Hyundai is currently selling the Casper as its smallest SUV in the South Korean market. The micro SUV was sold under the “light car” category in South Korea. It is developed as a four-seater vehicle and is based on Hyundai’s new K1 platform. This platform was first introduced in 2018, and replaces the SA platform & BA platform.
While the Capser won’t be offered in our market, Hyundai has announced an all-new micro SUV for the Indian market. The new micro SUV will be called the Hyundai Exter. Hyundai claims that the Exter symbolizes “the outdoors, travel and leisure”. The company said that the Exter “draws inspiration from the natural world around it and reflects an identity that is external and focused on the outside.”
Internally called the Ai3 micro SUV, the new Hyundai Exter will be produced for India and exported to select international markets. The new model will share the platform and engine options with the Grand i10 Nios.
Hyundai Exter Launch Timeline
The exact launch details for the new micro SUV are yet to be revealed. If reports are to be believed, the series production of the new entry-level Exter will commence in July 2023. The small SUV is expected to be launched sometime in August, ahead of the festive season Diwali.
Hyundai Exter Price
To be positioned between the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue, the Exter will directly rival the Tata Punch micro SUV. Moreover, the SUV will challenge the likes of the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger. It is expected to be priced around Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai Exter Specifications
| Specifications | Non-Turbo | Turbo |
| Engine | 1.2L NA Petrol | 1.0L Turbo |
| Power | 83bhp | 100bhp |
| Torque | 114Nm | 172Nm |
| Gearbox | 5MT & AMT | 5MT & DCT |
The entry-level variants of the Exter micro SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that powers the Grand i10 Nios, Venue and the Aura. This engine is capable of producing 83bhp and a peak torque of 114Nm. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT. It is also likely to receive a factory-fitted CNG option.
The small SUV could also receive Hyundai’s 1.0L T-GDi turbo petrol engine, which will give it a competitive advantage over the Punch. In the current form, this engine produces 120PS and 175Nm of torque. This engine was earlier offered with the Grand i10 Nios Turbo, where it produces 100bhp and 172Nm of torque. The lower-spec model could be offered with the Exter. This powertrain could be offered with manual and dual-clutch transmission.
It is reported that Hyundai could also receive an all-electric version of the Exter in the country. Hyundai is also preparing an electric version of the Casper micro SUV on sale in the South Korea.
Exter Design
Hyundai has released the official teaser of the Exter, which does not reveal the styling. The teaser show an outline of its exterior design. The spy images reveal that the small SUV will share styling cues from the bigger Hyundai SUVs including the Venue, Creta and the Santa Fe. It is expected to measure around 3.8 meters in length, making is slightly longer than the Casper (3.6 meters in length).
The small SUV has been spotted testing multiple times on foreign soil. The heavily camouflaged prototype reveals that it has a boxy silhouette and a larger tailgate than the Capser; however, it still shares some of the modern aesthetic features of its design from its Korean sibling. The small SUV will come with Hyundai’s signature parametric jewel type grille that dominates majority of the front. It gets slim, high-beam headlamps with H-shaped daytime running lights, which seems inspired from the new Santa Fe. The main low beam and high beam headlights are placed on the bumper ends. At the back, the small SUV has LED tail-lamps installed in a wide tailgate. It will ride on newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels.
Exter Interior
Not just platform and engine options, the small SUV will share the cabin layout and features from the Grand i10 Nios and the Venue compact SUV. It is expected to feature a layered dashboard with a new semi-digital instrument console and a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The infotainment unit will be compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is also likely to support Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech. The previous spy images reveal that the small SUV will come with a single-pane electric sunroof. Other features will include a multi-functional steering wheel, automatic AC, reverse parking camera, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and others.
