The Hyundai Exter is the latest entrant in Hyundai’s compact SUV lineup in India, designed for urban drivers seeking style, efficiency, and technology at an affordable price. With a starting price of ₹7.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Exter combines a bold design, premium features, and a fuel-efficient engine to deliver a compelling package in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
In this article, we will explore the Hyundai Exter’s design, performance, features, safety, technology, variants, and overall value proposition, making it clear why this SUV is attracting attention among young professionals and urban families.
Hyundai Exter: Bold & Modern Design
The Hyundai Exter stands out with its athletic and aggressive styling, combining a high stance with sleek lines for a contemporary SUV look.
Exterior Highlights:
- Cascading front grille with chrome accents
- LED projector headlamps with DRLs
- Floating roof design for a premium look
- Sculpted sides and sporty alloy wheels
- Compact yet muscular stance ideal for city roads
The exterior is designed to appeal to young buyers who want a stylish and practical SUV without compromising on urban convenience.
Engine & Performance
The Hyundai Exter comes with multiple engine options to cater to a wide range of customers:
- Petrol Engine: 1.2L Kappa petrol engine producing 83hp
- Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT options for smooth city driving
- Mileage: ~20 kmpl for manual and ~19 kmpl for AMT
The lightweight yet responsive engine ensures agility in city traffic while maintaining fuel efficiency, making the Exter an ideal urban SUV.
Interior & Comfort
The Hyundai Exter’s cabin focuses on comfort, practicality, and style:
- Spacious seating for 5 passengers
- Premium upholstery with adjustable headrests
- Ergonomically designed dashboard with touchscreen infotainment
- Ample legroom and headroom despite its compact dimensions
- Rear AC vents for enhanced passenger comfort
The interior balances modern design aesthetics with functionality, making it comfortable for both city commutes and weekend trips.
Features & Technology
The Hyundai Exter is equipped with a suite of modern features aimed at enhancing convenience, entertainment, and safety:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster with vehicle information
- Multi-function steering wheel with controls for audio and calls
- Automatic climate control (higher variants)
- Wireless charging for smartphones
- Push-button start and keyless entry
These features ensure a connected and convenient driving experience for tech-savvy urban buyers.
Safety Features
Hyundai has equipped the Exter with comprehensive safety features to protect occupants:
- Dual airbags (driver and passenger)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Rear parking sensors with camera
- Seatbelt reminder and child lock features
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) in higher variants
Safety remains a priority, making the Exter a reliable choice for families and first-time SUV buyers.
Ride & Handling
The Hyundai Exter’s suspension is tuned for city and occasional highway driving:
- Front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension for stability and comfort
- Compact wheelbase for easy maneuvering in urban traffic
- Light steering with good feedback for smooth driving experience
This combination ensures that the Exter is comfortable over potholes while remaining nimble in traffic.
Variants & Price
The Hyundai Exter is expected to be offered in multiple trims to cater to different needs:
- E Variant: Base model with essential features, priced around ₹7.19 lakh
- S Variant: Mid-level trim with additional convenience and tech features
- SX & SX(O) Variants: Top-end trims with premium features, alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment, and safety technologies
The range ensures that buyers can select a model that fits their budget and feature preferences.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Bold and stylish compact SUV design
✔ Fuel-efficient 1.2L petrol engine
✔ Comfortable and spacious cabin
✔ Feature-rich infotainment and connectivity
✔ Advanced safety features including VSM
Cons:
✘ No diesel engine option (currently petrol-only)
✘ Limited boot space compared to larger SUVs
✘ AMT variant slightly less fuel-efficient than manual
Competitors in India
The Hyundai Exter competes in the compact SUV segment against:
- Tata Punch – Rugged styling, value for money
- Maruti Suzuki Ignis – Compact, affordable city SUV
- Renault Kiger – Feature-loaded and stylish design
Compared to these, the Exter offers a modern design, premium features, and Hyundai reliability, making it a strong contender in its segment.
FAQs
Q1: What is the starting price of Hyundai Exter in India?
It starts at approximately ₹7.19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q2: What engine options are available?
Currently, a 1.2L petrol engine with 5-speed manual and AMT transmission options.
Q3: Does Hyundai Exter come with safety features?
Yes, it includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and VSM in top variants.
Q4: What is the mileage of Hyundai Exter?
Around 20 kmpl for manual variants and 19 kmpl for AMT.
Q5: How many passengers can it accommodate?
It comfortably seats 5 passengers.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Exter is a stylish, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient compact SUV that is designed for modern urban lifestyles. With its bold exterior, comfortable cabin, advanced infotainment, and safety features, it offers excellent value for money in the sub-₹10 lakh SUV segment.
For buyers seeking a premium compact SUV that balances performance, style, and practicality, the Hyundai Exter emerges as a compelling choice. Whether for city commutes or weekend getaways, the Exter ensures a confident and enjoyable driving experience.
