The South Korean automobile manufacturer, Hyundai Motor India, has witnessed a remarkable success story with its recently launched micro-SUV, the Hyundai Exter. In just over two months since its initial unveiling on May 8, the Exter has surpassed the impressive milestone of 10,000 unit bookings, demonstrating its popularity among Indian consumers. Priced competitively and equipped with attractive features, the Exter has emerged as a strong contender in the highly competitive micro-SUV segment, on track to dethrone the long-standing segment champion, the Tata Punch.
Positioned as an entry-level SUV that sits below the sub-compact SUV Venue, the Hyundai Exter combines the compactness of a hatchback with raised ground clearance and rugged styling elements. Its exterior design features faux skid plates at the front and rear, and thick body cladding over the wheel arches, creating an impression of strength and dynamism. The Exter’s distinctive split headlamp setup with H-shaped daytime running LEDs and LED projectors adds to its modern appeal.
On the inside, the Exter features a modernly designed cabin. Hyundai offers three interior layouts – Light Grey, Cosmic Blue, and Light Seige – allowing customers to choose a style that suits their preferences. The dashboard design draws inspiration from its highly successful hatchback sibling, the Grand i10 Nios, incorporating a fully digital instrument console, rounded AC vents, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control panel, and a center console reminiscent of the Grand i10 Nios. The inclusion of a push start-stop button, height-adjustable driver’s seat, single-pane sunroof (a segment-first feature), wireless charger, cooled glovebox, rear AC vents, and paddle shifters further enhance the Exter’s appeal.
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Hyundai has left no stone unturned in equipping the Exter with a host of safety features. The micro-SUV boasts a comprehensive set of safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, a rear camera, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist, ensuring the safety of occupants in various driving conditions. Additionally, the top-spec SX(O) Connect variant offers Hyundai’s suite of connected car features, enabling seamless connectivity and convenience for tech-savvy consumers.
Under the bonnet, the Hyundai Exter is powered by a reliable 1.2-liter four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Customers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. This engine generates 83 PS of maximum power and 113.8 Nm of torque. For those looking for an eco-friendly option, the Exter also offers a CNG variant, delivering 69 PS of power and 95.2 Nm of torque when operating on CNG mode. This versatility ensures that customers have a wide range of options to suit their individual needs.
To cater to the diverse preferences of customers, the Hyundai Exter is available in nine captivating color options, including Atlas White, Cosmic Blue, Fiery Red, Ranger Khaki, Starry Night, Titan Grey, Atlas Black with Abyss Black, Cosmic Blue with Abyss Black, and Ranger Khaki with Abyss Black. In terms of pricing, the Exter starts at Rs. 5,99,900 (ex-showroom) for the base EX variant, with the top-of-the-line SX(O) Connect variant priced at Rs. 9,31,990 (ex-showroom).
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