Comparison: Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS

The Hyundai Exter comes at an attractive pricing that puts it right in the midst of most hatchbacks available in India including the Grand i10 NIOS. So, here's how the two cars compare with each other on paper:
Last updated 1 year ago
Hyundai Exter vs Grand i10 NIOS
Last updated 1 year ago

Established in 1996, Korean giant Hyundai managed to crack the Indian auto market, overcoming initial challenges and gaining momentum with its value-driven and feature-rich offerings. Today, it stands as the second largest carmaker in India, trailing only behind Maruti Suzuki and its extensive portfolio of small cars. With the SUV body style skyrocketing in popularity, Hyundai was quick to launch the Creta and the Sonet, the former being the best-selling SUV in its segment. Joining this lineup of compact SUVs is a new mini SUV, the Exter. The Hyundai Exter promises to take on the Tata Punch and offer a true SUV experience at a hatchback price point making it a unique product. 

Interestingly, for a similar price range, Hyundai also offers the Grand i10 NIOS, a capable hatchback. The Exter, in fact, shares the same chassis as the Grand i10 NIOS, and one can even say that the Exter is the SUV version of the Grand i10 NIOS. Although they share the same cabin design and powertrain options, there’s a lot more that differentiates the Exter from the Grand i10 NIOS. To help you make an informed buying decision, we find out how these cars compare on paper.

Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Dimensions 

Dimensions

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Length

3815mm

3815mm

Width 

1710mm

1680mm

Height

1631mm

1520mm

Wheelbase

2450mm

2450mm

Ground Clearance

-

165mm

Boot Space

391 litres

260 litres

Since the Hyundai Exter is a mini SUV, the dimensions are on its side while the Grand i10 Nios trails behind. In terms of similarities, both these cars have the same length and wheelbase at 3815mm and 2450mm. But look past these two numbers, and all you see are dissimilarities. For instance, the Exter is the wider and taller car here at 1710mm and 1631mm. That said, the most important difference happens to be the boot space where the Exter takes the lead with a huge boot measuring 391 litres as opposed to 260 litres of the Grand i10 Nios. What that means is you essentially get over 130 litres of extra boot space, translating to convenience and versatility for various transportation needs. As such, the Exter gets a practical advantage over the i10 NIOS in terms of dimensions. 

Hyundai Exter exterior
Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Engine & Transmission

Parameters

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Engine Options

1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.2-litre CNG engine

1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.2-litre CNG engine

Transmission Options

5-speed MT/AMT

5-speed MT/AMT

Power 

83PS/69PS

83PS/69PS

Torque

113.8Nm/95.2Nm

113.8Nm/95.2Nm

Mileage

19.20kmpl to 26km/kg

20.70kmpl to 28.10km/kg

There’s not much to differentiate between the Exter and the Grand i10 Nios in terms of powertrain options. Both these cars are powered by identical engine and gearbox options. The engine in question is a 1.2-litre petrol unit that is also offered with a CNG option. The petrol version develops 83PS and 113.8Nm of peak torque while the CNG version is rated at a lower 69PS and 95.2Nm of twist. The gearbox options for these include either a 5-speed manual or an AMT for added convenience. The Grand i10 Nios has better fuel economy numbers in contrast here and that is mainly down to the differences in kerb weight. The Exter is the heavier car here without a doubt. 

Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Features & Comfort

Features

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Infotainment system

8-inch infotainment system

8-inch infotainment system

Music system

Yes

Yes

Climate control

Yes

No

Ventilated seats

No

No

Adjustable steering

Yes

Yes

Drive modes

No

No

Instrument cluster

Digital

Digital

Sunroof

Yes

No

Adjustable seats (manual or electric)

