Hyundai has introduced the Exter, its smallest and most affordable SUV in the Indian market. The prices start at Rs 5.99 lakh and go up to Rs 9.32 lakh for the top-spec trim (ex-showroom, India).

The automatic variants begin at Rs 7.97 lakh, while the CNG trims start at Rs 8.24 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Exter shares its platform with the Grand i10 Nios and Aura, and it is available in five trims: EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect. Hyundai claims to have received over 11,000 bookings for the Exter, with around 38 percent of them being for the AMT variants and 20 percent for the CNG trims.

Engine
Under the hood, the Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 83hp and 114Nm of torque, similar to other Hyundai models such as the Nios, i20, and Venue. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The CNG variant generates 69hp and 95.2Nm of torque and is available only with a manual gearbox. Fuel economy figures for the Exter are rated at 19.4kmpl for the manual and 19.2kmpl for the AMT. The CNG option offers a superior fuel economy of 27.10kmpl.

Design
The Exter follows Hyundai’s parametric design language, featuring textured detailing on the C-pillar, tailgate garnish, and flared wheel arches. Unique to the Exter is the H-pattern LED treatment for the DRLs and tail lamps. Despite being the smallest SUV in Hyundai’s lineup, the Exter retains typical SUV styling cues, including boxy proportions, thick body cladding, front and rear faux skid plates, and roof rails. Higher-spec trims come with 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and offer dual-tone colour options.

Interiors
Inside, the Exter shares its dashboard design with the Nios and Aura but with an all-black colour scheme. It also features a fully digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch MID. Higher variants receive semi-leatherette seat upholstery in dual-tone black and olive-green shades. However, rear seat passengers do not have an armrest. The Exter boasts several notable features, including a single-pane sunroof and a factory-fitted dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear), making it a segment-first offering. Other features include 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 technology, voice-activated commands in multiple languages, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Safety
In terms of safety, the Exter is equipped with six airbags, ESC, hill assist control, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats, and ISOFIX anchorages. These features come as standard on the SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect trims and can be added as optional extras on the E and S trims.

The Exter competes directly with the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and also faces competition from lower variants of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger in its price range.