New Hyundai Exter : In a bold move that’s set to shake up the compact SUV segment, Hyundai has unveiled the 2024 Exter, a vehicle that brings the premium aesthetics of its larger sibling, the Creta, to a more accessible price point.
This latest offering from the Korean automaker is poised to redefine expectations in the budget SUV category, offering a compelling blend of style, features, and value.
New Hyundai Exter Design: A Mini-Creta in the Making
The Hyundai Exter 2024 draws significant design inspiration from its larger and more premium counterpart, the Creta. This design philosophy is evident in several key areas:
Bold Front Fascia: The Exter sports a striking front grille that bears a strong resemblance to the Creta’s parametric design. The split headlamp setup, featuring sleek LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) positioned above the main headlamp unit, is a direct nod to Hyundai’s current design language seen in higher-end models.
Muscular Profile: From the side, the Exter showcases a robust and SUV-like stance. The high ground clearance, roof rails, and plastic cladding around the wheel arches contribute to its rugged appeal, mirroring the Creta’s adventurous spirit in a compact package.
Distinctive Rear Design: The rear of the Exter features H-shaped LED taillights, a design element that’s becoming a signature across Hyundai’s SUV lineup. The upright tailgate and faux skid plate further enhance its SUV credentials.
Dual-Tone Options: Like its premium siblings, the Exter offers dual-tone color schemes, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles and add a touch of premium flair.
This design approach not only gives the Exter a more upmarket appearance but also helps in creating a cohesive family look across Hyundai’s SUV range.
New Hyundai Exter Interior: Punching Above Its Weight
Step inside the Exter, and you’re greeted by an interior that belies its budget positioning:
Modern Dashboard Layout: The dashboard design is clean and contemporary, with a floating touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage.
Digital Instrument Cluster: Higher variants feature a fully digital instrument cluster, a feature typically found in more expensive vehicles.
Premium Touches: Depending on the variant, you’ll find leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and metallic accents that elevate the cabin ambiance.
Spacious Feel: Despite its compact exterior dimensions, clever packaging ensures that the Exter feels surprisingly roomy inside.
New Hyundai Exter Feature-Rich: Defying Budget Expectations
Hyundai has loaded the Exter with features that are often reserved for higher segments:
8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Sunroof: A segment-first feature that adds a premium touch.
Connected Car Technology: Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car features are available, offering remote functionalities and enhanced convenience.
Voice Commands: AI-powered voice recognition for various in-car controls.
Wireless Smartphone Charger: A convenience feature that’s increasingly in demand.
Automatic Climate Control: Available in higher trims for enhanced comfort.
Rear AC Vents: Ensuring comfort for all passengers, a rarity in this segment.
New Hyundai Exter Safety: No Compromises
Hyundai has prioritized safety in the Exter, offering features that are often missing in the budget segment:
Six Airbags: Standard across all variants, a segment-leading safety feature.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Enhances vehicle stability in challenging driving conditions.
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): Works in tandem with ESC for improved safety.
Hill Start Assist Control: Prevents rollback on inclines.
Rear Parking Camera: With dynamic guidelines for easy parking.
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors: Ensuring the safety of younger passengers.
New Hyundai Exter Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Performance
The Hyundai Exter comes with two engine options, catering to different needs and preferences:
1.2-liter Petrol Engine:
Power Output: 83 PS
Torque: 114 Nm
Transmission Options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
Fuel Efficiency: Up to 19.4 km/l (ARAI certified)
1.2-liter Bi-Fuel Petrol-CNG Engine:
Power Output: 69 PS (CNG mode)
Torque: 95.2 Nm (CNG mode)
Transmission: 5-speed manual only
Fuel Efficiency: Up to 27.1 km/kg (CNG mode, ARAI certified)
These powertrains offer a good balance between performance and efficiency, making the Exter suitable for both city driving and occasional highway trips.
