The grand success of the Tata Punch has Hyundai eyeing what can be recognized as a relatively new and unique segment. The result: a new Hyundai compact SUV named ‘Exter’ has been engineered, and the teasers of its silhouette and front fascia were released last month. Expected to hit the market in August 2023, the Hyundai Exter will be built for India and exported overseas as well. Here is everything you need to know about the Hyundai Exter.
Hyundai Exter: Design
Expected to measure around 3.8 metres in length, the Exter will share its platform with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. However, it will have a higher ground clearance and a retuned suspension. The teasers show that the Hyundai Exter sports a unique front-end design that significantly differs from all other Hyundai cars in India. Based on the brand’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the Exter sports a split headlamp set-up with new H-shaped LED DRLs enclosed by a dark strip that, unlike popular trends, is not a full-width light bar. Moreover, the upright front bumper has a blackened grille stretching the entire width of the bumper and houses the squarish headlamps. There is also a faux silver skid plate, flared wheel arches, and a window line that looks like that of the Hyundai Venue. In many ways, the Exter will be a baby Venue, the same way the Venue was the baby Creta.
Hyundai Exter: Powertrains
Even mechanically, things will be similar to the Grand i10 Nios. The Hyundai Exter will feature the tried and trusted 83 hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, Venue, and i20. The transmission options are likely to be a 5-speed manual gearbox and AMT.
However, unlike the Grand i10 Nios, the Exter is also expected to get a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which was discontinued from the Grand i10 Nios lineup recently. This will give the Exter an edge over the Tata Punch. Moreover, a factory-fitted CNG kit can be expected to join the line-up later and there is a possibility of an all-electric version in the future.
Hyundai Exter: Price, Launch, Rivals
Hyundai is expected to price the Exter at a slight premium over the Grand i10 Nios which comes at Rs 5.73 lakh-8.51 lakh (ex-showroom). The Korean compact SUV is expected to enter production by July and launched by August. Though the Hyundai Exter is aimed squarely at the likes of the Tata Punch, for its expected price it will also rival the Maruti Ignis and Citroen C3.
