Category Average: 1197.0 cc
Exter: 1197.0 cc
Category Average: 21.3 kmpl
Exter: 19.2 - 27.1 kmpl
Category Average: 79.77 bhp
Exter: 68.0 - 82.0 bhp
The Hyundai Exter is a micro-UV competitively priced with a well-rounded set of features that positions it as a formidable rival to segment rivals such as the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and the Renault Kiger. The Exter is built on Hyundai’s K1 platform for compact vehicles, which is also shared by the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura. Built as a tall-boy, the Exter brings much needed space as a micro-SUV.
The Hyundai Exter was launched in July 2023 as an entry-level SUV that was aimed to cater to the youth with its modern styling cues and accessible price bracket. While it was launched with a single-tank CNG variant in place, Hyundai added a Hy-CNG Duo variant recently which has now been rolled out to dealerships with deliveries expected soon. A year following the launch, the South Korean carmaker brought out the Knight Edition for the Exter, which brought along cosmetic enhancements and additional aesthetic upgrades.
The Hyundai Exter is available from a starting price of ₹6.13 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up till ₹10.43 lakh (ex-showroom). At the time of its unveiling, Hyundai had listed the car at an introductory price of ₹six lakh. Hyundai has further made two different CNG variants available. The single-tank CNG starts from ₹8.43 lakh (ex-showroom) and the one with the dual-CNG cylinder starts from ₹8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
There are seven available trims that the Hyundai Exter is sold in and they are EX/EX(O), S/S(O), SX, SX(O), SX(O) Connect, SX Knight, and SX(O) Knight. The suffix ‘(O)’ is used to indicate that the variant in particular comes with optional add-ons that are not available in the standard versions. ‘Connect’ indicates that the variant in question comes with advanced connectivity features.
In July 2024, Hyundai released the Knight edition for the Exter SUV in order to celebrate its one year anniversary as well as having crossed 93,000 units sold. This Knight edition is purely a cosmetic upgrade and there are no mechanical changes or tune-ups that have been done to the car. The side sill garnishes, skid plates, and the Hyundai logo are finished in black, alongside the 15-inch alloy wheels. The Exter’s interior is also finished in black and is accompanied and contrasted by red accents and stitching. This red carries over to the footwell lighting and the accents on the black leatherette.
The Hyundai Exter’s interior is dressed up in fabric upholstery and higher variants receive a semi-leatherette finish. The SUV further comes with a sunroof that gets voice-control functionality. The Exter brings interior footwell lighting along with automatic climate control.
The Exter's gauge cluster features a completely digital TFT display. The upper SX (O) Connect and SX(O) Connect Knight models come standard with an eight-inch infotainment screen that includes Bluelink connectivity, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Hyundai Exter also has Home to Car (H2C) communication with Alexa, which allows owners to complete activities in advance, such as unlocking the car or turning on the HVAC. Additional features include a wireless charger and USB port in the front, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and cruise control.
The Hyundai Exter is fitted with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Kappa petrol engine which can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. This unit is shared by the Grand i10 Nios, the i20, and the Venue and is able to generate 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm of torque. Buyers are further offered an additional CNG variant which relies on a 1.2-litre Bi-fuel engine (Petrol and CNG) and is able to make 67 bhp and 95 Nm of torque. This particular powertrain can only be paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
The ARAI-claimed mileage for the Hyundai Exter lies between 19.2 kmpl to 19.4 kmpl for the petrol variants and 27.1 km/kg for the CNG variants. The Exter comes with a fuel tank of 37 litres in the petrol only variant and puts on an extra 60 litres (water equivalent) in the CNG variants.
The Hyundai Exter features a 391-litre boot along with a ground clearance of 185 mm.
The Hyundai Exter is a five-seater compact SUV.
While the Hyundai Exter has not yet been tested by any NCAP authorities, it features a well-rounded list of safety features. The Exter comes with six airbags and higher variants receive an integrated dual-camera dashcam. The list of standard features in the Hyundai Exter include TPMs, ABS, stability control, and hill start assist. Hyundai has further fitted in three-point seatbelts all around as well as ISOFIX mounts in the rear for child seats.
The Hyundai Exter is positioned as a micro-SUV and is pitted against the likes of the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and the Renault Kiger.
Hyundai Exter comes in as a fresh product from a company that has otherwise kept itself busy with time-tested models being given updates and facelifts. Think about it, when was the last time Hyundai brought out an all-new, mass-market product for India - Venue was a facelift, Grand i10 Nios, Tucson and Verna were as well. Barring the Ioniq 5 then, there has not been much to inject fresh fervour to the lineup in quite some time and the EV itself is a very premium proposition. But the Exter does not just come with the promise of revitalising the product portfolio but has the potential to shake up the entry-SUV segment.
The Exter is an entirely new exercise in automotive design, something Hyundai tends to do well out of habit. And because it is positioned as a vehicle for the young, its exterior styling and design absolutely must click the intended boxes.
For most parts, it actually does. The Exter has a very modern face that is highlighted by H-shaped DRLs that have not yet been seen on any India model from the Koreans. There are bi-function projector headlights, a bi-function projector headlights and a very prominent skid plate at the bottom.
The side profile shows of large windows, stretched roof rails, prominent wheel arches and sporty design on the 15-inch diamond-cut alloys on the wheels.
But the rear, to my personal preferences, is a bit overdone. Looks can be subjective and while many may appreciate it, I didn't quite like the form and flow of the rear structure and barring the H-shaped tail lights, feel just too much is happening here.
