Please Don’t Buy New Hyundai Exter Before Knowing This Positive and Negative (10 Pros & 10 Cons)

The Hyundai Exter, a new sub-4 metre SUV, made its debut in the Indian market in July 2023. This stylish vehicle is based on the Hyundai AX1 concept and aims to compete with popular models like the Tata Punch, Citroen C3, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and Mahindra KUV100. With a price range starting from Rs. 5.99 lakh to Rs. 10.10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Exter comes equipped with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating 83 PS and 114 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Additionally, the Exter also offers a CNG option with the same engine, delivering 69 PS and 95 Nm of torque. Here we are covering 10 Positive Points and 10 Negative Points of Newly Launch Hyundai Exter in Detail.

Hyundai Exter Positive (Pros)

1. Unique and Distinctive Design

The Hyundai Exter stands out with its unique and distinctive design. Its front fascia features a large hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, sleek projector headlamps, and eye-catching H-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that extend to the bumper. The side profile includes black cladding, roof rails, dual-tone alloy wheels, and body-colored ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, contributing to its sporty and rugged appeal. At the rear, the H-shaped LED tail-lamps, roof spoiler, faux skid plate, and chrome strip on the tailgate further enhance its distinctive styling.

2. Smooth and Refined Engine

Powering the Exter is a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine with four cylinders and dual variable valve timing (VTVT). This refined engine is known for its smooth performance, low noise levels, and linear power delivery. Whether maneuvering through city traffic or cruising on highways, the Exter’s engine offers good drivability and satisfactory fuel efficiency. With a claimed fuel efficiency of 20 kmpl for the manual variant and 19 kmpl for the AMT variant, it also provides an economical driving experience. Furthermore, the CNG option enhances fuel economy, offering an impressive 26 km/kg.

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3. Comfortable Ride and Handling

Equipped with a well-tuned suspension comprising McPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam at the rear, the Exter offers a comfortable ride over varied road conditions. It effectively absorbs bumps and potholes, providing a smooth driving experience. Additionally, the Exter exhibits acceptable high-speed stability, making it a confident performer on the highways. Its light and responsive steering ensure easy maneuverability in tight spaces, though more feedback at higher speeds would be welcome.

4. Impressive Build Quality and Interior Finishing

Hyundai has maintained its reputation for delivering quality vehicles with the Exter. The car boasts a solid build quality, precise fit-and-finish, and well-aligned body panels. Inside the cabin, soft-touch materials adorn the dashboard, door pads, and steering wheel, exuding a premium feel. The tactile and durable switches, knobs, buttons, and levers add to the overall sense of quality. Depending on the variant, the seats come upholstered in fabric or leatherette, further elevating the premium experience.

5. Spacious and Comfortable Interiors

The Hyundai Exter offers a spacious cabin, accommodating up to five passengers comfortably. The front seats are supportive and provide ample adjustability, including height, reach, and recline options. Meanwhile, the rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, creating a pleasant environment for passengers. The rear seat backrest can be reclined for enhanced comfort, and the Exter features various storage spaces within the cabin, adding to its practicality.

6. Large Boot Space

The Exter boasts an accommodating 391-litre boot space, one of the largest in its segment. This generous space allows for the easy storage of two large suitcases or four medium-sized bags. The flat floor, wide opening, and low loading lip enhance convenience when loading and unloading luggage. For additional cargo space, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split ratio.

7. Extensive Features List

The Exter comes equipped with a plethora of features, making it one of the most feature-rich cars in its segment. Some noteworthy features include:

• A sunroof that enhances the cabin’s airy feel and adds a touch of luxury.
• Keyless entry and go for convenient access and starting of the vehicle.
• A dashcam with dual cameras, recording the front and rear view and saving footage on a microSD card for added safety.
• Auto headlamps that adjust automatically to ambient light conditions.
• Cruise control for maintaining a set speed on highways.
• Paddle shifters for manual gear changes via steering-mounted levers.
• Connected car features (BlueLink) enabling remote access to various functions through a smartphone app or smartwatch.
• Wireless charger for cable-free smartphone charging.
• Rear A/C vents to provide better cooling for rear passengers.
• Multi-lingual voice commands for controlling various functions using voice inputs in English or Hindi.

8. Comprehensive Safety Package

The Exter prioritizes safety with its extensive safety package, including:

• Six airbags, offering protection to occupants in case of a collision.
• Three-point seatbelts for all five occupants, ensuring maximum safety during drives.
• ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure installation of child seats.
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) for enhanced braking control.
• Electronic stability control (ESC) with vehicle stability management (VSM) for added stability while driving.
• Hill-hold assist for preventing rollbacks during uphill starts.
• Rear parking sensors and camera with dynamic guidelines for convenient parking.
• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for monitoring tire pressure and enhancing safety.
• Emergency stop signal (ESS) for alerting other drivers during emergency braking.
• SOS call button on the IRVM for seeking help in case of emergencies.
• Impact sensing door unlock and speed sensing door lock for added security.
• Immobilizer and central locking for anti-theft protection.

