended drives.’ However, Casper Electric consistently offers pleasantness and satisfaction beyond expectations.”,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, This aspect is reminiscent of the ‘Nissan Sakura,’ which is popular in the Japanese market, used extensively as a ‘car-sharing electric car’ and excelling in ‘performance, driving range,’ as well as ‘driving completion and the allure of various features’ when compared and competed with Sakura. It seems that it could be the optimal solution for those seeking a ‘practical means of transportation.’,
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, European small electric cars on the market really need to reflect and awaken. From the vehicle’s package to the driving experience, ‘Casper Electric’ clearly outperforms the competition and proves highly attractive, becoming a ‘rational means of transportation.’,
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, ‘Strengths: Excellent packaging and high driving completion in a small size’,
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, ‘Weaknesses: B-pillar pressing against the shoulder’,
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Hyundai Casper Electric. Reporter Kim Hak-su,
, The Dark Horse of the Electric Car Market, Casper Electric,
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, “Many people have cited various reasons for the recent slowdown in electric car demand, but upon careful examination, the proposition that ‘electric cars are excessively expensive compared to equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles’ continues to have a prevalent presence.”,
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, “In this situation, if Casper Electric can