Hyundai Exter

In a landscape dominated by SUV giants like the Land Cruiser and Range Rover, Hyundai aims to democratize the SUV experience for the Indian audience with the introduction of the Exter. This isn’t just another SUV; it’s an embodiment of the consumer’s aspiration for a high-riding experience without the bulk or the exorbitant price tag. As the Korean automaker’s inaugural foray into the micro-SUV realm—until now monopolized by the Tata Punch—the Exter raises both curiosity and expectations. Will it redefine the segment or merely be a blip in the extensive world of SUVs? This in-depth review seeks to unravel that very question.

Design and Styling

In the quest to forge a fresh identity in a sea of me-too SUVs, the Exter cleverly harks back to the quintessential ruggedness of old-school SUVs while embracing contemporary design cues. What you get is a vehicle that stands tall with its boxy silhouette, but surprises with intricate details. The parametric grille isn’t just any grille; it’s a statement finished in high-gloss black, setting the tone for what lies ahead. As for the H-shaped DRLs, they introduce a character that is instantaneously recognizable even from a distance. And let’s not forget the divisive but intriguing faux skid plates. While the purists might roll their eyes at the faux rivets, it’s an attempt, albeit superficial, to infuse the Exter with a more rugged demeanor. The color options deserve a shoutout too. Opt for the Ranger khaki combined with an abyss black roof, and you won’t just be driving; you’ll be making a statement.

Interior and Features

As you step into its cabin, the ambiance reflects a certain democratic luxury. You’re greeted with an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-built navigation. And who would’ve expected Ambient Sounds of Nature in a micro-SUV? Well, the Exter offers seven acoustic profiles to elevate your driving experience. In terms of customization, you can choose from an array of seat, trim, and piping colors. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob don’t just look good; they feel premium to the touch. Hyundai’s Bluelink technology, offering more than 60 connected features, stands as a cherry on this already loaded cake.

Safety

The Exter takes safety seriously, offering dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. The top-trim levels up the safety game with side and curtain airbags, hill-start assist, and a dashcam, a unique feature that stands out in this segment. However, the absence of advanced driver assistance systems like lane-keep assist is noticeable.

Engine and Performance

In a vehicle category where engine performance often takes a back seat to affordability and practicality, the Hyundai Exter aims to dispel such conventional wisdom. Under its hood lies a 1.2 litre petrol engine that churns out 82 bhp and 113 Nm. You won’t mistake it for a high-performance beast, but it’s more than competent to handle city commuting and occasional highway sprints. The throttle response is calibrated to provide just the right balance between economic fuel consumption and brisk acceleration. Even in stop-and-go traffic, the engine seldom feels strained or underpowered, ensuring you never feel out of your depth even when surrounded by larger, more powerful vehicles.

While the raw power figures may not give bigger SUVs sleepless nights, the Exter’s engine architecture is thoughtfully designed for optimal weight distribution and efficiency. From quick overtakes to hill climbs, the Exter performs admirably, asking you to re-evaluate what you can expect from a vehicle in this segment. Fuel efficiency is another area where this vehicle punches above its weight, offering wallet-friendly mileage figures that will leave you pleasantly surprised. In essence, the Exter's engine is the little engine that could, making no compromises in delivering a performance that’s both robust and economical.

Ride and Handling

One of the most understated yet crucial aspects of any vehicle is its ride and handling, and the Exter excels in this domain. It may have the stance of an SUV, but its on-road behavior is more in line with a well-engineered compact car. Steering is light but precise, offering enough feedback to make you feel in control without tiring you out on longer journeys. The vehicle’s suspension setup, which has been localized to suit Indian road conditions, does a commendable job of ironing out most bumps and potholes, delivering a ride quality that could put some more expensive vehicles to shame.

Cornering in the Exter is also surprisingly agile, thanks to its well-tuned chassis and short wheelbase. You might start looking for excuses to make U-turns just to experience its nimbleness. Hyundai has even managed to minimize body roll to a negligible degree, ensuring the Exter stays composed even when navigating through tight turns or undulating roads. The braking system, equipped with essential safety features, responds intuitively to varying degrees of pedal pressure, ensuring you always feel secure, whether you’re halting for a pedestrian or coming to a sudden stop on the highway.

Pricing

The Exter is priced competitively, starting at Rs 5.99 lakh and going all the way up to Rs 9.06 lakh for the top-of-the line variant. Despite this, its extensive list of standard equipment makes even the base model a compelling option.

Which Variant to Buy?

If you’re budget-conscious but don’t want to skimp on essential features, the mid-tier variant strikes a fine balance. For those willing to splurge for additional bells and whistles like the dashcam and Bluelink technology, the top-end variant is the way to go.

Competition

The primary rival for the Exter is undoubtedly the Tata Punch. While Tata offers a robust build and more straightforward design, the Exter edges ahead with its features, customization options, and Hyundai’s reliable after-sales service. Hyundai’s Exter fills a crucial gap in the micro-SUV segment, offering an enticing mix of design, features, and affordability. While it may not be the game-changer in the segment, it is a worthy contender that holds its ground impressively. For those looking to step into the SUV world without breaking the bank, the Exter offers a compelling option.