In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Hyundai has once again proven its mettle with the introduction of the Exter.
This compact SUV, launched in 2023 and continuing strong into 2025, has quickly become a favorite among urban dwellers and small families alike. Let’s delve into what makes the Hyundai Exter a game-changer in the fiercely competitive compact SUV arena.
Design: A Bold Statement on Wheels
The Hyundai Exter makes a striking first impression with its bold and contemporary design. Hyundai has managed to create a vehicle that stands out in a crowded segment, blending SUV-like presence with compact dimensions perfect for urban environments.
The front fascia is dominated by a distinctive grille, flanked by sleek LED projector headlamps. The H-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) not only enhance visibility but also give the Exter a unique light signature that’s instantly recognizable. The muscular bonnet and prominent skid plate further accentuate its SUV credentials.
Moving along the side, the Exter’s profile reveals a perfect balance between ruggedness and sophistication. The strong shoulder line and pronounced wheel arches speak to its SUV heritage, while the gently sloping roofline adds a touch of dynamism. The 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, available on higher trims, fill out the arches nicely, contributing to the vehicle’s planted stance.
At the rear, the Exter continues to impress with its connected LED taillights, a design element that’s becoming increasingly popular in premium vehicles. The dual-tone bumper with a faux skid plate reinforces the Exter’s SUV appeal while adding a touch of modernity.
One of the most striking aspects of the Exter’s design is its color palette. Hyundai offers a range of vibrant hues, including dual-tone options that pair the body color with a contrasting roof. From the bold Ranger Khaki to the sophisticated Cosmic Blue, there’s a color to suit every taste.
Interior: Comfort Meets Technology
Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a focus on ergonomics and user-friendliness. Soft-touch materials have been used extensively, elevating the cabin’s premium feel.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This high-resolution display is not only responsive but also feature-packed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The system also includes built-in navigation and voice command functionality, keeping the Exter at the cutting edge of in-car technology.
Behind the new flat-bottom steering wheel (with mounted controls for audio and cruise control) sits a digital instrument cluster. This customizable display provides a wealth of information, from traditional speedometer and tachometer readings to more advanced data like real-time fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked in the pursuit of technology. The seats offer good support and cushioning, making long journeys a breeze. In higher trims, the Exter offers features previously unseen in its segment, such as a voice-enabled electric sunroof. The inclusion of automatic climate control and a wireless charging pad further enhances the premium feel of the cabin.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Exter makes excellent use of interior space. Clever packaging means there’s ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The boot space, while not class-leading at 391 liters, is practical and easily accessible, with 60:40 split rear seats for added versatility.
Powertrains: Performance Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter offers a choice of powertrains that cater to different driving preferences and needs. The petrol lineup includes a 1.2-liter Kappa engine that produces 83 PS of power and 114 Nm of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for those who prefer a clutch-less driving experience.
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG variant. This bi-fuel option, while slightly less powerful at 69 PS, offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers or those in areas with good CNG infrastructure.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit of the Exter, with Hyundai claiming figures of up to 19.4 km/l for the petrol manual variant and an impressive 27.1 km/kg for the CNG version. These numbers put the Exter among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, a crucial factor for cost-conscious Indian buyers.
Ride and Handling: Balancing Comfort and Dynamics
The Hyundai Exter builds on the company’s reputation for creating vehicles with engaging driving dynamics. The suspension setup has been finely tuned to provide an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling prowess.
MacPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear work in harmony to soak up road imperfections while maintaining composure during spirited driving.
In urban environments, where the Exter is likely to spend much of its time, the compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it a joy to maneuver. Parking in tight spaces or navigating through congested streets becomes a breeze, thanks to its excellent visibility and responsive steering.
On the highway, the Exter feels planted and confident. The well-tuned suspension does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections without compromising stability at higher speeds. The strong mid-range torque ensures effortless overtaking maneuvers, making long-distance journeys less tiring.
Safety: Setting New Standards
In an era where safety has become a key consideration for car buyers, the Hyundai Exter doesn’t disappoint. Hyundai has equipped the SUV with a comprehensive suite of safety features, many of which are standard across the range.
All variants come with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher trims add features like side and curtain airbags, bringing the total airbag count to six – a segment-first feature.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) are also available on select variants, providing an extra layer of safety and driver assistance.
The Exter’s body structure has been engineered to provide excellent crash protection. The use of high-strength steel in key areas enhances occupant safety in the event of a collision.
These safety credentials are further bolstered by the vehicle’s impressive ground clearance of 185mm, which not only aids in tackling rough roads but also provides a commanding view of the surroundings.
Technology: A Connected SUV for the Digital Age
The Hyundai Exter is packed with cutting-edge technology that enhances both convenience and entertainment. The aforementioned 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is powered by Hyundai’s latest BlueLink connected car technology.
This system not only provides navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information but also enables over-the-air updates, ensuring that the Exter can receive new features and improvements long after purchase.
A dedicated smartphone app allows owners to remotely monitor their vehicle’s status, control certain functions, and even receive real-time alerts. This level of connectivity is increasingly becoming a must-have feature for tech-savvy buyers.
Other notable tech features include a dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear), a first-in-segment feature that can be useful for recording journeys or as evidence in case of incidents.
The inclusion of features like cruise control, automatic headlamps, and a tire pressure monitoring system further enhances the Exter’s appeal as a tech-savvy choice in its segment.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
The Hyundai Exter enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like the Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and Citroen C3. However, Hyundai has positioned the Exter as a premium offering within this space, targeting buyers who are looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on features or performance.
With its combination of striking design, advanced safety features, and premium interiors, the Exter makes a strong case for itself. The inclusion of segment-first features like six airbags, a dashcam, and a voice-enabled sunroof gives it a unique selling proposition in a crowded market.
Pricing is competitive, with the base model starting at ₹6.20 Lakh and going up to ₹10.50 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end variant. This pricing strategy allows Hyundai to cater to a wide range of buyers, from those looking for a value-for-money compact SUV to those willing to splurge for a feature-loaded premium offering.
Hyundai Exter : A Worthy Contender in the Compact SUV Arena
The Hyundai Exter represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the compact SUV segment. It successfully combines the practicality and efficiency expected from a vehicle in this class with features and technologies typically found in larger, more expensive SUVs.
With its striking design, efficient yet peppy engines, comprehensive safety features, and tech-laden interior, the Exter makes a compelling case for itself in a highly competitive market.
It’s not just another compact SUV; it’s a statement of intent from Hyundai, showcasing their ability to create world-class vehicles that cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
As the automotive landscape continues to shift towards more feature-rich, connected, and safer vehicles, the Hyundai Exter stands as a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to staying at the forefront of these trends.
Whether you’re a young professional looking for a stylish urban runabout, a small family in need of a versatile and safe vehicle, or an enthusiast seeking a tech-savvy compact SUV, the Hyundai Exter offers something for everyone.
In the end, the Exter is more than just another entry in the compact SUV segment; it’s a bold step into the future of Indian mobility, setting new benchmarks and raising expectations in its class.
As it continues to make its mark on Indian roads in 2025 and beyond, the Hyundai Exter is poised to redefine what buyers can expect from a compact SUV, challenging established players and potentially reshaping the segment as we know it.