In the rapidly evolving Indian automobile market, Hyundai has once again proven its expertise by introducing the Hyundai Exter, a stylish and feature-packed micro SUV designed specifically for young, urban, and adventurous buyers. With the SUV craze at its peak and compact cars being the heart of India’s passenger vehicle segment, the Exter fits perfectly as a smart, affordable, and trendy option.
Launched as a competitor in the micro SUV category, the Hyundai Exter is not just about affordability—it’s about style, comfort, technology, and safety wrapped in a compact body. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Hyundai Exter—its design, features, engine, performance, safety, pricing, and why it could be your next perfect city car.
Introduction to Hyundai Exter
The Hyundai Exter was launched in 2023 as Hyundai’s entry into the growing micro SUV segment. Positioned below the Venue, the Exter is a smart, compact SUV designed for modern Indian families, millennials, and first-time car buyers who want SUV styling without the higher price tag.
Built on Hyundai’s K1 platform (shared with the Grand i10 Nios and Aura), the Exter is crafted to balance compact size for urban driving with SUV-like road presence. Its stylish design, modern features, and safety equipment make it a direct rival to cars like the Tata Punch, Citroën C3, and Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
Hyundai Exter Design – Bold, Boxy, and Modern
Hyundai has given the Exter a bold SUV-inspired design language. Unlike hatchbacks or compact sedans, the Exter immediately grabs attention with its boxy stance and high ground clearance.
- Front Profile: The front features a unique H-shaped LED DRL signature with projector headlamps placed in a square housing. The wide grille with a parametric pattern gives it a strong identity.
- Side Profile: Black cladding, roof rails, and squared wheel arches add a rugged appeal. Its upright stance ensures a proper SUV-like vibe.
- Rear Profile: The tailgate carries H-shaped LED elements on the taillamps, a sporty bumper, and a skid plate.
The overall design is youthful, boxy, and in sync with current SUV trends, making the Hyundai Exter a head-turner on Indian roads.
Dimensions and Road Presence
Even though the Exter is a micro SUV, Hyundai has managed to design it smartly for maximum space and presence.
- Length: 3815 mm
- Width: 1710 mm
- Height: 1631 mm
- Wheelbase: 2450 mm
- Ground Clearance: 185 mm (approx.)
The Exter’s high ground clearance ensures smooth rides over rough patches, speed breakers, and uneven Indian roads. Its compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver in crowded cities, while still offering SUV-like confidence.
Hyundai Exter Interior – Premium Yet Practical
Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and you’ll notice that it doesn’t feel like an entry-level SUV. Hyundai has packed it with premium touches and practical elements.
- Dashboard & Layout: Inspired by the Grand i10 Nios, but with unique color accents. The dashboard looks modern, with a floating touchscreen at the center.
- Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluelink-connected car tech (with over 60 features).
- Instrument Cluster: A 4.2-inch digital display with multiple themes, giving it a modern look.
- Seating & Space: Comfortable seats with good cushioning and headroom. Despite being compact, rear-seat legroom is decent.
- Boot Space: 391 liters, which is best-in-segment and very practical for weekend getaways.
The interior design is youthful yet practical, perfectly balancing style with everyday usability.
Features That Make Hyundai Exter Stand Out
Hyundai has always been known for feature-rich cars, and the Exter doesn’t disappoint.
Key Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity
- Bluelink with 60+ connected car features
- Wireless charging
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Voice recognition (with support for regional languages)
- Electric sunroof (a segment-first)
- Cooled glove box
- Rear AC vents
- Dashcam with dual cameras (another segment-first)
The addition of a sunroof and dashcam sets the Exter apart from its rivals, making it extremely appealing for tech-savvy youngsters.
Engine and Performance
The Hyundai Exter is available with both petrol and CNG options.
Petrol Engine:
- 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine
- Power: 83 PS
- Torque: 114 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual / 5-speed AMT
CNG Option:
- Same 1.2-liter engine tuned for CNG
- Power: 69 PS
- Torque: 95 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
This engine is already tried and tested in models like the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, known for its refinement and fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Efficiency (ARAI):
- Petrol MT – ~19.4 kmpl
- Petrol AMT – ~19.2 kmpl
- CNG – ~27.1 km/kg
The engine isn’t built for outright performance but for smooth, efficient, and reliable city and highway driving.
Ride and Handling
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Hyundai Exter feels extremely agile in city traffic. The steering is light, making parking and tight turns easy. Suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing potholes and rough patches well.
At highway speeds, the car feels stable, although it’s best driven at moderate speeds given its micro SUV category. Overall, it strikes a fine balance between comfort and drivability.
Safety Features – A Strong Package
One of the most impressive aspects of the Hyundai Exter is its safety package. Hyundai has given priority to occupant safety, making it stand out in its segment.
Safety Features:
- 6 airbags (standard across all variants – a first in the segment)
- ABS with EBD
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
- Hill Assist Control
- Rear parking camera with sensors
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- 3-point seat belts for all passengers
This makes the Exter not only stylish but also one of the safest cars in its class.
Hyundai Exter Variants and Pricing
The Hyundai Exter is offered in multiple trims—EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect—with both manual and AMT gearbox options.
Price Range (Ex-showroom, Delhi):
- Petrol Variants: ₹6 lakh – ₹10 lakh
- CNG Variants: ₹8 lakh – ₹9.5 lakh
This aggressive pricing places the Exter right in the sweet spot for first-time car buyers, small families, and urban commuters looking for a stylish yet affordable SUV.
Competitors of Hyundai Exter
The Hyundai Exter competes directly with:
- Tata Punch
- Citroën C3
- Maruti Suzuki Ignis
- Renault Kiger (entry trims)
- Nissan Magnite (entry trims)
Among these, the Tata Punch is its biggest rival. However, the Exter has the upper hand with segment-first features like a sunroof, dashcam, and 6 airbags as standard.
Why Should You Buy the Hyundai Exter?
If you’re looking for a compact, affordable, and feature-packed SUV for city life and occasional long drives, the Hyundai Exter checks all the boxes.
Reasons to Buy:
- SUV-like design with bold styling
- Feature-loaded interior with sunroof and dashcam
- Best-in-segment safety with 6 airbags standard
- Fuel-efficient petrol and CNG options
- Practical boot space and good ground clearance
- Hyundai’s wide service network and reliability
Final Verdict – Is the Hyundai Exter Worth It?
The Hyundai Exter is not just another hatchback with SUV cladding—it is a well-thought-out micro SUV that combines practicality, safety, and modern features in a compact package. Hyundai has smartly targeted young buyers who want style, tech, and safety without spending a fortune.
With its aggressive pricing, SUV appeal, and segment-leading features, the Exter is a game-changer in the micro SUV space. Whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or a small family looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly ride, the Hyundai Exter could be your perfect match.