HONEY, I SHRUNK THE SUV!
A COMPACT, AFFORDABLE CAR THAT TICKS ALL THE BOXES OF THE INCREASINGLY POPULAR SUV SEGMENT. IT LOOKS LIKE A WINNING PACKAGE. THE EXTER IS A DECLARATION OF HYUNDAI’S INTENT TO DOMINATE THIS CATEGORY IN INDIA
SUVs are what buyers want. They are driving growth across segments, and affordable small cars have been driving volumes in the Indian market. As Tata has proved with the Punch, there is scope for smaller and thus more affordable options. To cash in on that demand and go after Tata’s almost unchallenged presence in that space, Hyundai has introduced the Exter. Exter’s height, upright stance, flat nose, body cladding and 185 mm ground clearance help reinforce its positioning as an SUV, albeit a very compact one. Hyundai’s new design philosophy brings with it several distinctive elements like the H-shape LED DRLs (daylight running lamps) and the car’s name spelt out on the nose. Like the DRLs up front, the tail lamps, too, get an H-shaped LED signature.
There’s a fully digital instrument cluster on offer, as well as an eight-inch touchscreen offered in all trims except the base. Top-end trims of the Exter get features like automatic climate control, electrically adjustable and folding ORVMs, automatic headlamps, a sunroof, wireless phone charger, type C charging port, power windows, BlueLink connected car features, tyre pressure monitoring system, dashcam, reverse parking camera with sensors, and more. The generous height and wheelbase make the cabin feel airy, and the space is impressive too for a car this size. The rear seat scores high in terms of leg room, knee room and headroom, as well as underthigh support; the seat itself is quite comfortable. Passengers seated here get aircon vents and a 12V socket, but no USB port and no
rear centre armrest either. At 391 litres, the boot space is quite substantial for this size, but a lack of split-folding seats restricts flexibility. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, ESC and VSM, and three-point seatbelts with seatbelt reminders for all five occupants are offered as standard features.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine that powers the Exter feels refined, and the performance is more than adequate for most users, with Hyundai claiming a 0-to100 kmph time of 12.6 seconds (manual variant). Also, based on ARAI-certified figures, it is fuel-efficient as well, with returns upwards of 19 kmpl. It’s the manual variant that’s the more fun to drive of the two, though the convenience of an automatic (AMT), especially when driving daily in traffic, takes precedence. The 5-speed AMT will suit the driving style of an average buyer quite well and the driver can always control shifts manually using the paddle shifters, if needed. Because of its form factor, the Exter has a very commanding driving position, offering a great view of the road ahead and making it easier for the driver to get a sense of the footprint of the car, which most buyers in the segment deem crucial. The ride quality is impressive, not just over bad roads but even on (practically) no roads, as we experienced during our time with the car.
The Exter has all the necessary styling traits of an SUV, a high ground clearance and a commanding driving position, coupled with a great ride quality. For the price, the features list is long and the Exter scores high in terms of space as well. With manual and automatic variants along with a CNG option, it caters to a wide spectrum of buyers. We’ll be seeing plenty of these on the road very soon, that’s for sure. ■