Meta Description: Discover the new Hyundai Exter. A detailed look at its stylish design, reliable engine performance, impressive mileage, standard safety features, and pricing. Is this the best budget SUV for daily commuting? Find out here.Let’s be honest, navigating city traffic daily isn’t fun. You want a vehicle that’s easy to drive, comfortable to sit in, doesn’t drink fuel like it’s free, and, importantly, doesn’t cost a fortune.
For a long time, budget buyers had to settle for small hatchbacks. But what if you want that “big car” feel without the big car price tag?
Enter the New Hyundai Exter.
Hyundai pitched this micro-SUV squarely at daily commuters and young families looking for their first car. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into what makes the Exter a serious contender for your driveway.
Looking Sharp: Boxy, Bold, and Beautiful
First impressions matter, and the Exter definitely makes one. Unlike some curvy crossovers, Hyundai went for a proper, boxy SUV stance. It looks rugged, tough, and surprisingly substantial for its size.
Design Highlights:
- The “H” Factor: The signature H-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and tail lamps give it a very distinct look on the road. You’ll know it’s an Exter from a mile away.
- SUV DNA: It features prominent skid plates at the front and rear, thick body cladding around the wheels, and roof rails. It looks ready for an adventure, even if that adventure is just tackling a massive speed bump near your office.
- The Inside Story: Step inside, and it feels surprisingly roomy. The cabin is practical, well-laid out, and features a fully digital instrument cluster that looks very modern. Oh, and for those who love an airy cabin, higher trims come with an electric sunroof—a rare treat at this price point!
Engine and Performance: Built for the City Grind
The Exter isn’t trying to win drag races. It’s designed to get you from Point A to Point B smoothly and reliably.
It is powered by Hyundai’s tried-and-tested 1.2L Kappa Petrol engine. This is the same engine found in cars like the i20 and Venue, so you know it’s reliable.
- The Drive: It produces enough pep for city overtakes and cruises comfortably at highway speeds. The engine is refined and quiet.
- Transmission Options: You can choose between a 5-speed manual (smooth shifting) or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The AMT is a blessing for stop-and-go bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The CNG Advantage
For the ultimate budget-conscious buyer, Hyundai offers the Exter with a factory-fitted CNG kit. If your daily running is high, the CNG variant can massively lower your running costs, though you do sacrifice some boot space.
Mileage: Easy on Your Wallet
Mileage is usually the deal-breaker for daily commuters. Thankfully, the Exter delivers respectable numbers.
While official ARAI figures are higher, in real-world city driving conditions, you can expect:
- Petrol Manual: Approx. 14–16 km/l
- Petrol AMT: Approx. 13–15 km/l
- CNG Variant: Expect around 22–25 km/kg
Note: Mileage depends heavily on driving style and traffic conditions.
Safety Features: Setting a New Benchmark
This is where the Hyundai Exter truly shines and blows most of the competition out of the water. Hyundai has decided that safety shouldn’t be optional, even in budget cars.
Standard Safety Across All Variants:
- 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, and Curtain)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear Parking Sensors
On higher trims, you also get advanced features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, and a very handy Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A Dashcam with dual cameras is also available in top trims, which is incredibly useful for recording daily drives.
Quick Specifications Sheet
Here is the essential data you need to know:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 1.2L Kappa Petrol |
| Max Power | 83 PS @ 6000 rpm (Petrol) |
| Max Torque | 113.8 Nm @ 4000 rpm (Petrol) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT / Smart Auto AMT |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 Litres |
| Boot Space | 391 Litres (Best in segment) |
| Ground Clearance | Approx. 185 mm |
Pricing and Value
The Hyundai Exter is priced aggressively. It sits comfortably in the bracket that attracts hatchback buyers looking to upgrade.
While prices fluctuate slightly based on your city, the range generally starts from around ₹6.13 Lakh for the base EX variant and goes up to around ₹10.28 Lakh for the top-spec AMT with all the bells and whistles (ex-showroom prices).
For a daily commuter, the mid-spec variants (like the ‘S’ or ‘SX’) offer the best balance of necessary features and affordability.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The New Hyundai Exter is a fantastic package. It takes the stress out of daily commuting by offering a high seating position, smooth controls, and a cabin packed with features. Most importantly, the inclusion of 6 airbags as standard sets a new safety precedent for affordable cars in India.
If you are looking for a stylish, safe, and budget-friendly SUV that is perfectly sized for the city, the Exter deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a micro-SUV that feels like a much bigger deal.
Go take a test drive—it might just be the upgrade your daily commute needs!
