Hyundai‘s SUV range just got slightly bigger with the addition of the smaller Exter. This urban SUV was introduced in India and will be positioned below the Venue, with both petrol and CNG powertrain options available.
Instead of a full debut, Hyundai released only two photos of the Exter, along with confirming some technical details ahead of its launch in the Indian market, expected around July. Nevertheless, an uncloaked prototype of the small SUV was spotted in Korea last week, providing us with a great insight into its exterior design.
Although Hyundai claims that the Exter’s design followed an “outdoor, travel, and leisure” theme, the vehicle’s underpinnings imposed limitations on its wheel size and proportions. While not officially confirmed, the Exter is believed to share its K1 architecture with other urban-focused models such as the i10, Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and Casper.
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The Exter’s modern styling features include split headlights with H-shaped LED graphics, large bumper intakes, skid plates, and a “floating roof” effect with a special pattern on the C-pillar, along with toned-up fenders on the profile. These design elements could potentially influence the styling of future Hyundai SUVs. The new “Ranger Khaki” exterior color is also expected to make an appearance in other models. While there are no photos of the interior available yet, higher trims are anticipated to come with a complete package of infotainment, comfort, and safety features as typically seen in Hyundai’s other vehicles.
Overall, the Exter strikes a balance between rugged and cute, trying to make the best out of its tiny footprint. Although official measurements are not yet available, it is expected that the Exter will be shorter than the Venue , which measures 3,995 mm or 157.3 inches in length.
Hyundai has confirmed that the Exter will share powertrain options with the Grand i10 Nios and Aura. The vehicle will be equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 82 hp (61 kW/83 PS) and 114 Nm (84 lb-ft) of torque, or a bi-fuel 1.2-liter (petrol/CNG) engine that generates 68 hp (50.5 kW/69 PS) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque. The petrol variant will be available with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission, while the bi-fuel engine will be exclusively mated to the manual. Power will be transmitted to the front axle in both cases.
In India, the Exter will be competing against other small SUVs such as the Suzuki Ignis, the Tata Punch, and the Mahindra KUV100. It is unclear whether Hyundai intends to export the Exter, but there are rumors that it will be a global model mainly targeting emerging markets.
