Tiny Hyundai Casper SUV breaks cover

First images of the Hyundai Casper have been released, revealing an all-new pint-size SUV to be positioned beneath the circa-$20,000 Hyundai Venue in the Korean car-maker's range – but not in Australia at this stage.

Based on the Kia Picanto's K1 platform and codenamed AX-1, the Hyundai Casper borrows its name from 1970s skater Bobby 'Casper' Boyden – not the friendly ghost – and was revealed alongside the launch of a reservation website for its Korean customers.

It features Hyundai's now trademark split headlights along with cute circular LEDs on the front bumper, while the funkiness continues at the rear with a glass tailgate incorporating tail-lights and a pair of oversized circular reversing lights.

Faux bashplates, a raised ride height, plastic rub guards and roof rails attempt to ram home the SUV theme.

Measuring just 3595mm long, 1595mm wide and 1575mm tall, the Casper also shares its engines and transmissions with the Picanto, with the base models getting a 56kW naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine and flagship 1.0-litre turbos pushing out a still modest 75kW.

All-wheel drive is unlikely, but the Casper is expected to be offered with an all-electric powertrain developed by BorgWarner.

That version should pump out 80kW, giving the new model similar levels of performance to the current Picanto, and the EV powertrain will deliver up to 135kW in faster variants expected later.

Like the Hyundai Kona Electric, the still-secret battery-powered city-car will benefit from the brand's 400-volt electrical architecture that allows for rapid-charging. Expect a 30-minute charge to add around 160km of range with a 50kW DC fast-charger.

With a small battery of around 40kWh, the petite Hyundai SUV should cover up to 320km between top-ups.

While Hyundai Australia has ruled out the Casper for local release, it could become relevant as an indirect replacement for both the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Hyundai Accent.

Both the Hyundai Casper and its Kia-badged cousin, which could feature only subtle design tweaks, may eventually venture Down Under with pure electric power, potentially making them some of the most affordable EVs available.