Upcoming Hyundai Exter micro SUV partially revealed

Following a teaser of just the silhouette earlier this month, Hyundai has now showcased almost the entire front fascia of its upcoming micro-SUV for India, the Exter. The design render even previews a few design cues that will be seen on more global Hyundai SUVs.

The Exter is expected to enter production by July 2023, and a market launch can be expected by August. The Exter will be built for India and exported to markets abroad as well.

Hyundai Exter: front fascia teased
The Exter sports a very unique front-end design that’s currently not seen on any other Hyundai in India. Based on the brand’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the Exter will get a split headlamp set-up with new H-shaped LED DRLs. This design motif is, in fact, expected on more Hyundai SUVs like the next-gen Santa Fe that has been spied with a similar set-up abroad.

Headlining the bonnet, the LED DRLs are housed in a darkened enclosure, but unlike popular trend, it's not a full-width light bar. The front bumper, which houses the squarish main headlamp units, has an upright and blocky design with a blackened grille stretching the entire width of the bumper. The render also shows a faux silver skid plate, flared wheel arches and a window line that looks quite similar to the Venue and even the Casper sold abroad. 

Overall, the Exter's front fascia looks closer to the all-electric Ioniq 5 than to the likes of the Venue, Creta or Alcazar. It even gets a 2D Hyundai logo on the bonnet similar to the Ioniq 5. A previous teaser image of the Exter has hinted at an upright stance, flattish bonnet and boxy proportions.

While Hyundai has not yet given us a look at the rear of this micro-SUV, one can expect squarish tail-lamps, but here at the rear, it will likely be connected via a light bar. The side profile will have some faux cladding, especially around the wheel arches to add to its SUV appeal.

Hyundai Exter: platform, powertrain
Expected to measure around 3.8 metres in length, the Exter will share its underpinnings with the Grand i10 Nios hatchback, but it will come with added ground clearance and perhaps a retuned suspension as well. Under the hood, the Exter is expected to carry forward the tried-and-tested 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Nios, Aura, i20 and Venue. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox.

However, unlike the Nios, the Exter is also expected to get a second engine option, which, as we had reported before, will be a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This will not only give it a key distinction from the Nios and Aura, but it will also give the Exter a leg up on the Tata Punch, which is what it will be squarely aimed at. A factory-fitted CNG kit can be expected to join the line-up later as it's already offered on the Nios, and there are even talks of an all-electric version for the future.

Hyundai Exter: launch timeline, expected price
Expect Hyundai to drip-feed more information about the Exter in the lead-up to its launch in August 2023. Expect it to be priced at a slight premium over the Nios (Rs 5.73 lakh-8.51 lakh, ex-showroom), but it will definitely slot in below the Venue.