The compact SUV market in India has been heating up for years, but Hyundai’s latest entry might just reset customer expectations entirely. The new Hyundai Exter, launched at a surprising starting price of just ₹7 lakh, brings features typically reserved for vehicles costing substantially more to the budget-conscious segment.
Bold Design That Stands Out
The Exter doesn’t look like it’s trying to apologize for its price tag. Sporting Hyundai’s latest design language with a parametric front grille, H-signature LED daytime running lights, and projector headlamps, it projects a confidence that belies its “mini SUV” classification.
What’s clever about the Exter’s boxy profile is how it creates the illusion of size. Despite compact dimensions (3,815mm length, 1,710mm width, 1,631mm height), the squared wheel arches, body cladding, and floating roof design with distinctive C-pillar treatment give it a commanding presence that SUV shoppers crave.
Interior Space That Defies Classification
“Mini” might be in the classification, but someone forgot to tell the interior designers. The Exter’s cabin feels surprisingly spacious thanks to a tall-boy design that maximizes headroom. With 391 liters of boot space, it leads its segment in cargo capacity, offering genuine utility rather than just the appearance of it.
The 2,450mm wheelbase and thoughtful interior packaging mean five adults can travel in reasonable comfort, while 185mm of ground clearance handles rough urban roads without drama.
Powertrains That Balance Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood sits Hyundai’s tried-and-tested 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine, producing 82bhp and 113.8Nm of torque. Nothing groundbreaking in the numbers, but the refinement level is impressive, especially considering the price point.
Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), with the manual offering ARAI-claimed efficiency of 19.4 kmpl. The factory-fitted CNG option takes efficiency to another level at 27.1 km/kg, using Hyundai’s innovative dual-cylinder setup that preserves precious boot space.
Premium Features That Shock For The Price
This is where the Exter really changes the game. The feature list reads like it belongs to a vehicle from two segments above:
- An electric sunroof (virtually unheard of at this price)
- 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Semi-digital instrument cluster with 4.2-inch color MID
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car tech with 60+ features
- Wireless phone charger
- Rear AC vents
- Auto climate control
- 8-speaker Bose premium sound system (top variant)
- Dashcam with dual cameras
Some forum users have been quick to point out that several of these features weren’t available in vehicles costing twice as much just a few years ago.
Safety That Sets New Standards
Hyundai isn’t just paying lip service to safety. The Exter comes with 6 airbags as standard across ALL variants, which exceeds regulatory requirements and establishes a new benchmark in the segment.
The safety package also includes electronic stability control, hill-start assist, vehicle stability management, ABS with EBD, three-point seatbelts for all positions, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Variant Lineup For Every Budget
The Exter’s variant structure is surprisingly straightforward, starting with the base EX at ₹7 lakh and ranging up to the top-spec SX(O) Connect AMT at ₹10.51 lakh. Even the base variant comes well-equipped with those six airbags, a digital cluster, and keyless entry.
Mid-range SX variants hit a sweet spot around ₹8.58 lakh with LED DRLs, 15-inch wheels, and rear wiper/washer, while the premium SX(O) adds the sunroof, cruise control, and Bluelink connectivity.
CNG variants command roughly ₹95,000 over their petrol counterparts, a reasonable premium considering the long-term fuel savings.
Connected Features That Integrate With Modern Life
The Exter benefits from Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car system, featuring over 60 functions that range from remote engine start/stop and climate control to vehicle tracking and diagnostic reports.
The system supports voice commands in 10 regional and 2 international languages, making it accessible to a broader range of Indian consumers. It even includes “Ambient Sounds of Nature” with seven acoustic profiles, a quirky but welcome touch.
Ownership Experience Made Simple
Hyundai backs the Exter with a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty as standard, with options to extend coverage up to 7 years or 100,000 kilometers. The service interval of 10,000 kilometers or 12 months is on par with segment expectations, while estimated maintenance costs of ₹4,000-5,000 per year are competitive.
With over 1,300 service points across India, Hyundai’s extensive network provides reassurance for buyers considering their first SUV purchase.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
The mini SUV segment is crowded with contenders like the Tata Punch (₹6.00-9.54 lakh), Maruti Suzuki Ignis (₹5.84-8.11 lakh), Renault Kiger (₹6.50-11.23 lakh), Nissan Magnite (₹6.00-10.86 lakh), and Citroen C3 (₹6.16-8.86 lakh).
While competitors like the Kiger and Magnite offer turbo engine options and the Punch boasts a 5-star safety rating, none match the Exter’s combination of premium features and comprehensive safety at its price point. The lack of a turbo option might disappoint some driving enthusiasts, but Hyundai’s gamble is that most buyers in this segment prioritize features and practicality over outright performance.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Exter represents a significant shift in what consumers can expect from an entry-level SUV. By bringing premium features like a sunroof, connected tech, and comprehensive safety to a vehicle priced from ₹7 lakh, Hyundai has effectively moved the goalposts for value in this segment.
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For buyers seeking SUV styling and practicality without the traditional size or cost penalties, the Exter delivers a compelling package with surprisingly few compromises. It feels like Hyundai’s product planners started with a much higher price target and then worked backward, keeping as many premium features as possible while hitting that crucial ₹7 lakh starting point.
In a market where every manufacturer is trying to squeeze into the SUV space, the Exter manages to carve out its own identity not just as an affordable option, but as a genuinely desirable one.
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