Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter exterior design

The Exter has all the ingredients that lend it an ‘SUV’ flair – a flat bonnet, an elevated stance, muscular wheel arches and 185mm ground clearance. It does look butch with exaggerated haunches and oversized, squared body cladding but the 15-inch alloys look small in proportion. Smart detailing such as H-patterned LED inserts in its daytime running lamps and multi-dimensional gloss black panelling on the front grille, C-pillar and boot add character to its design.

Hyundai Exter interior

The Exter’s interiors is shared with the Nios, which isn’t a bad thing. Fit and finish levels are top-notch, and even though there are hard plastics inside, the quality and tactility of stalks and buttons feel great. However, the single-tone black colour scheme doesn't feel as airy or welcoming. Ergonomics are spot on and even seat comfort is good. Head, knee and foot room is ample in the rear seats, but the cabin is quite narrow, so three adults abreast will be a tight squeeze.

Hyundai Exter features and safety

The Exter is very well-equipped car in its higher-spec trims with features like automatic projector headlamps, keyless entry and go, an 8-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, in-built navigation, connected car tech, voice-activated commands in multiple languages, a sunroof and even a segment-first dashcam. Safety features include six airbags, ESC, hill assist control, three-point seatbelt and seatbelt reminders for all seats.

Hyundai Exter engine, gearbox and performance

The Exter’s 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 83hp and 114Nm on paper. This engine is known for its refinement and smoothness, and factor in its 999kg kerb weight, performance feels more than adequate to keep most owners satisfied. Power delivery is linear but it’s not particularly exciting when you max out the revs. The manual’s clutch is light and shifting the 5-speeder is effortless, with light and positive shifts. The AMT is smooth at part-throttle with the pauses between the shifts barely perceptible, but it doesn’t like to be hurried. Uniquely, the AMT version gets paddle shifters too.

Hyundai Exter ride and handling

The Exter is a high-riding vehicle with a ground clearance of 185mm. It soaks up road shocks and absorbs bumps really nicely and only when you hit sharp potholes will you feel a thud inside. Body movements are well in check and it feels like a stable highway cruiser, and while its steering is light and turning radius is good, it weighs up satisfactorily to give the driver confidence at speeds. The car isn’t a sporty handler, but its handling manners feel rather neutral and predictable.

Hyundai Exter price and verdict

While it’s not quite the SUV Hyundai calls it, the Exter comes across as a fine city car with attitude. It’s interesting to look at, practical inside and is well equipped by segment standards. The easy-to- drive demeanour is a plus. Moreover, with an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 6 lakh-10 lakh, it spells good value. Just don’t expect driving thrills here.