Hyundai Exter Review: The Budget Micro SUV Packed With Premium Features

Imagine getting SUV-like presence, premium cabin features, and robust safety tech without breaking the bank. Hyundai makes this a reality with the Exter, a micro SUV redefining value in India’s competitive compact car segment. Launched in mid-2023, the Exter targets young urban drivers and families seeking style, space, and substance at hatchback prices starting just under ₹6 lakh. Combining Hyundai’s signature design flair with segment-first features, it challenges rivals like Tata Punch and Citroen C3.

Bold Design, Spacious Cabin and a Large Boot

The Hyundai Exter’s upright stance, squared-off wheel arches, and rugged cladding give it a mini-SUV character that stands out in city traffic. Its parametric jewel-pattern LED DRLs and cascading grille echo Hyundai’s global design language. Inside, the cabin surprises with generous headroom and legroom across both rows. Despite its compact footprint, the Exter offers a best-in-class 391-liter boot—large enough for four travel suitcases or weekly groceries. Practical touches like rear AC vents, multiple storage cubbies, and adjustable headrests enhance everyday usability. As automotive expert Siddharth Vinayak Patankar notes, “Hyundai has mastered packaging—the Exter feels roomier than its dimensions suggest”.

Petrol and CNG Options with Impressive Mileage

Under the hood, the Exter features a responsive 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine generating 82bhp and 113.8Nm torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an intuitive Smart Auto AMT gearbox, which adds paddle shifters for manual control. For cost-conscious drivers, Hyundai offers a factory-fitted CNG variant delivering an ARAI-certified 27.1 km/kg—among the highest in its class. Real-world users report 18-20 km/l in petrol and 22-24 km/kg in CNG under mixed conditions. The CNG model uses a reinforced cylinder placement that preserves 85% of the boot space, a clever engineering solution verified in Hyundai’s Chennai R&D center.

Loaded With Technology and Convenience Features

Hyundai packs the Exter with features typically reserved for pricier segments:

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Digital Instrument Cluster displaying real-time mileage and trip data
• Wireless Charger and multiple USB ports
• Cruise Control for highway driving
• Voice Commands for climate/audio controls
• Rear AC Vents and adjustable rear headrests

Higher variants add premium touches like automatic climate control, push-button start, and electric sunroof—rare under ₹10 lakh. The cabin uses dual-tone upholstery with contrast stitching, minimizing hard plastics for a premium feel.

Safety First: Exter Doesn’t Compromise

Safety is a standout priority. All Exter variants include:

• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Rear parking sensors
• Seatbelt reminders

Top SX(O) variants add four more airbags (six total), electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), and hill-start assist. The rigid body structure scored 3 stars in Global NCAP tests—impressive for this segment. Hyundai’s commitment is evident: “We engineered the Exter to meet global safety benchmarks,” confirmed COO Tarun Garg in a 2024 interview (Autocar India).

Pricing That Fits Every Budget

Hyundai strategically priced the Exter between ₹6.21 lakh and ₹10.51 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions it as:

• CNG Manual: ₹8.30–8.93 lakh
• Petrol AMT: ₹8.26–10.10 lakh
• Top SX(O): ₹9.43–10.51 lakh

Compared to rivals, the Exter undercuts the Tata Punch by ₹20,000–₹50,000 while offering more features. Dealerships report strong demand, with waiting periods extending to 6 weeks for CNG models.

The Hyundai Exter proves you don’t need a massive budget to enjoy SUV styling, premium tech, and rigorous safety. Offering class-leading space, dual fuel options, and features punching above its weight, it’s the smart choice for value-driven Indian buyers. Visit your nearest Hyundai dealership for a test drive today—this micro SUV might just exceed your expectations.

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Must Know

What is the boot space of Hyundai Exter?
The Exter offers 391 liters of boot capacity—best in its segment. This expands further with 60:40 split rear seats. Even the CNG variant retains 85% of this space thanks to Hyundai’s optimized cylinder placement.

Does Hyundai Exter have an automatic transmission?
Yes! The Exter comes with a Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) featuring paddle shifters. It’s available across mid and top variants, balancing convenience and fuel efficiency.

Is Hyundai Exter safe?
Absolutely. All variants include dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, and seatbelt reminders. Top trims add six airbags, ESC, hill-assist, and reinforced body structure validated by its 3-star Global NCAP rating.

What is the mileage of Hyundai Exter CNG?
Hyundai claims 27.1 km/kg for the CNG variant. Real-world users report 22–24 km/kg in mixed driving—making it one of India’s most fuel-efficient compact SUVs.

Does Hyundai Exter have a sunroof?
Yes, an electric sunroof is standard in the top SX(O) Connect variant. It’s a segment-first feature at this price point.