India’s love for compact SUVs continues to grow, and Hyundai has answered the demand with a bold new offering the Hyundai Exter. Touted as a premium mini SUV, the Exter blends compact dimensions with luxurious features, smart design, and affordable pricing. Starting at just ₹7 lakh (ex-showroom), it aims to deliver the feel of a premium car at the cost of a hatchback.
In a segment dominated by Maruti Fronx, Tata Punch, and Renault Kiger, the Hyundai Exter is a breath of fresh air offering first-in-segment features and a distinctive design that appeals to young, tech-savvy urban drivers. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Exter a worthy mini SUV under ₹10 lakh.
Bold Design with SUV Appeal
The Hyundai Exter may be compact, but its presence is anything but small. It borrows design cues from Hyundai’s global SUV lineup and offers a stylish, upright stance with signature elements like:
- Parametric front grille with gloss black finish
- H-shaped LED DRLs and projector headlamps
- Dual-tone bumper with silver skid plates
- 17-inch alloy wheels (in higher variants)
- Side cladding and roof rails for added ruggedness
- Unique rear lighting pattern with LED tail lamps
Despite its small footprint, the Exter looks every bit like an SUV. With its high ground clearance and bold lines, it stands tall in traffic while still being easy to park in tight urban spots.
Luxurious Interior with Smart Features
Step inside the Exter and you’ll be surprised by its premium feel. The cabin design is focused on utility and style, featuring:
- Dual-tone dashboard with textured panels
- Large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Digital instrument cluster with MID
- Auto climate control with rear AC vents
- Leatherette seat upholstery in higher variants
- Ambient footwell lighting and electric sunroof
The use of soft-touch materials, chrome accents, and a clean layout enhances the feeling of space and quality. Rear seat space is generous for a car of this size, and it offers boot space of around 391 litres perfect for weekend getaways or city shopping sprees.
Performance and Engine Options
The Exter comes with Hyundai’s trusted and fuel-efficient engines, tailored for city driving and occasional highway cruising. Engine options include:
- 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
- Power: 83 PS
- Torque: 114 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: Up to 19.4 km/l
- 1.2L Bi-Fuel (Petrol + CNG)
- Power: 69 PS
- Mileage: Up to 27 km/kg (CNG)
- Ideal for daily office commutes and low-cost long rides
With these options, Hyundai Exter balances power and economy, giving city drivers the agility they need with fuel savings that matter in today’s economy.
Driving Comfort and Handling
The Exter might be small in size, but it feels well-planted on the road. Its suspension setup is tuned for comfort, making it ideal for daily commutes and urban potholes. Key highlights include:
- High ground clearance (185 mm) for Indian roads
- Smooth steering response with a tight turning radius
- Lightweight build for easy manoeuvrability
- Stable ride quality even with 4-5 passengers onboard
Whether you’re a first-time driver or a daily city commuter, the Exter offers a no-stress, comfortable driving experience.
Segment-First Safety Features
Hyundai has equipped the Exter with best-in-segment safety features, even in the base variant. Standard across all trims:
- 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side & Curtain)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist Control
- Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- Seatbelt reminders for all seats
In higher variants, you also get:
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Dashcam with dual camera (first-in-segment)
- Rear defogger and wiper
These features make the Exter not only stylish but also safe for families and first-time car buyers.
Connected Features and Tech Additions
Hyundai’s BlueLink-connected car technology is also available in the Exter. It includes:
- Remote engine start/stop via smartphone
- Location tracking & geo-fencing
- Voice control for climate, navigation, and calling
- Live vehicle status alerts
The infotainment system also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates and voice command recognition, giving Exter an edge in tech-savvy user experience.
Variants and Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Exter is available in five main variants: EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect, offering both petrol and CNG options.
Expected Price Range (Ex-Showroom):
- EX Petrol MT: ₹6.00 lakh
- S Petrol AMT: ₹7.00 lakh
- SX Petrol MT: ₹7.60 lakh
- SX (O) AMT: ₹8.30 lakh
- SX (O) Connect (Top Variant): ₹8.90 lakh
- S CNG: ₹7.80 lakh
- SX CNG: ₹8.30 lakh
This makes Exter one of the most affordable and feature-rich SUVs in its class.
Ideal Buyer Profile
Hyundai Exter is the perfect choice for:
- First-time car buyers upgrading from hatchbacks
- Students and professionals needing a stylish, city-friendly SUV
- Families looking for a second car with safety and comfort
- CNG lovers who want better range with lower running costs
- Young buyers wanting sunroof, digital cluster, and connected features on a budget
With low maintenance costs and Hyundai’s widespread service network, ownership is stress-free and affordable.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Exter is a compact SUV that punches far above its weight. It brings SUV styling, premium interiors, excellent mileage, and first-in-class safety—all wrapped in a price tag that starts at just ₹7 lakh.
Whether you’re a college-goer, working professional, or budget-conscious family, the Exter delivers big value in a small footprint. It proves that premium features and compact practicality can go hand in hand without burning a hole in your pocket.
