Hyundai Exter: The sub-4 metre SUV space is one of the most hotly contested battleground in the Indian automotive market, and manufacturers are constantly coming up with new products to grab the attention of first-time car buyers as well as urban families looking for SUV-like driving position but without the premium pricing!
One SUV that takes on the challenge is the new Hyundai Exter, a unique offering that Cape Town’s Korean carmaker says that draws on the company’s design and packaging expertise to redefine the genre, at entry level.
Hyundai Exter: Philosophy: There Is a Character in Size
The Exter exterior accomplishes the rare feat in such small proportions, of having visual weight. Its front profile includes Hyundai’s parametric grille design with split headlamp architecture, LED daytime running lights are placed above the main headlamp units.
This gives the E-MEHARI an identity for light, and a much higher vertical centre of gravity, which tends to render the car visually higher and more subjectively compact than the dimensions would suggest.
In profile the Exter has squared-off wheel arches and lots of body cladding to highlight its crossover credentials, while the steeply-rising window line provides some dynamic visual interest.
The optional contrast roof (available in certain shades) creates a floating look that sets the Exter apart from some of its more traditionally styled rivals. Behind, H-pattern taillight details add iconic appeal after dark; the high-mount stop lamp integrated into the roof spoiler and thin LED fog lamps follow suit.
The 185mm of ground clearance resolves a major practical issue for Indian road conditions without giving it an ungainly tiptoe stance.
The 15-inch diamond-cut alloys of upper trims complement (fill) the arches well, aiding to balanced lines that seek not to make the car feel top-heavy as is often the case with small crossovers.
Cabin Experience: Segment Busting Quality Perception
Inside, the Exter achieves a cabin experience that is a good mix of practical functionality and design that you would expect from a car higher up.
The dashboard is tiered, and actually uses some opposing colors and textures for visial interest, without coming off as too busy.
Occupying center stage is an 8-inch infotainment screen that uses a “floating” design that gives the perception of size and blends neatly into the overall interior look.
Cabin materials are selected with care, and soft touch materials are strategically placed where hands are likely to go; textured hard plastics are used where hands likely will not.
The fabric covering is unique in that it is patterned with contrasting stitching, looks more interesting than basic materials usually encountered at this price.
High-end trims will be available with perforated artificial leather that improves both breathing and appearance.
Seating comfort is better than expected for this class, and the front chairs provide good thigh support and acceptable side bolstering.
Three adults can sit in reasonable comfort for short trips on the back bench – and there’s decent headroom, considering how squat the car looks from outside.
And the high seating position that provides the same commanding view as many families crave in SUV-type vehicles, but with the ease of entry and exit for older family members.
A full complement of storage cubbies appears throughout the cabin, including door pockets designed for 1-liter water bottles, a cooled glovebox for beverages, and well-placed cupholders.
A 391-litre boot capacity is relatively generous for the class and a 60:40 split folding rear bench provides space for larger items when required.
Performance and Efficency: Equipped to get the job done.
Powering it under the hood is Hyundai’s reliable 1.2L Kappa petrol engine, with a projected output of around 83hp and 114Nm. Although such figures look humble on paper, they have a different story to tell in the 1000-or-so-kilogram vehicle.
The engine shows good responses pulling cleanly from low revs and has a smooth powerband that builds evenly and doesn’t come on early – an accolade that’s crucial for cars that are likely to be driven by driver’s with less experience.
You are a gearbox short of a manual (the Maruti 800 has a masterpiece of one) and the AMT is promoted as the “Smart Auto”.
Meanwhile, the manual also provides light clutch action and well-cut gates that don’t tire you out during city commutes, but the AMT values convenience and economy higher than shifting speed.
Such a competitive price tag coupled with the option of a factory-fitted CNG variant makes it a ‘no-brainer’ choice for cost-conscious car buyers who have a restricted budget to play with and want the maximum bang for their buck.
Ride quality is nice as it dials in a comfortable settlement over rough ground while keeping everything in check enough when hustled a little more on its side.
The electrically assisted power steering brings a good amount of weight it’s light and easy to manoeuvre while in tight parking spots yet it offers enough feel to please as speeds pick up.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels indicate deliberate design effort, with increased insulating material utilization for less road and wind noise intrusion than previously seen at this price.
Integrated Technology: Connected and Convenient
At the heart of the technology package is Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car system, providing more than 60 features, such as remote engine start/stop, HVAC operation, vehicle proximity notiications and curfew alerts.
This all-encompassing telematics integration marks a major contrast to entry-level SUVs and makes accessible a level of innovation, which has until now only been offered in high-end vehicles.
The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, recognizing that pretty much everybody just wants familiar smartphone integration, rather than in-house interfaces.
Six speakers provide adequate audio quality, and wireless charging (available on higher trims) clears out the cable clutter for compatible devices.
Safety technology is a highlight, with even mid-range versions benefitting from six airbags – above the bare minimum required standard that some rivals continue to stick to.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) come together to provide a cocoon of safety to all occupants, while providing peace of mind for the driver.
The body uses ultra-high-strength steel strategically, providing crash protection without too much extra weight.
Smart Design: City Ready
The Exter backs up its small size – just 3815mm long and 1710mm wide – in crowded urban environments, confidently fitting into every alley and tight parking area you can think of.
With road presence a considerable concern in India where 2-wheelers rule the streets, the high driving position, and the large glass area would reduce the blind spots providing much clearer view in traffics.
Air-conditioning is worth a special mention, as the setup quickly becomes cool even in the heat of our summer.
Dedicated rear vents are provided for the second and third rows to help ensure comfortable travel all the way to third-row seats in the cabin and a premium Micro Poles filter system even cleans the air coming in to protect passengers sitting in the vehicle’s cabin as well as increased air quality.
Hyundai Exter: Position in the Market and Value Proposition
The Exter is pitched as the car that fills in the gap between premium hatchbacks and the larger, established compact SUVs.
With distinctive SUV-like styling, a higher driving position compared with conventional sedan styles, and technology content not typically seen in its price class, it offers a compelling value to younger buyers that are looking for vehicles that fit their aspirational lifestyles, but that don’t break their budget.
In the market with Exter competing against the likes of the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, Hyundai’s USP of build quality and extensive after-service network is surely working in its favour.
The warranty program is the 3-year/unlimited mile cover, though you can be covered for even longer with an extended package for extra peace of mind.
The Hyundai Exter is not just another new arrival in an overcrowded category of vehicles, but an example of how careful consideration and integration of features can combine to produce automobiles greater than the sum of their specifications.
By identifying emotional and practical attributes of SUV-buyers, Hyundai has designed the first vehicle in the compact SUV segment to meet their needs and the result is a product that is well priced, attractive and offers genuine SUV charisma and satisfaction, with no trade-off for those customers traditionally forced into a larger or premium vehicle to find a satisfying offering.