Over the years, Hyundai has shifted its focus from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs. In 2023 SUVs make up the majority of their sales figures, and to add to that flow of income, Hyundai has decided to step into the compact SUV game with the all-new Exter. But will this flashy new SUV be able to fight off its competition? Well, we found out about our time with the Exter in the pink city of Jaipur.
Why does the Exter exist?
SUVs are a growing trend; manufacturers are trying to make them as accessible to buyers as possible with various models and their variants. The compact SUV space is popular and has been an excellent substitute for hatchbacks since they’re compact enough to fit into tight parking but practical enough to tackle broken roads. The Exter is meant to serve as an entry point into the Hyundai brand and its line of SUVs.
Who’s the competition?
The prime competition for the Exter will be the likes of the Tata Punch and Citroen C3. The Tata Punch is the bigger rival here as it currently dominates this segment, and the Exter has been designed to outdo not just in terms of pricing but also specifications and features. The Citroen C3, on the other hand, focuses more on an enthusiastic driving experience, and its choice of punchy engine options reflects that further. Both these vehicles get their little slice of the Indian automotive sales pie, and now Hyundai would like a piece too.
Verdict
The Exter is up against serious competition, but Hyundai has a great job at curating and picking design cues from its other products to jazz up and uplift the overall design. It’s got a comfortable interior, good motor and great practicality to boast. Most buyers in this segment are looking for something this versatile, and the fact that the Exter can do it all without breaking the bank is quite commendable. Sure, the interior could have been more unique, and certain things could have been better. Still, there is no denying that the Exter is better equipped and better packaged than all of its competitors, and for that reason, I believe that the Exter is a clear winner and will contribute to many future Hyundai sales.
The Exter is powered by a familiar motor found on the i10 and has an output similar to its competition, be it a little less than the punch. While 3-cylinders power all other vehicles in its segment, the Exter is powered by a 4-cylinder. We only drove the AMT version and look forward to driving the manual later. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the refinement of this motor. It’s quiet as long as you don’t floor it, but if and when you do, it’ll whine in protest, and it builds speed. The motor felt more engaging than that on the Tata Punch, and even the NVH levels seemed quite impressive. The AMT gearbox did a fantastic job and was surprisingly quick to respond each time I’d ask for a bit more acceleration. The upshifts can be a little jerky, but the downshifts are incredibly fast and responsive. It is also the only car in the segment to come with paddle shifters, making using this AMT more fun. The Exter loves to cruise, and the engine seems to have been tuned for city duty and highway commutes.
What’s the ride quality and handling like?
Well, in a nutshell, it’s surprisingly good. On-road and offroad, the Exter seemed relatively stable, with little to no undulations making their way into the cabin. The Exters handling is relatively neutral and less sharp or responsive than the Citroen C3. It may not be the sharpest handler in the segment, but it does a decent job striking a balance between ride and handling. The steering is a bit lazy, though, and taking U-turns can be a task because of it, but that’s a minor gripe I have.
The inside is pretty familiar to anyone that’s been inside a Hyundai before. With cues from the i10 and the Venue, the Exter has a decent cabin that doesn’t exactly blow you away but doesn’t disappoint. The windows are large, allowing a lot of light into this cabin and making it feel much roomier. There is sufficient headroom and space on offer for passengers in the front and rear. The seats are well cushioned, and I like the recline on the rear seats. The cabin feels prepared for a road trip and can easily handle daily duties in the city with your family. The boot capacity might not be sufficient for a long road trip, but it should be able to handle weeks’ worth of packing with all seats filled. Hyundai has also added a bit of ambient lighting in the footwell and included colour-coded trim bits around the AC vents and stitching on the seats, adding a bit more charm to the interior.
At first glance, it’s pretty vibrant, especially in the shade of Khaki or Blue. The vibrant colours complement the butch proportions, and the Exter seems like a much more proportionate vehicle. The front features a new “H” shaped design for the headlamp and DRL setup and a bit of cladding on the bumper to give it a more outdoorsy look. The Exter from the sides has taken inspiration from the Tucson and gives you muscular lines that jut out to make it look wider. The 15-inch diamond cut wheel design looks well finished but a tad too busy for a small wheel, and I would have probably preferred a cleaner design. Come to the rear, and you’ll notice Hyundai has implemented the same “H” shaped tail lamp design while the rest of the rear looks neat and vibrant. In a bright shade like this blue here, the Exter looks all the more appealing, and kudos to Hyundai for offering such vibrant colours with the Exter.
Specifications
Engine - 1.2 Kappa Petrol
Power - 82 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque - 113.8 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Gearbox - 5- Speed AMT
Fuel Tank Capacity - 37 Litres
Price
Rs 5.99 Lakh - Rs 10.09 Lakh (Ex-showroom India)
