Hyundai Exter AMT Review — A Small SUV To Meet Growing Demand

So, what is the Exter all about? Well, it is the smallest Hyundai SUV and attempts to lure away hatchback buyers or cater to the new buyer who just wants an SUV but on a budget.

Hyundai has unveiled the Exter, its latest addition to the SUV lineup, in response to the surging demand for sport utility vehicles. As SUVs continue to dominate the market, the South Korean automaker has seen a majority of its sales come from this segment, with even its best-selling vehicle being an SUV. With Venue and Creta already making waves, Hyundai recognized the need to expand its offerings and cater to the growing market for smaller SUVs, a segment currently occupied by popular models such as the Tata Punch and the Nissan Magnite.

Measuring 3815mm in length, the Exter stands out with its compact dimensions and intriguing design. Its boxy and stylish appearance is characterized by a distinctive front end featuring a Parametric shape grille, prominent Exter lettering, and H-pattern DRLs.

The SUV boasts thick cladding, 15-inch alloys, skid plates, and roof rails, giving it a proper SUV aesthetic without resembling a squashed vehicle or a raised hatchback. Its fresh and unique appearance is further enhanced by a range of interesting colours and excellent paint finish options.

Inside the Exter, an all-black interior awaits, enlivened by exterior colour accents on the vents and seats. The dashboard showcases a pattern that mirrors the exterior design, while the cabin exudes a superior sense of quality compared to its rivals. Built on the Nios/Aura platform, the Exter offers some distinct differences, including a new digital instrument cluster shared with the i20. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system stands out as the most detailed and crisp in its class, accompanied by a clear rearview camera display.

The user-friendly layout ensures ease of use, and the Exter surpasses its rivals with an extensive list of features. Notable highlights include a voice-operated sunroof, advanced connected car technology with more features than its competitors, wireless charging, climate control, inbuilt navigation, and a dashcam—essential for modern cars.

In terms of safety, the Exter comes equipped with auto headlamps, six airbags, ESC, OTA updates, hill assist control, and the ability to change the infotainment system's language to regional languages.

While the sunroof stands as a major attraction, the Exter does not compromise on essential features. The audio system delivers impressive sound quality, and the front seats offer ample comfort and easy access. The rear seat provides decent legroom, making it ideal for four passengers, and the generous headroom compensates for any potential space limitations. However, some critics suggest that Hyundai could have included a rear armrest to enhance the overall experience. In terms of storage, the Exter offers sizable door pockets and a spacious 391-litre boot, surpassing its rivals' offerings.

Under the hood, the Exter boasts a smooth engine with better refinement than one would expect from a typical 3-cylinder class engine. The four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers power figures similar to its competitors, at 83bhp/114Nm, but offers a smoother performance.

The Exter's AMT shines during low-speed commuting, providing effortless driving. The engine delivers power consistently and showcases impressive refinement, while the AMT stands out as the best in its class, with smooth shifts and none of the customary pauses associated with AMTs. Additionally, the Exter features robust suspension, light steering, and a ground clearance of 185mm, enabling it to handle rough roads and potholes with ease.

On the highway, the Exter delivers a smooth ride, best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. It is not an engine that thrives on high revs, as power tapers off when driven aggressively. However, Hyundai has added a noteworthy feature to the Exter: AMT paddle shifters, a first in any AMT car. These paddle shifters provide an extra layer of control, allowing drivers to extract more performance or achieve sudden bursts of power when needed. In terms of fuel efficiency, drivers can expect around 12-13kmpl.

The Exter emerges as the most complete small SUV on the market, boasting features unmatched by its rivals, superior refinement, and the best AMT gearbox in its segment. It combines the attributes of more expensive SUVs at a lower price point, without compromising on safety or packaging. With a top-end variant priced at Rs 10 lakh, the Exter offers exceptional value for money and sets a new standard for well-equipped SUVs in its class.

What We Like — Value for money, looks, quality, features, AMT gearbox

What We Do Not Like — Rear seat .egroom Could be better and no rear armrest too

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