Hyundai reveals Exter micro-SUV, bookings open ahead of India launch

Following a string of teasers, Hyundai has now officially revealed the upcoming Exter SUV for India. Hyundai has not just shown the Exter's exterior design for the first time, but it has also commenced bookings for a token amount of Rs 11,000 ahead of its launch. The company has also confirmed trim details and powertrain options for the Exter in India.

Hyundai Exter powertrain, variant details
Hyundai has confirmed that the Exter will be available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the same unit that's available on the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, i20 and Venue. And while the company hasn't revealed the output for the Exter, expect it to produce a similar 83hp and 114Nm of torque. Hyundai has also confirmed that the engine will come mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. At launch, Hyundai will also offer a factory-fitted CNG kit on the Exter as it does on the Nios and the Aura. In fact, the Exter shares its platform and underpinnings with the latter two.

The Exter will be offered in five trims levels – EX, S, SX, SX(O) and top-spec SX(O) Connect. The suffix for the top-end trim suggests that it will come with connected car features as standard. 

Hyundai Exter exterior design
While Hyundai has officially shown the exterior now, recent spy shots of the SUV being tested in South Korea had already revealed the final design. The India-spec model remains largely unchanged from the model spied overseas. Hyundai has also confirmed a new exterior paint shade called 'Ranger Khaki' that will be offered for the first time in India with the Exter.

Like many other Hyundai models in India, the Exter follows Hyundai's Parametric design language with boxy proportions and an upright stance. It has a split headlamp set-up with H-patterned LED Daytime Running Lamps. The front fascia also gets a wide, contrasting black grille and a prominent chin with a faux silver skid plate.

In profile, Hyundai’s smallest SUV gets round and slightly flared wheel arches with thick cladding across the length, adding to the Exter’s squarish look. There are stylish, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, a textured finish for the C-pillar and dual-tone paint options with a floating roof effect.

While Hyundai hasn’t revealed the Exter’s rear styling yet, earlier spy shots have revealed an upright tail gate, a shark fin antenna and a small built-in spoiler positioned right above the rear glass. The tail-lamps also feature H-patterned LED lighting elements, the rear bumper is tall and flat, and gets a dual-tone finish with a prominent skid plate.

Hyundai Exter India launch timeline
Expect Hyundai to announce pricing for the Exter sometime in late July or early August this year. The SUV will be positioned below the Venue and will be the brand's most affordable SUV in India. It will be aimed squarely at the popular Tata Punch and the Citroen C3 in the Indian market.