Hyundai rolls out Exter with Rs 5.99 lakh price tag, records 10,000 bookings
Hyundai Motor India commenced production of the Exter at its Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu two weeks ago. On July 10, the company officially launched the micro-SUV with a price range starting from Rs 5.99 lakh.
The Exter marks Hyundai’s first foray into the petrol-only SUV segment and is positioned below the Venue compact SUV in the company’s product lineup. Developed under the codename Ai3, this new model is built on Hyundai’s K1 platform, which also serves as the foundation for the Grand i10 Nios, the now-discontinued Santro, and the Aura compact sedan.
By introducing the Exter, Hyundai aims to tap into the growing demand for compact SUVs in the Indian market. The vehicle is expected to cater to customers seeking a stylish, feature-packed, and affordable SUV option.
The utilization of the established K1 platform enables Hyundai to leverage existing technologies and components, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the production process. This also allows for a seamless integration of the Exter into Hyundai’s product portfolio, ensuring a familiar and reliable driving experience for customers.
Hyundai’s introduction of the Exter reflects the company’s commitment to staying competitive in the dynamic Indian automotive market, while offering customers a wider range of options to meet their evolving needs and preferences.
Since Hyundai initiated bookings for the Exter on May 8, approximately 10,000 units of the vehicle have already been booked. Interested customers can secure their booking by paying a token amount of Rs 11,000.
The subcompact SUV segment in India is relatively limited, with only a handful of companies offering vehicles in this category. Tata Motors offers the Punch with prices ranging from Rs 5,99,900 to Rs 8,91,900. Renault provides the Kiger, available at prices between Rs 649,990 and Rs 11,22,990. Nissan retails the Magnite, which is priced from Rs 599,990 to Rs 10,24,900 (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi).
The competition within the subcompact SUV segment showcases the growing demand for compact and feature-rich vehicles in India. With the introduction of the Exter, Hyundai aims to establish its presence in this competitive market and attract customers looking for a stylish and capable subcompact SUV.
By offering a competitive price range and desirable features, Hyundai intends to appeal to customers who value performance, comfort, and value for money. The strong response in bookings for the Exter reflects the positive reception and interest among consumers for this new addition to Hyundai’s lineup.
Unsoo Kim, the Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India, expressed in a recent statement, “With the Hyundai Exter, we are venturing into a new segment that further enhances HMIL’s position as a full-range SUV manufacturer.” This statement emphasizes the significance of the Exter’s introduction as it expands Hyundai’s SUV portfolio, solidifying its position in the market as a provider of diverse and comprehensive SUV offerings.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter is equipped with a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine delivers a maximum power output of 82 bhp and a peak torque of 113 Nm. The powertrain is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox as well as an AMT (automated manual transmission) option. The inclusion of both transmission options allows customers to choose their preferred driving experience, whether it be a manual shift or the convenience of an automatic.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, providing adequate power for urban and highway driving scenarios. Hyundai’s focus on engine technology ensures a smooth and efficient driving experience, while also adhering to environmental regulations.
By offering a range of transmission options, Hyundai caters to the preferences and driving styles of a wide range of customers. The availability of both manual and AMT variants further enhances the Exter’s appeal to different market segments and customer preferences.
The combination of the capable 1.2-litre petrol engine and the availability of manual and AMT transmissions contributes to the Exter’s versatility and broadens its appeal to customers seeking a subcompact SUV that offers a comfortable and engaging driving experience.
In the future, the Hyundai Exter is set to receive additional engine options, including a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine. This engine, which powers the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonnet, is known for its performance and efficiency. Additionally, there are plans to introduce a bi-fuel CNG variant of the Exter at a later stage, providing customers with an alternative fuel option.
Hyundai Motor India has also emphasized that the Exter will come equipped with several “first-in-segment” features. These include an electric sunroof, adding a touch of luxury and openness to the micro-SUV. Another standout feature is the inbuilt dashcam with dual cameras, which enhances safety and provides recording capabilities while on the road.
Furthermore, the Exter will boast more than 60 connected features via Hyundai Bluelink, positioning it as the most connected SUV in its segment. Hyundai’s Bluelink technology allows for seamless integration with smartphones, providing access to a range of services and features such as remote start/stop, vehicle health monitoring, and location tracking. These connected features enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment for the Exter’s occupants, showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to offering advanced technology in their vehicles.
By introducing these first-in-segment features and a comprehensive connectivity package, Hyundai aims to set the Exter apart from its competitors in terms of both functionality and user experience. These features align with evolving customer expectations and preferences, providing a technologically advanced and enjoyable driving experience in the micro-SUV segment.
“Hyundai has been one of the forerunners to induce new mobility experiences and are aiming to elevate the wanderlust in customers and democratise the Hyundai SUV life for our most loved customers,” Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India, said in a statement.
Hyundai has made safety a top priority in the Exter, ensuring that all trims of the micro-SUV come equipped with six airbags as standard. Additionally, the company has incorporated a total of 26 safety features across all variants. Even on the entry-level trims, these safety features are available as an option. Hyundai’s commitment to providing comprehensive safety measures aims to offer peace of mind to Exter owners and passengers, prioritizing their well-being on the road.
