Hyundai Exter : In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Hyundai has once again proven its mettle with the introduction of the Exter.
This micro-SUV has taken the industry by storm, offering a unique blend of style, functionality, and affordability that resonates with a wide range of consumers.
From young urban professionals to small families looking for their first SUV, the Exter has something to offer everyone. Let’s delve into what makes this vehicle a game-changer in its segment.
Hyundai Exter Design: A Head-Turner on the Road
The Hyundai Exter’s design is nothing short of eye-catching. It manages to pack SUV-like presence into a compact form factor, a feat that’s not easy to achieve.
The front fascia is dominated by Hyundai’s signature parametric grille, flanked by split headlamp units that give the Exter a distinctive and modern appearance.
The LED daytime running lights, positioned above the main headlamp clusters, add a touch of sophistication and ensure the Exter stands out in traffic.
Moving along the side, the Exter’s SUV aspirations become more apparent. The high ground clearance, roof rails, and black body cladding all contribute to a rugged, adventure-ready look.
The squared-off wheel arches housing 15-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) further enhance this effect.
It’s a design that manages to look both tough and cheerful, a combination that’s sure to appeal to a wide audience.
At the rear, the Exter continues its SUV-inspired design with vertically stacked taillights and a faux skid plate on the bumper.
The rear windshield is generously sized, ensuring good visibility for the driver.
Overall, the Exter’s design strikes a perfect balance between city-friendly compactness and SUV-like road presence.
Hyundai Exter Interior: Spacious and Well-Appointed
Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and you’re greeted by an interior that belies the car’s exterior dimensions. The clever packaging means that there’s ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a floating touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage in higher trims.
The quality of materials used is impressive for this segment. Soft-touch plastics are used in key areas, and the fit and finish are on par with vehicles from a segment above.
The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, making long journeys comfortable.
The high seating position, a hallmark of SUVs, provides excellent visibility and adds to the sense of space inside the cabin.
Storage spaces are plentiful, with large door pockets, a spacious glovebox, and clever cubbies scattered throughout the interior.
The boot space, while not class-leading, is adequate for weekend trips or the weekly grocery run. The 60:40 split rear seats add an extra layer of versatility when you need to carry larger items.
Hyundai Exter Performance: Efficient and City-Friendly
Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter offers two engine options. The primary powerplant is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 83 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque.
This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG variant.
The petrol engine provides peppy performance around town, with enough grunt for confident overtakes on the highway.
The light clutch and smooth-shifting gearbox make the manual version a joy to drive in urban environments.
The AMT, while not as smooth as a traditional automatic, offers the convenience of two-pedal driving at a more affordable price point.
One of the Exter’s standout features is its nimble handling. The compact dimensions and well-tuned suspension make it a breeze to maneuver in tight city spaces.
Parking is effortless, and navigating through traffic is a stress-free experience.
Despite its city-friendly nature, the Exter feels stable and composed on the highway, making it a versatile all-rounder.
The ride quality deserves special mention. Hyundai has done an excellent job of tuning the suspension to handle Indian road conditions.
It soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb, providing a comfortable ride for all occupants.
The high ground clearance also means you don’t have to worry about scraping the underside on speed breakers or rough patches of road.
Hyundai Exter Technology: Punching Above Its Weight
When it comes to features and technology, the Hyundai Exter punches well above its weight class.
The top-end variants come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The screen is responsive and easy to use, with crisp graphics and intuitive menu layouts.
Other tech highlights include a digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.
The inclusion of Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology is a standout feature in this segment.
It allows owners to remotely start the engine, control climate settings, and even track the vehicle’s location via a smartphone app.
Safety has clearly been a priority for Hyundai with the Exter. It comes equipped with up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.
The inclusion of a dashcam as a factory-fitted option is a first in this segment and adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind for owners.
Hyundai Exter Fuel Efficiency: Easy on the Pocket
In a country where fuel efficiency is often a deciding factor in car purchases, the Hyundai Exter doesn’t disappoint.
The petrol variant delivers impressive mileage figures, with Hyundai claiming up to 19.4 km/l for the manual version and 19.2 km/l for the AMT.
The CNG variant takes this a step further, offering a claimed efficiency of 27.1 km/kg.
These efficiency figures, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, make the Exter an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers looking for a vehicle that won’t break the bank in the long run.
Hyundai Exter Customization: Make It Your Own
Recognizing that many buyers in this segment are young and style-conscious, Hyundai offers a range of customization options for the Exter.
From dual-tone exterior color schemes to interior accent packs, there are numerous ways to personalize the Exter to reflect individual tastes.
Hyundai also offers a range of official accessories, allowing buyers to add both style and functionality to their vehicles.
Whether it’s body side moldings for extra protection or a roof carrier for additional luggage capacity, the Exter can be tailored to suit a variety of lifestyles and needs.
Hyundai Exter Value Proposition: Big on Features, Light on the Wallet
Perhaps the Exter’s strongest selling point is its value proposition. Hyundai has managed to pack a wealth of features into a competitively priced package.
Even base models come well-equipped, and higher trims offer amenities that rival those found in much more expensive vehicles.
The competitive pricing, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and its generous warranty package, makes the Exter an attractive option for first-time car buyers or those looking to upgrade from a hatchback to an SUV-like vehicle without breaking the bank.
Hyundai Exter Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in the Micro-SUV Segment
The Hyundai Exter represents a significant step forward in the micro-SUV segment. It successfully combines SUV-like styling and practicality with the compact dimensions and efficiency needed for urban environments.
The thoughtful design, spacious interior, impressive feature list, and competitive pricing make it a compelling option for a wide range of buyers.
While it may face stiff competition from established players in the market, the Exter brings enough unique selling points to carve out its own niche.
Its blend of style, technology, efficiency, and value positions it as a strong contender not just in the micro-SUV segment, but also as an alternative to premium hatchbacks and entry-level compact SUVs.
For urban dwellers looking for a vehicle that offers the best of both worlds – the practicality of a hatchback and the presence of an SUV – the Hyundai Exter presents an compelling proposition.
It’s a testament to Hyundai’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to deliver products that resonate with the evolving needs of consumers.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on efficiency and value, vehicles like the Hyundai Exter are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of personal mobility in India.
It’s not just a new model; it’s a new way of thinking about what an affordable, feature-rich vehicle can be in the modern era.