Hyundai's next big launch for India, the Exter micro SUV, has been seen in production spec. While a global debut and market launch in India is still some time away, these spy shots, which seem to have been clicked in Korea, give us a clear look at the upcoming Exter's design.
- Hyundai Exter gets fresh styling cues
- Has an upright SUV-like bodyshell
- Looks production-ready from spy shots
Hyundai Exter micro SUV exterior design details
While the Exter shares its underpinnings with the Grand i10 Nios, the styling is completely different with a flat bonnet and nose with a three-tier design. On the top, the indicator lights placed at each corner are connected with a black strip, which could have a connected LED in some variants. These lights get H-patterned looks for their LED daytime running lamps, which will be seen on more Hyundai SUVs in future like the Santa Fe and the Creta facelift for India.
The contrast black grille is wide and sits right at the centre and has the square headlamps positioned inside the grille enclosure. The headlamps seem to have projector units and could get LED lights for higher variants. The third layer upfront consists of the chin and additional cladding, which is finished in matte black to add to the Exter's SUV looks.
On the sides, the Exter gets round and slightly flared wheel arches with thick cladding across the length, adding to the SUV's squarish look. Both front and rear doors seem to be big in order to facilitate easy ingress and egress, and the glasshouse seems to have been kept simple with large windows all around. The Exter seen in these spy shots gets stylish dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, and contrast matte black finish on the A and B pillars and aft of the C pillar, which sort of gives a connected look to the rear glass.
The Exter's tailgate is upright with the rear glass tilted at a very slight angle. It gets a shark fin antenna and a small built-in spoiler positioned right above the rear glass; the rear bumper is tall and flat and again gets the dual-tone finish mixed with body colour and matte-black.
The tail-lamps look quite similar to the Grand i10 Nios but are more angular and connected with a contrast black panel, similar to the current Hyundai Venue. Hyundai's new 2D logo takes centre stage on this black panel. The license plate enclosure is positioned between this panel and the rear bumper.
Meanwhile, the tail-lamps also seem to get an H pattern for their LED parking lamps, higher variants could get the connected LED strip between the tail-lamps.
Hyundai Exter micro SUV powertrain details
The entry-level engine option for the Exter will be the same 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol as the Venue, Grand i10 Nios and Aura. Hyundai could add a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol at a later stage. The Exter will also get a factory CNG option and there are talks of an all-electric variant as well that will join the line-up in future.
Hyundai Exter micro SUV India launch details
Sources tell us that the Exter will go into series production sometime in early July this year and a market launch can be expected at the start of the festive season, sometime in August 2023. Upon launch, it will rival the likes of the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3 in the Indian market.
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Hyundai Creta N Line to join Creta facelift in India next year