Of special note here is that the SUV comes in as many as nine body colour options of which three are dual tones. Although I am not too taken by the new Cosmic Blue shade, the Ranger Khaki (a shade of Green) is extremely attractive and goes well to underscore the rugged character of Exter that Hyundai seeks to put the spotlight on.
The cabin is where Hyundai Exter truly hits it out of the park, considering the price points it is offered in of course. While it does borrow generously from its siblings in terms of dashboard layout, fit, feel and features, the Exter may just have its biggest bragging rights against rivals courtesy the in-cabin experience.
For a car of its dimensions, the Exter is generously spacious for four but three adults on the rear seats would be a very tight squeeze. There is also no rear-seat armrest. Thankfully, a panoramic sunroof on top, rear AC vents and large windows seek to help matters. All four doors open wide which makes ingress and egress easy, and a segment-best wheelbase ensures adequate kneeroom, legroom and feet space for people at the back.
A boot space of 391 litres also goes on to underline the outdoor credentials Hyundai is repeatedly underlining on the Exter. With more space for luggage than on models like Venue, Sonet and Brezza, the Exter can not just accommodate a number of bags but loading and unloading angles are easy as well.
Being a Hyundai, Exter wasn't expected to shortchange buyers on features and the vehicle comes absolutely loaded. An eight-inch HD infotainment screen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is the obvious highlight and is typically easy to use with sharp response to touch. There is a reverse camera with guidelines and standard-def resolution. The MID (driver display) has been seen in other Hyundai models too and is carried forward and so is the steering wheel design with its mounted controls.
What is unique though is a two-way dashcam that can record front footage on the move and also click selfies of the cabin. Access to the dashcam can be through the incorporated buttons and through the company's official app as well. Interestingly, it is placed quite far from the driver's reach which, we assume, is a safety precaution so that he or she is unable to operate it while steering the vehicle.
The other feature highlights include cooled glovebox, automatic climate control, footwell lighting, wireless phone charging and plenty of USB and 12V points, and support for Bluelink app that enables over 60 connected-car functions. There are also three cabin themes which depend on the exterior colour of the vehicle.
If the exterior of the vehicle is an absolutely new take on styling and the cabin comes feature packed, the drive itself is on very predictable lines. And that is not necessarily a negative.
The 1.2-litre petrol motor under the hood puts out 83 hp and offers 114 Nm of torque. This is shared with siblings like Grand i10 Nios, i20 and the Venue. As such, the Exter drives in quite the familiar fashion regardless of transmission choices. I drove the five-speed manual version for a short while and the shifts were typically short and crisp, making for quick and controlled moves when required.
But the bulk of the test driving was done on the variant with five-speed AMT and it hardly disappointed. For anyone on a budget and looking for the convenience of an automatic, this is definitely the gearbox to admire. This coming from me who often drives a Brezza with AT. In comparative terms, the AMT on the Exter has significantly less jerk and offers a far smoother shift regardless of intensity of throttle inputs. It may not be excitable but it will keep itself fairly busy whether within city limits or beyond, with out without the use of paddle shifters behind the steering.
The steering set up also helps considering it is typically light which makes Exter bisect traffic with ease. It is only when triple digit speeds come up on the horizon that the feedback becomes conspicuous from its absence.
Overall, the drive and ride quality of Hyundai Exter is fairly well-balanced and will meet the requirements of most daily commuters who also do highway drives frequently. With a claimed mileage of over 19 kmpl on petrol-only version - and yes, there is a CNG option as well, the Exter covers its bases well.
Hyundai has had the luxury of carefully planning a strategy for its debut in the entry-level SUV segment. The experience from offering strong models like Venue and Creta may have also helped enormously.
While its pricing structure is introductory at the moment, having a fully-loaded vehicle under ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom) positions the Exter extremely well in the Indian car market. Expect this car to do some seriously impressive numbers going forward.
Airbags | Yes |
Body Type | Compact SUV |
Max Torque | 95.2-113.8 Nm |
Transmission | Manual,Automatic |
Mileage | 19.2 - 27.1 kmpl |
Engine | 1197 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol,CNG |
Hyundai Exter | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
₹6.21 Lakhs* | ₹7.3 Lakhs* | ₹6.2 Lakhs* | ₹6.1 Lakhs* | ₹6.14 Lakhs* | ₹7.52 Lakhs* |
User Rating 118 Reviews | User Rating 12 Reviews | User Rating 98 Reviews | User Rating 4 Reviews | User Rating 33 Reviews | User Rating 37 Reviews |
Airbags 6 | Airbags 2 | Airbags 2 | Airbags 4 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 |
Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - |
Power 82 bhp | Power 72 bhp | Power 87 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 99 bhp | Power 99 bhp |
Torque 113.8 Nm | Torque 103 Nm | Torque 115 Nm | Torque 152 Nm | Torque 152 Nm | Torque 147.6 Nm |
Ground Clearance 185 mm | Ground Clearance 187 mm | Ground Clearance 187 mm | Ground Clearance 205 mm | Ground Clearance 205 mm | Ground Clearance - |
Length 3815 mm | Length 3827 mm | Length 3827 mm | Length 3991 mm | Length 3994 mm | Length 3995 mm |
Height 1631 mm | Height 1615 mm | Height 1615 mm | Height 1605 mm | Height 1572 mm | Height 1550 mm |
Width 1710 mm | Width 1742 mm | Width 1742 mm | Width 1750 mm | Width 1758 mm | Width 1765 mm |
Boot Space 391 litres | Boot Space 210 litres | Boot Space 366 litres | Boot Space 405 litres | Boot Space 336 litres | Boot Space 308 litres |
Body Type Compact SUV | Body Type Compact SUV | Body Type Compact SUV | Body Type Compact SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic |
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