With its tough, boxy looks, the Exter micro SUV seems ready to rumble down urban streets. But don't let the rugged styling fool you - this little machine is all about packin' big features into a tiny package. Under the hood there's a 1.2L engine you can pair with either a manual or AMT automatic gearbox. There's a decent room inside, with a 391L trunk to haul your stuff. Let's check out some key features that make this mini ride stand tall:
Grille: The new parametric grille ditches Hyundai's signature cascading grille for a more upright and modern look. The H-shaped LED DRLs on the grille add distinctiveness.
Athletic outlook: Squared and pronounced wheel arches with black cladding look butch and give the Exter an athletic outlook. Roof rails further enhance the go-anywhere dimension.
Exterior design: The boxy exterior design of the Exter is typical of micro-SUVs, giving it a rugged and muscular look. This allows it to stand out from traditional hatchbacks.
Alloy wheels: Diamond-cut alloy wheels and skid plates on the front and rear bumpers inject style into the rugged appeal. The shark fin antenna gives it a contemporary look.
LED tail lights: Distinctive H-shaped LED tail lights stretch horizontally across the rear, giving the micro-SUV a futuristic look and high-tech glow. Overall, the exterior nicely translates the micro-SUV's rugged charm.
Interior: The all-black interior with colour accents on the AC vents and controls looks premium. The accent colours matching the exterior shade inject vibrance.
Infotainment system: The 8-inch touchscreen is the centrepiece of the dashboard. It offers connectivity, entertainment and navigation features to occupants.
Additional features: Unique features like the electric sunroof, wireless charging pad, and cruise control make everyday use more convenient and comfortable. Cooled glovebox, footwell ambient lighting, auto climate control, and engine start/stop add comfort, convenience and premiums.
Boot space: Sizeable 391 litre boot capacity allows fitting in regular luggage or shopping items comfortably.
Engine: The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces a respectable 83 PS and 114Nm of torque. Performance is adequate for city use and highway cruising. The CNG variant delivers 69 PS and 95Nm when running on gas.
Gearbox: A 5-speed manual gearbox offers smooth shifts and keeps the engine in its optimal operating range. 5-speed AMT provides automatic shifting convenience without compromising fuel efficiency.
Ground clearance: The Exter's 185mm ground clearance means it can tackle speed breakers and rough patches without scraping its underbody.
Safety features: Six airbags, ABS, EBD, and parking sensors are standard safety features across variants. Higher trims get additional safety features like ESC, TPMS, and a rear camera. Hill-hold assist prevents rollback on inclines.
The new Hyundai Exter may be small in size, but it enters a hugely crowded arena of micro SUVs. With compact cars like the Punch, Ignis, Kiger and Fronx already throwing punches, this micro-SUV division is a real slugfest! While families want space and practicality, young buyers crave standout style, zippy performance and maximum features. Tough competition for sure, but the well-rounded Exter still deserves a test drive to sample its blend of flair, comfort, efficiency and value.
Curvier exterior design: The Hyundai Exter follows a boxy exterior design compared to the upright and squared-off styling of the Tata Punch. The Exter aims for a more premium and futuristic look.
Parametric grille: The Exter gets Hyundai's new parametric grille with integrated LED headlamps and a distinctive LED DRL signature. The Punch has Tata's familiar tri-arrow-themed grille and sleek LED DRLs.
Styling elements: Both SUVs get styling elements like pronounced wheel arches, side cladding, skid plates, and roof rails to express rugged appeal. But the Exter's diamond-cut alloys look more upscale.
Dimension: At 3815 mm long and 1631 mm high, the Exter appears lower and longer than the Punch, which is 3827mm long and 1615mm tall. The Punch has more road presence.
Interior layout: The Exter interior layout looks more stylish with the all-black theme and contrasting colour accents. The Punch interior is simpler and aims for functionality over form.
Comfort and convenience: Basic comfort and convenience features like touchscreens, steering controls, and automatic climate control are common to both. But Exter offers added premium features like an electric sunroof, wireless charging, etc.
Transmission: Both have 5-speed manual and AMT auto gearbox options. Driving characteristics are adequate for urban commuting, but Punch may have slightly better responsiveness.
Safety feature: Tata Punch safety is superior as it scored 5 stars in G-NCAP crash tests. Dual airbags are standard across variants, which is a plus. Though Exter offers 6 airbags, it is only in higher variants. Both models get standard features like ABS, ISOFIX anchors, parking sensors, etc.
Vehicle style: The Hyundai Exter follows conventional boxy micro-SUV styling cues with its upright posture and squared-off edges. The Ignis has an unconventional tallboy crossover design with a quirky and energetic vibe.
LED headlamps: The Exter incorporates Hyundai's latest parametric grille and LED headlamps for a modern front fascia. Ignis gets Suzuki's signature chrome-accented grille flanked by round LED projectors.
Interior layout: The Hyundai Exter has a relatively straightforward interior layout with neatly organised dashboard geometry. It appears upmarket but safe. In contrast, the Ignis interior styling has a fun and conversational edge with body-coloured accents.
Seating comfort: Both models offer decent front and rear seating comfort, with adequate cushioning and space for occupants. However, the Ignis seats offer better lateral support.
Upscale equipment: Exter provides more upscale equipment, such as an electric sunroof and wireless charging. But Ignis' ergonomics, like the driving position and controls, are better executed.
Engine: The 1.2-litre petrol engine is common between both SUVs but Exter tune generates 83 PS while Ignis makes 81bhp. The real-world performance difference is negligible.
Ground clearance: Ground clearance of 185mm in Exter and 180mm in Ignis allows for tackling broken roads without issues. Dimensions make both models city-friendly.
Core safety equipment: Both SUVs offer airbags, ABS, and parking sensors. However, the Exter gets six airbags as standard. Higher variant additions like stability control and a rearview camera are available in both models.
Length: At 3815 mm, the Exter is shorter than the 3991mm Kiger. Owing to its height, the 1605mm tall Kiger has more road presence.
Engine: The Exter has an 83 PS 1.2-litre petrol motor, while the Kiger offers a 71hp 1.0-litre and a peppier 98bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Kiger has a performance advantage.
Cabin design: The Exter's all-black cabin looks premium but follows a safe and simple design theme. Kiger's interior styling is youthful and dual-tone. Makes good use of textures and colours for a more inviting and lively ambience.
Core comfort features: Comfort features like auto AC, steering controls, and charging ports are available in both models. Exter adds premium elements like a sunroof and wireless charging.
Exterior design: The Hyundai Exter's tall stance, boxy shape, and upright panels suggest a conventional micro-SUV design. It aims for a rugged yet premium look. The Renault Kiger's exterior design is bolder and more contemporary, with smooth lines and sculpted shapes.
Performance: Both have 5-speed manual and automatic gearbox options. Their driving characteristics are typical of urban micro SUVs and serve regular commuting needs.
Ground clearance: With 205mm ground clearance, the Kiger can confidently tackle broken roads and speed breakers compared to the 185mm Exter. Kiger dimensions make it more flexible in urban areas while allowing slightly better rear seat room and improved boot utility.
Safety Features: Both models offer standard safety equipment, including airbags, ABS, parking sensors, etc. But Kiger has slightly higher safety standards. Top variants include extras like more airbags, stability control, etc. But Kiger provides 4 airbags as standard vs just 2 in Exter.
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