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Introduction

The Hyundai Exter is the latest entrant in the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment in India. Aimed at young urban buyers and families seeking a practical and feature-rich vehicle, the Exter is Hyundai’s attempt to capture a larger share of the SUV market. It slots below the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup and promises a blend of style, features, and affordability.

Exterior Design & Build Quality

For Cars:

• The Exter boasts a boxy and upright stance, giving it a robust SUV appeal. The front features Hyundai’s signature parametric grille, split headlamps with projector units, and H-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The side profile showcases squared wheel arches and blacked-out cladding, while the rear gets connected LED taillights and a skid plate.
• Build quality appears decent for its segment. Panel gaps are generally consistent, and the paint finish is satisfactory. However, some plastic parts may feel a bit flimsy upon closer inspection.
• The Exter comes standard with halogen headlights on lower variants and projector headlamps on higher trims. All variants feature H-shaped LED DRLs, adding to its modern look.
• The Exter has a ground clearance of 185mm, adequate for navigating Indian road conditions and minor off-road excursions.
• Available color options include a range of vibrant and dual-tone options, catering to diverse customer preferences.

Interior & Comfort

The interior of the Exter is designed to be functional and spacious. It offers a mix of modern features and comfortable seating for passengers.

• The dashboard layout is clean and well-organized, with a prominent touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The design is simple but effective, with easy-to-reach controls.
• The front seats offer good support and cushioning, making them comfortable for long drives. The rear seats are also reasonably comfortable, with decent legroom and headroom for average-sized adults.
• Legroom in the rear is acceptable for its segment, although taller passengers might find it a bit cramped on longer journeys. Headroom is adequate for most occupants.
• The AC performance is commendable, with quick cooling and effective temperature control even in hot weather conditions.
• The Exter offers a boot space of 391 liters, which is decent for its segment. It can accommodate a couple of large suitcases and some smaller bags.
• Material quality is a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. The dashboard features some textured surfaces, while the door pads are mostly hard plastic. Overall, the interior feels well-built but not overly premium.

Engine & Performance

The Hyundai Exter is powered by a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine that is known for its refinement and fuel efficiency.

• Engine capacity is 1197cc, with four cylinders.
• The engine produces 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque.
• Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in approximately 13 seconds.
• The driving experience is smooth and refined, with good low-end torque for city driving. The engine feels responsive and eager to rev.
• Throttle response is well-calibrated, making it easy to modulate power delivery.
• The Exter handles well in traffic, thanks to its compact dimensions and light steering. On the highway, it feels stable and composed at cruising speeds.
• High speed stability is adequate, although there is some wind noise at higher speeds.

Transmission

• Available with both a 5-speed manual and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
• The manual transmission offers smooth and precise gear shifts.
• The AMT provides convenience in city traffic, although gear shifts may feel a bit jerky at times.
• Gear ratio optimization is well-suited for both city and highway driving.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

• City mileage is around 16-18 kmpl.
• Highway mileage is approximately 20-22 kmpl.
• Fuel tank capacity is 37 liters.
• Real-world mileage is generally close to the claimed figures, although it may vary depending on driving conditions.
• Fuel efficiency is good for its segment, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

Comfort & Ride Quality

For Cars:

• The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and potholes, providing a comfortable ride on most road surfaces.
• Cabin noise levels are relatively low at city speeds, although there is some wind and road noise at higher speeds.
• Seat cushioning is good, providing adequate support for long journeys.
• Long distance ride comfort is generally good, although the rear seats may feel a bit cramped for taller passengers.

Brakes & Safety Features

For Cars:

• Up to 6 airbags are available, depending on the variant.
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) are standard.
• Traction control is available on higher variants.
• Vehicle stability control is also offered on select trims.
• Crash test ratings are yet to be released.
• Parking sensors and a rear-view camera are available, making parking easier in tight spaces.

Features & Technology

For Cars:

• The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with a user-friendly interface.
• Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• A sunroof is available on higher variants, adding to its premium appeal.
• Cruise control is offered on select trims, enhancing comfort on long drives.
• A 360° camera system is available, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
• Other technological features include a wireless phone charger and a digital instrument cluster.

Practicality & Usability

For Cars:

• The Exter is highly usable for daily driving, thanks to its compact dimensions and light steering.
• Family convenience features include rear AC vents and a spacious boot.
• Parking is easy in most scenarios, thanks to its compact size and available parking sensors.
• Storage spaces and cubby holes are plentiful, providing ample space for storing small items.

Maintenance & Service Cost

• Service intervals are typically 12 months or 10,000 km, whichever comes first.
• Cost of spare parts is relatively affordable.
• Hyundai has a good reputation for reliability.
• Resale value is expected to be decent, given Hyundai’s strong brand image.
• Warranty details typically include a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty.

Price & Variants

• Base variant price starts at approximately INR 6 lakhs (ex-showroom).
• Top variant price is around INR 10 lakhs (ex-showroom).
• On-road price varies depending on the city.
• Value for money is decent, considering the features and performance offered.
• Variant-wise feature differences include the availability of sunroof, alloy wheels, and advanced safety features.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stylish and modern design
• Feature-rich interior
• Refined and fuel-efficient engine
• Compact dimensions for easy city driving
• Good value for money

Cons:

• AMT gearbox can feel jerky at times
• Rear seat space could be better
• Some plastic parts feel flimsy
• Crash test ratings are yet to be released
• Limited engine options

Competitors Comparison

The Hyundai Exter competes with the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and Nissan Magnite.

• Price comparison: Exter is competitively priced against its rivals.
• Engine performance: Exter’s engine is comparable to its competitors in terms of power and fuel efficiency.
• Feature comparison: Exter offers a good range of features, including a sunroof and 360° camera, which are not always available in this segment.
• Mileage comparison: Exter delivers similar mileage figures to its competitors.
• Real-world performance: Exter offers a balanced package of performance, features, and value, making it a strong contender in the sub-compact SUV segment.

Rating & Final Verdict

Overall Rating: 8/10

The Hyundai Exter is a well-rounded sub-compact SUV that offers a stylish design, feature-rich interior, and refined engine. It is a good choice for young urban buyers and families looking for a practical and affordable vehicle. While the AMT gearbox and rear seat space could be improved, the Exter offers a compelling package that is sure to appeal to a wide range of customers.

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