A completely undisguised prototype of the upcoming Hyundai Exter was photographed parked in plain sight in Seoul, South Korea. The ICE-powered urban SUV is set to debut in India this summer, although it remains unclear if Hyundai plans on exporting it to other emerging markets.
The Exter was captured on public roads by @seoul_car_spotting on the night of May 3rd. In contrast to the heavily camouflaged prototype we recently encountered, this latest sighting reveals the Exter’s design virtually unmasked, save for a discreet “no-photograph” sticker on the side windows and a modest white protective wrap covering the bumpers, mirrors, and door handles. The prototype displayed appears to be in its final production-ready form, leaving little to the imagination for eager observers.
Predictably, the real-life images of the Exter are less flattering than the official teaser sketches. The small crossover looks top-heavy with small wheels and a narrow stance. Notable design elements include H-shaped LED graphics, split headlights, and a modern bumper intake. The profile resembles the larger Hyundai Mufasa with squared plastic cladding around the wheel arches. At the rear, the Exter features a small overhang, Audi Q2-style taillights, and a black panel connecting the rear glass with the side windows for a “floating roof” effect.
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The Exter’s proportions suggest it’s based on the K1 platform, shared with the Grand i10 Nios / Aura, i10 in India, and Casper in Korea. While longer than these models, it’s still shorter than the Venue (3,995 mm or 157.3 inches) and positioned to compete in the micro SUV segment against rivals like the Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch, and Mahindra KUV100.
According to reports from Indian media, the upcoming Hyundai Exter may offer two powertrain options: a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter petrol engine producing 82 horsepower (61 kW / 83 PS) and a turbocharged 1.0-liter petrol engine producing 99 horsepower (74 kW / 100 PS), with a possibility of a CNG variant in the future. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via either a manual or an automatic transmission.
It’s possible that the recent sightings of undisguised Exter prototypes driven by Hyundai employees may indicate that the official launch of the model is approaching. The production of the SUV is reportedly set to begin in the second half of this year, with its market launch in India tentatively scheduled for August 2023.