New Hyundai Exter Pricing: The Budget Game-Changer
One of the Exter’s most compelling aspects is its pricing strategy. With a starting price of Rs. 6.00 lakh (ex-showroom), the Exter undercuts many of its rivals while offering a more premium package. The variant-wise pricing is as follows:
EX Petrol: Rs. 6.00 Lakh
EX (O) Petrol: Rs. 6.48 Lakh
S Petrol: Rs. 7.50 Lakh
S (O) Petrol: Rs. 7.65 Lakh
S (O)+ Petrol: Rs. 7.86 Lakh
S Smart Auto Petrol AT: Rs. 8.23 Lakh
SX Petrol: Rs. 8.23 Lakh
SX (O) Petrol: Rs. 8.97 Lakh
SX (O) Connect Petrol: Rs. 9.32 Lakh
SX (O) Connect Petrol AT: Rs. 10.10 Lakh
CNG variants:
S CNG: Rs. 8.24 Lakh
SX CNG: Rs. 8.97 Lakh
This pricing strategy positions the Exter as an attractive option for buyers looking for a premium-feeling SUV without breaking the bank.
New Hyundai Exter Market Positioning: Disrupting the Segment
The Hyundai Exter enters a competitive segment, going up against established players like:
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Tata Punch
Citroen C3
Renault Kiger
However, the Exter’s combination of Creta-inspired styling, feature-rich interior, and competitive pricing gives it a unique position in the market.
It bridges the gap between entry-level hatchbacks and more premium compact SUVs, offering buyers a taste of luxury at a more accessible price point.
Target Audience: Aspiring SUV Buyers
The Exter is aimed at a diverse range of customers:
First-time car buyers looking for an SUV-like experience
Young professionals seeking a stylish yet practical urban runabout
Small families needing a versatile and safe vehicle
Existing hatchback owners looking to upgrade to an SUV without a significant price jump
Driving Experience: Urban Agility Meets Highway Stability
Early reviews of the Exter highlight its well-balanced driving dynamics:
Light steering for easy maneuverability in city traffic
Good visibility thanks to its tall stance
Comfortable ride quality, absorbing most road imperfections
Stable highway cruising, inspiring confidence at higher speeds
The AMT option adds convenience for urban drivers, while the manual transmission offers more control for enthusiasts.
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Selling Point
In a market where running costs are a crucial factor, the Exter impresses with its fuel efficiency:
Petrol Manual: Up to 19.4 km/l (ARAI)
Petrol AMT: Up to 19.2 km/l (ARAI)
CNG: Up to 27.1 km/kg (ARAI)
These figures make the Exter one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its segment, potentially leading to significant savings over the vehicle’s lifetime.
After-Sales Support: The Hyundai Advantage
Hyundai’s extensive service network is a significant selling point for the Exter:
Over 1,300 service centers across India
3-year/unlimited km warranty (extendable up to 7 years)
3-year roadside assistance
Competitive maintenance costs
This robust after-sales support adds to the Exter’s value proposition, providing peace of mind to buyers.
Environmental Considerations
With growing awareness about environmental issues, the Exter addresses these concerns:
BS6 Phase II compliant engines
CNG option for reduced emissions
Improved aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency
Use of eco-friendly materials in construction
These features make the Exter a more environmentally responsible choice in its segment.
New Hyundai Exter Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Budget SUVs
The Hyundai Exter 2024 represents a significant step forward in the budget SUV segment.
By bringing Creta-like styling and premium features to a more accessible price point, Hyundai has created a vehicle that’s likely to resonate with a wide range of buyers.
Its combination of attractive design, feature-rich interior, strong safety credentials, and competitive pricing positions the Exter as a potential game-changer in its segment.
For buyers who’ve always aspired to own a Creta but found it out of reach, the Exter offers a compelling alternative that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with increasing focus on value, features, and style, the Hyundai Exter stands as a testament to what’s possible in the budget SUV segment.
It’s not just a new model; it’s a new benchmark, challenging competitors to up their game and offering consumers more value for their money.
The Exter’s launch is likely to shake up the compact SUV market, potentially forcing other manufacturers to reassess their offerings and pricing strategies.
For Hyundai, it represents another step in their journey to dominate the Indian automotive market across all segments.
As the Exter hits the roads, it carries with it the potential to redefine expectations in its class, proving that premium looks and features need not come with a premium price tag.
In doing so, it opens up the world of SUVs to a broader audience, making the dream of owning a stylish, feature-packed SUV a reality for many more Indian consumers.
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