Hyundai has recently revealed the upcoming Exter SUV for the Indian market, and it is set to launch at the end of 2023. The Exter SUV symbolizes outdoor, travel and leisure and draws its inspiration from the natural world, presenting a modern take on the Hyundai SUV life. With versatile experiences, it will fuel customers’ urban and outdoor lifestyle and embody the feeling of freedom and excitement one experiences outside. The Exter will come in five trim options – EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect.
The Exter will be equipped with three powertrain options: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol engine (E20 Fuel Ready) available with 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) and Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), and 1.2-litre Bi-fuel Kappa petrol with CNG engine equipped with 5-speed manual transmission. All powertrains are tuned to deliver consistent performance in diverse conditions and will ensure a delightful driving experience. The Exter will also be available with a factory-fitted CNG kit, similar to the Nios and Aura.
The Exter will get a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the same unit available on the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, i20 and Venue, producing around 83 hp and 114 Nm of torque. The engine will come mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.
Hyundai has followed its Parametric design language, with boxy proportions and an upright stance, and the SUV’s design remains largely unchanged from the model spied overseas. The Exter has a split headlamp set-up with H-patterned LED Daytime Running Lamps, a wide, contrasting black grille, and a prominent chin with a faux silver skid plate. There are round and slightly flared wheel arches with thick cladding across the length, adding to the Exter’s squarish look. The Exter will have dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, a textured finish for the C-pillar, and dual-tone paint options with a floating roof effect.
The Exter’s rear styling has not been revealed yet, but earlier spy shots showed an upright tailgate, a shark fin antenna, and a small built-in spoiler positioned right above the rear glass. The tail-lamps also feature H-patterned LED lighting elements, and the rear bumper is tall and flat, with a dual-tone finish and a prominent skid plate.
The Exter will be positioned below the Venue and will be the brand’s most affordable SUV in India, aimed squarely at the popular Tata Punch and the Citroen C3. Bookings for the Exter have opened for a token amount of Rs 11,000, and Hyundai is expected to announce pricing for the Exter sometime in late July or early August this year.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Exter is a versatile SUV with powertrain options that are tuned to deliver consistent performance in diverse conditions. The Exter’s design language and features reflect an identity that is external and focused on the outside, symbolizing outdoor, travel and leisure. With versatile experiences, the Exter will empower customers and fuel their urban and outdoor lifestyle while embodying the feeling of freedom and excitement that one experiences outside. The Exter is expected to provide customers with a delightful driving experience and is set to be Hyundai’s most affordable SUV in India.