9. Wide Service Network and Extended Warranty

Hyundai’s extensive service network, covering over 1,300 cities and towns in India, provides peace of mind to Exter owners with easy access to service centers. Additionally, Hyundai offers various service schemes, such as free roadside assistance for three years, a three-year/1 lakh km standard warranty, and an extended warranty of up to seven years/1.5 lakh km, among others. This commitment to after-sales service ensures customer satisfaction throughout the ownership experience.

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10. Competitive Pricing

Hyundai has positioned the Exter as a competitively-priced offering, making it an attractive option in its segment. With its array of features, spacious cabin, and impressive build quality, the Exter provides good value for money. This makes it an appealing choice for buyers looking to enter the SUV segment or upgrade from a hatchback.

Hyundai Exter Negative (Cons)

1. Bold Styling May Not Appeal to All

While the Exter’s bold and edgy styling sets it apart, it may not resonate with every buyer’s taste. The car’s busy design, including cuts and creases on the body, might be polarizing for some. Additionally, the unconventional H-shaped LED DRLs and tail-lamps might not suit everyone’s preference, leading some buyers to prefer the elegance and simplicity of competitors like the Tata Punch and Citroen C3.

2. Limited Presence and Small Size

Despite its unique styling, the Exter may not necessarily turn heads as its diminutive size and sub-4 metre dimensions might not exude the road presence of larger SUVs. Buyers who prefer a more imposing vehicle might find the Exter’s compact proportions underwhelming.

3. No Diesel Engine Option and Average Petrol Performance

The lack of a diesel engine option might disappoint buyers who prioritize higher torque and fuel efficiency. The petrol engine, while adequate for city driving, may feel underpowered for spirited driving or highway overtaking. The absence of a turbocharger or direct injection system could be a limiting factor in performance.

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4. Jerky AMT Gearbox

The optional AMT gearbox, though convenient for automatic driving, might not deliver the smoothest and most refined experience. Some buyers may find the jerky and slow responses during gear changes or sudden accelerations less desirable. A lack of a manual mode or tiptronic function further limits driver engagement.

5. Rear Seat Comfort Features Missing

While the rear seat is spacious, it lacks under-thigh support and adjustable headrests, potentially affecting passenger comfort during long journeys. The middle passenger also receives a lap belt instead of a three-point seatbelt, which might be less secure and less comfortable.

6. Limited Rear Visibility

The Exter’s rear visibility is hindered by its small rear windshield and thick C-pillars, leading to reduced visibility of traffic behind the vehicle. While the rear parking sensors and camera help with reversing, the limited rear visibility might be a concern for some drivers.

7. Lack of Touchscreen Infotainment System in Lower Variants

The absence of a touchscreen infotainment system and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity in lower variants might disappoint buyers seeking seamless smartphone integration. While the Exter has digital instrument cluster displays and an 8-inch floating display, they are not touch-sensitive and can only be controlled using buttons or voice commands.

8. Missing Automatic Climate Control and Rear Defogger in Lower Variants

Buyers might miss the convenience of automatic climate control for maintaining an optimal cabin temperature. Additionally, the lack of a rear defogger could be a drawback, particularly during foggy weather conditions.

9. No Alloy Wheels and LED Headlamps in Lower Variants

The absence of alloy wheels and LED headlamps in lower variants might not align with the aspirations of some buyers. These features are typically sought after for their aesthetic appeal and improved performance.

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10. Limited Color Options and Long Waiting Period

The Exter offers a limited range of single-tone colors, and the absence of dual-tone or metallic options might not appeal to buyers seeking more vibrant choices. Furthermore, the high demand and low supply have led to long waiting periods, potentially frustrating buyers who desire a quicker delivery.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter is a well-positioned sub-4 metre SUV, catering to the preferences of young and urban buyers seeking style, space, and comfort. Its unique design, refined engine, spacious interiors, and extensive features make it a compelling choice in its segment. However, some buyers might find certain design elements and features less appealing, and the absence of a diesel engine and certain comfort features might be a drawback for a few. Nevertheless, with competitive pricing and Hyundai’s reliable service network, the Exter remains a noteworthy contender for those stepping into the world of SUVs.

FAQs

1. How much does the Hyundai Exter cost?

The Hyundai Exter is priced competitively, with variants ranging from Rs. 5.99 lakh to Rs. 10.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. What engine options are available in the Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as its sole powertrain option. There is also a CNG variant available with the same engine.

3. Does the Hyundai Exter offer an automatic transmission?

Yes, the Hyundai Exter offers a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) as an option for those preferring automatic driving.

4. What safety features does the Hyundai Exter offer?

The Hyundai Exter is equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC with VSM, hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors and camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and more.

5. What is the waiting period for the Hyundai Exter?

Due to its popularity and limited supply, the waiting period for the Hyundai Exter may range from two to six months, depending on the variant, color, and location.