The Hyundai Exter has rapidly carved out a significant space in the burgeoning micro-SUV segment of the Indian automotive market. Since its launch in July 2023, it has resonated with buyers seeking an urban-friendly vehicle that blends SUV styling with compact dimensions and an impressive array of features. For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has strategically enhanced the Exter's appeal, introducing new variants and making crucial safety elements standard, fortifying its competitive edge.
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Market Position and Pricing in India
The Hyundai Exter arrived in India with a clear objective: to offer SUV characteristics at an accessible price point, particularly targeting first-time buyers and those upgrading from hatchbacks. In May 2025, Hyundai further refined its lineup by introducing two new "Smart" trims – S Smart and SX Smart – and, notably, made ISOFIX child seat anchor points standard across all variants, reinforcing its commitment to safety.
The 2025 Hyundai Exter is currently priced in India from approximately ₹6.21 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base EX variant, extending up to around ₹10.51 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-tier SX(O) Connect AMT Knight Dual Tone. This pricing strategy, combined with feature additions, positions the Exter as a compelling package in its category.
Exterior Design: Assertive Urban Presence
The design of the Hyundai Exter successfully projects an assertive SUV stance, distinguishing it from conventional hatchbacks. Its front profile is particularly striking, dominated by a distinctive 'H'-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) signature that integrates seamlessly with the parametric grille, ensuring instant recognition. The split headlamp setup, featuring projector headlights in higher trims, further accentuates its modern and robust look.
Along the sides, prominent wheel arches are filled by up to 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (depending on the variant), complemented by black body cladding that underscores its rugged appeal. The integrated roof rails not only add to its visual height but also offer practical utility. The rear design echoes the 'H'-motif in the LED taillamps, connected by a stylish black appliqué, giving the Exter a cohesive and contemporary road presence. Dual-tone paint options further enhance its youthful and dynamic character.
Interior: Smart, Spacious, and Feature-Loaded
Inside the Hyundai Exter, occupants are greeted by a surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin for a vehicle of its size. The interior layout prioritizes ergonomics and a modern aesthetic, with a driver-centric approach. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on the variant) contributes to an open and airy feel within the cabin.
A central highlight is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster, featuring a 4.2-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display (MID), offers comprehensive driving data. Unique features for its segment include a voice-enabled electric sunroof and a factory-fitted dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear), enhancing convenience and safety. Other premium touches often found in larger vehicles include automatic climate control, a cooled glovebox, rear AC vents, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls. The seating configuration comfortably accommodates five adults, making it a versatile option for families.
Engine and Performance: Refined Efficiency
The Hyundai Exter draws its power from Hyundai's well-regarded 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine, a four-cylinder unit renowned for its smooth operation and efficiency.
- Petrol: This engine delivers a peak power output of 83 PS and generates 113.8 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a responsive 5-speed manual transmission or a convenient 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), catering to diverse driving preferences, especially in congested urban environments.
- Bi-Fuel (Petrol + CNG): The Exter also offers a factory-fitted CNG variant for enhanced fuel economy. In CNG mode, the engine produces 69 PS of power and 95.2 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A significant innovation in the Exter's CNG offering is the dual-cylinder setup, which intelligently frees up substantial boot space usually occupied by a single, large CNG tank, a major practical advantage.
The vehicle's compact dimensions combined with its refined engine and responsive transmission options ensure nimble handling and adequate performance for both city commutes and comfortable highway cruising.
Safety Features: Raising the Bar
Hyundai has made safety a cornerstone of the Exter's appeal, setting a new benchmark in its segment. A pioneering move is the provision of six airbags as standard across all variants, offering comprehensive protection for occupants in various collision scenarios.
In addition to the standard six airbags, the Exter is equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
1 - Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS
2 – Highline) - Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera (with dynamic guidelines on higher trims)
- ISOFIX child seat anchor points (now standard across all variants from May 2025)
- Emergency Stop Signal
- Burglar alarm
While an official crash test rating from Bharat NCAP is still pending, the extensive list of standard safety features, particularly the widespread availability of 6 airbags and ISOFIX mounts, strongly indicates Hyundai's dedication to passenger safety.
Mileage and Competitive Landscape
The Hyundai Exter delivers commendable fuel efficiency figures, a crucial factor for Indian consumers:
- Petrol Manual: Approximately 19.4 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- Petrol AMT: Approximately 19.2 kmpl (ARAI certified)
- CNG Manual: Approximately 27.1 km/kg (ARAI certified)
These figures contribute significantly to the Exter's low running costs and overall appeal.
In the Indian market, the Hyundai Exter's primary rival is the Tata Punch, which also enjoys strong sales. Other competitors include the Citroën C3, and to some extent, compact SUVs like the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Its competitive pricing, unique features, and robust safety package allow the Exter to stand out, offering a compelling proposition for buyers looking for a modern, reliable, and feature-rich micro-SUV.
