South Korean auto major is set to mark another blockbuster offering in the Indian market: a micro SUV that will rival Tata Punch and Citroen C3. After generating hype with the string of spy shots,the brand has finally launched the Exter with a starting price of Rs 5.99 (ex-showroom) lakhs for the base variant. Whereas the top-end variant costs go up to Rs 10 lakhs (ex-showroom). These are all introductory prices, and prices are subject to change soon. Exter would be available in five trims – EX, S, SX, SX(O) and SX(O) Connect, with petrol and CNG fuel options. Exter is based on the Grand i10 Nios, so the platform and underpinnings are almost similar.
The design language of Exter borrows clues from the other Hyundai SUVs from its global lineup. On the front, it gets LED projectors and H-shaped LED DRLs. The big black grille housing a squared-shaped fog lamp and the flat bonnet make the Exter look simple and SUVish. On the side, the squared-off wheel arches and diamond-cut alloys enhance its SUV appeal. The top-end trip gets 15-inch alloy wheels. It measures 3,815mm in length, 1,710mm in width and 1,631mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2,450mm and ground clearance of 185mm. Exter could be had in three dual-tone colours, six solid colours, and three interior colour options.
Hyundai always aces in terms of features, and the new Exter is no different. Feature highlight of the new Exter is - a factory-fitted dashcam with dual cameras and a single-pane sunroof. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The car comes with connected car tech, voice-activated commands in multiple languages and over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Safety has been considered paramount by providing six airbags, ESC, hill assist control, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, three-point seatbelt and seatbelt reminders for all seats, and ISOFIX child mount, available standard across the SX, SX(O) and SX(O) Connect trims.
Hyundai Exter would be offered in a slew of powertrain options- the first would be the E20 Fuel complaint 1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine available with 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) and Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The other one is the 1.2-l Bi-fuel Kappa petrol with a CNG engine equipped with 5-speed Manual transmission.
The micro-SUV segment is getting quite popular these days, and with the launch of the all-new Exter, be prepared to see many of these cars on the road. It goes up against Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Citroen C3.