Manual

Manual

Rear AC vents

Yes

Yes

60:40 rear seat split

No

No

Cruise control

No

No

Both the Hyundai Exter and the Grand i10 NIOS follow Hyundai’s familiar approach of offering a plethora of interesting features, setting them apart from their rivals. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen unit along with a powerful music system, rear AC vents, climate control and a digital instrument cluster. In addition to these shared features, the Exter offers some additional advantages over the Grand i10 Nios. These include a voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, a dashcam (both segment-first features), connected car tech, and a Home to Car link with Alexa. When it comes to outright comfort and ride quality, the Hyundai Exter is the better option here as it is a high-riding SUV which offers a more sophisticated ride that can tackle bad roads easily with its raised suspension and ground clearance.

hyundai-Exter-interior
Hyundai Exter Interior

Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Safety Features

Features

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

GNCAP Safety Rating

Not Tested

2 stars

Airbags

6

6

ABS with EBD

Yes

Yes

ESC

Yes

Yes

Traction control

No

No

Automatic headlamp 

Yes

Yes

Rain-sensing wipers

No

No

Hill hold assist

Yes

No

Hill descent control

No

No

Rear sensors

Yes

Yes

Rear parking camera

Yes

Yes

ISOFIX Child seat anchor points

Yes

Yes

ADAS

No

No

Crash test authority Global NCAP has tested the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios resulting in a below-average score of 2 stars. The Exter is a novel product and is yet to be tested. But we expect the Exter to fare well since it is a mini SUV, and Hyundai promises to have improved the safety aspect of the car. As for safety features, you get the usual ABS with EBD, ESC, ISOFIX child anchor, rear parking camera and sensors. Over its rivals, both these cars also offer some extra kit such as 6 airbags as standard, and TPMS. The Exter also offers a dashcam, a crucial safety feature often overlooked today. In brief, the Grand i10 Nios is on the back foot here as it misses out on some safety features and has only scored 2 stars on the GNCAP test. The Hyundai Exter offers more when it comes to safety and with all the updates, it is also expected to score higher than the Grand i10 Nios in a crash test.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios interior
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios interior

Hyundai Exter vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Price Comparison

Variants

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Base Variant

Rs 6.00 lakh 

Rs 5.73 lakh

Mid Variants

Rs 7.27 lakh to Rs 7.97 lakh

Rs 7.18 lakh to Rs 7.75 lakh

Upper Mid Variants

Rs 8.00 lakh to Rs 9.42 lakh

Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 8.13 lakh

Top Variant

Rs 10.10 lakh

Rs 8.51 lakh

The Hyundai Exter is priced from Rs 6.00 lakh to Rs 10.10 lakh while the Grand i10 Nios is more affordable with pricing that ranges between Rs 5.73 lakh to Rs 8.51 lakh. Hyundai has managed to price the base version of the Exter competitively making it a stellar value-for-money proposition as opposed to its sibling. The same applies to mid-variants as well. However, moving on to the upper mid and top variants, the price difference is significant enough to take a second look at the Grand i10 Nios. For example, the range-topping variant of the Grand i10 Nios is a full Rs 1 lakh cheaper than the Hyundai Exter. 

Summary

The Hyundai Exter appears to be a highly capable product on paper, ready to take its fight up to the Tata Punch. But with a starting price as low as Rs 6 lakh, it’s also going to cut into the sales of some hatchbacks including Hyundai’s own Grand i10 NIOS. The Exter is for those looking for a car big on space and presence, and offering the most amount of features without compromise. Its distinct styling and impressive boot space are sure to impress anyone searching for a car within a budget of Rs 6-10 lakh. Moreover, the Exter ticks all the right boxes and is powered by a tried and tested engine that delivers satisfying performance and fuel economy to keep you happy in the long run. 

Hyundai Exter Rear

While the Grand i10 NIOS remains a wonderful little hatchback that offers many of the features found in the Exter, it does lack in size, boot space, and some additional features. Ultimately it comes down to the buyer’s preference. If your purpose is a city hatchback that is easy to park and manoeuvre, the Grand i10 NIOS does the job while also providing potential cost savings. But if you want more space, or an aspirational SUV that offers that extra bit of practicality and comfort, the Exter is a clear winner here. Additionally, being a newer product from Hyundai’s stables, the Exter’s freshness may sway your decision.

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