Hyundai has made a bold move in the entry-level SUV market with the launch of the Hyundai Exter. This compact crossover offers the essence of the popular Creta in a more affordable and city-friendly package.
Designed for first-time SUV buyers and small families, the Exter delivers SUV-style ruggedness, modern features, and an efficient powertrain, all at an attractive price point.
Design
The Hyundai Exter follows Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design philosophy, blending a bold SUV stance with compact practicality. The front fascia features a parametric grille and H-shaped LED daytime running lights, giving it a striking road presence. Squared wheel arches with black cladding enhance its rugged appeal, making it look more like a true SUV despite its compact size.
The floating roof design, available in dual-tone color options, adds a premium touch to its overall look. With dimensions of 3,815mm in length, 1,710mm in width, and 1,631mm in height, the Exter is perfect for city driving while maintaining a robust SUV-like stance.
A spacious wheelbase of 2,450mm ensures decent interior space, making the Exter both stylish and practical.
Powertrain
The Exter is available with two engine options that focus on efficiency and affordability. The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine produces 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque, offering a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG variant that delivers 69 PS of power and 95.2 Nm of torque, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for lower running costs.
The Exter comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while the petrol variant also offers an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for those who prefer convenience. The mileage figures are impressive, with the petrol manual returning 19.4 km/l, the AMT offering 19.2 km/l, and the CNG version delivering a remarkable 27.1 km/kg.
Interior
The Hyundai Exter surprises with its premium interior, offering space and comfort that exceed expectations for its price range. The cabin is designed for practicality, with smart space utilization ensuring a roomy feel. The rear knee room of 710mm provides ample leg space, while the high roof design ensures excellent headroom for all passengers.
Boot space is another strong point, with a capacity of 391 liters in the petrol variants and 311 liters in the CNG variant. This outperforms many competitors in the segment. The use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard, textured surfaces, and contrast-stitched upholstery adds a premium touch.
The flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls not only enhances the sporty appeal but also improves functionality.
Technology
Hyundai has equipped the Exter with a range of technology features that set a new benchmark in the entry-level SUV category. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering seamless smartphone integration. A 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster provides detailed trip information, fuel efficiency data, and navigation prompts.
Higher variants come with Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car technology, which offers over 60 smart features, including remote engine start, vehicle tracking, climate control activation, and geofencing alerts. The SX(O) variant even offers a single-pane electric sunroof, a rare feature in this segment. A premium 8-speaker Bose sound system is available in top variants, while lower trims come with a well-tuned 6-speaker setup.
Safety
Hyundai has focused heavily on safety, ensuring that the Exter offers protection that is rare in its class. All variants come standard with six airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags. The use of high-strength steel in over 65% of the body structure ensures a strong and safe cabin.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard across all trims, helping to maintain control during emergency maneuvers or slippery conditions. Hill Start Assist prevents rollback on inclines, making uphill driving more manageable. The Exter also features an integrated front-facing dashcam, which records footage on an SD card for added security.
Rear parking sensors and a camera with dynamic guidelines assist with precise parking. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors ensures that the Exter is family-friendly and safe for young passengers.
Ride & Handling
The Exter’s ride and handling characteristics make it an ideal vehicle for urban commutes while still being stable on highways. The suspension system features a MacPherson strut in the front and a coupled torsion beam at the rear, providing a well-balanced ride quality. It is tuned to absorb bumps efficiently, making it comfortable for city driving.
With a ground clearance of 185mm, the Exter handles potholes and speed breakers with ease. The electric power steering is light at low speeds for easy maneuverability and firms up at higher speeds for stability.
A tight turning radius of 4.9 meters ensures that the Exter is easy to drive in congested urban environments. Cabin noise is well controlled, thanks to Hyundai’s focus on sound insulation and aerodynamic optimization.
Variants & Pricing
The Hyundai Exter is available in five trims, catering to different budgets and preferences.
The base EX variant, priced at ₹6.05 lakh, includes essential features such as dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and power windows. The mid-range S variant, starting at ₹7.00 lakh, adds an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, LED daytime running lights, and electrically adjustable mirrors.
For those looking for a premium experience, the SX variant, priced at ₹7.95 lakh, includes automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, 16-inch alloy wheels, and connected car features.
The top-end SX(O) variant, available at ₹8.65 lakh, offers a sunroof, six airbags, an upgraded audio system, and wireless charging. Hyundai also offers an Adventure Edition, featuring unique styling elements and additional body cladding, priced at ₹8.85 lakh.
The CNG variants cost approximately ₹95,000 more than the petrol versions, while the AMT adds around ₹50,000 to the respective manual variants. This pricing strategy makes the Exter a strong competitor against premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and compact SUVs such as the Tata Punch and Nissan Magnite.
Target Buyers
Hyundai has positioned the Exter to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Young urban professionals will find it stylish and feature-rich, making it a great personal car. Small families will appreciate the spacious interior and safety features, while budget-conscious buyers will find the CNG variant a cost-effective choice.
Additionally, the Exter is well-suited for buyers in rural and semi-urban areas, thanks to its good ground clearance and fuel efficiency. Older buyers looking to downsize from larger vehicles will also find it practical, as it offers an SUV-like experience with lower running costs and easier maneuverability.
The Hyundai Exter is a game-changer in the entry-level SUV market. By bringing the Creta’s DNA into a more affordable, compact package, Hyundai has created a vehicle that balances style, features, safety, and efficiency. The Exter is ideal for buyers who want an SUV without breaking the bank, making it one of the most compelling options in its segment.
FAQs
What is the mileage of Hyundai Exter?
The petrol variant gives up to 19.4 km/l, while the CNG variant offers 27.1 km/kg.
Does Hyundai Exter have a sunroof?
Yes, the SX(O) variant offers a single-pane electric sunroof.
Is the Hyundai Exter available in CNG?
Yes, Hyundai offers a factory-fitted CNG option with the 1.2L engine.
How many airbags does Hyundai Exter have?
All variants come standard with six airbags for enhanced safety.
What is the starting price of Hyundai Exter?
The base EX variant starts at ₹6.05 lakh (ex-showroom).
