Small/mini SUVs are gaining popularity in India as hatchbacks are getting sidelined. Tata’s Punch and Maruti Suzuki’s Fronx have been performing well in terms of sales for their respective manufacturers. Capitalizing on this opportunity, Hyundai Motor India is introducing the Exter micro SUV, which is scheduled to go on sale on July 10th, 2023. It will be the smallest and most affordable SUV offering from the South Korean automaker in India.
Bookings for the Hyundai Exter are already underway for an initial sum of Rs 11,000. The mini SUV will be available in 15 variants spread across five trims: EX, S, SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect. It is estimated to be priced from Rs 6 lakh for the base variant to Rs 10 lakh for the fully-loaded variant.
Hyundai has confirmed that its new micro SUV can be equipped with either a 1.2L petrol engine or a 1.2L petrol engine with a CNG kit. While the former will be available with both 5-speed manual and AMT gearboxes, the latter will only be offered with a manual transmission.
The 1.2L gasoline engine produces a power output of 83bhp and 114Nm of torque. Its main competitor, the Tata Punch, comes with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. Both 5-speed manual and AMT gearboxes are offered. Tata will soon introduce the Punch with its dual-cylinder CNG technology.
Dimensionally, the Hyundai Exter will be slightly longer, taller, and more spacious than the Punch. It will measure 3800-3900mm in length, 1631mm in height, and have a wheelbase of 2450mm. Tata’s mini SUV, on the other hand, is 3700mm long, 1690mm wide, 1595mm tall, with a 2435mm long wheelbase.
The new Hyundai Exter will be the first car in its segment to offer a dashcam with a dual camera and an electric sunroof. The micro SUV will also come with 6 airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control, traction control, Isofix, hill hold assist, all seats with 3-point seat belts and seatbelt reminders, a tire pressure monitoring system, and more.
