Hyundai Exter : Ever since Hyundai rolled out the Exter back in 2023, it’s been turning heads in India’s bustling streets and highways alike.
This pint-sized powerhouse has crossed the 2 lakh sales milestone by early 2026, proving it’s more than just a budget buy—it’s a smart, feature-loaded companion for everyday adventures.
A Bold Entry into the Micro-SUV Arena
I still remember spotting my first Exter zipping through Delhi traffic; that boxy, upright stance screamed “city warrior” without trying too hard.
Hyundai nailed the design brief for the Indian market—compact yet commanding presence at 3,815mm long with a 185mm ground clearance that laughs off potholes.
The signature H-shaped DRLs and parametric jewel pattern grille give it a premium vibe, rivaling pricier siblings like the Venue.
Dual-tone shades like Abyss Black with Ranger Khaki add flair, making it a standout in parking lots crowded with lookalikes. What hooks you immediately is how Hyundai packed SUV toughness into sub-4m dimensions.
It’s not just tall-boy styling; the 2450mm wheelbase ensures rear passengers aren’t left squished, a common gripe in this segment.
I’ve chatted with owners who swear by its no-fuss parking in tight urban spots—perfect for Delhi’s chaotic lanes where every inch counts.
Powertrain Punch with Efficiency Edge
Under the hood, the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol churns out 81.8bhp and 113.8Nm, mated to either a slick 5-speed manual or AMT auto.
It’s no rocket, but refined enough for seamless city crawls and confident overtakes on highways. ARAI figures promise 19.2-19.4 kmpl on petrol, but real-world tests hover around 17-18 kmpl in mixed conditions—solid for the class.
The real game-changer? CNG variants starting at ₹6.87 lakh, boasting 27.1 km/kg. Twin cylinders tuck neatly under the boot floor, freeing up 291 litres of space—genius for grocery runs or weekend getaways.
Owners rave about slashing fuel bills amid rising prices; one Delhiite told me his monthly commute costs halved post-switch. No major power dip either, making it highway-viable without drama.
Tech and Comfort That Punch Above Weight
Step inside, and the Exter surprises with a clean, uncluttered cabin. The 8-inch touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, while higher trims add a sunroof, auto AC with rear vents, and push-button start.
Ambient lighting and leatherette seats elevate the feel beyond its ₹5.64-9.38 lakh ex-showroom tag. Safety leads the pack: six airbags standard across variants, plus ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, and TPMS.
It’s a breath of fresh air when rivals skimp on basics. Rear AC vents and USB ports keep kids happy on long drives, and the dashcam in top-spec models adds peace of mind in unpredictable traffic.
Comfort? Monocoque body with disc brakes all around delivers composed handling, soaking up bumps better than expected.
Facelift Buzz What’s Coming in 2026
Excitement’s building for the March 2026 facelift, spied testing with subtle grille tweaks, new alloys, and revised bumpers.
Inside, expect a massive leap—a 12.9-inch touchscreen and 9.9-inch digital cluster running Android Automotive OS (AAOS), India’s first for mass-market cars.
OTA map updates, third-party apps, wireless charging, and possibly ventilated seats could join the fray, keeping it ahead of the curve.
Powertrains stay familiar, but enhanced connectivity and safety like ADAS hints promise to sharpen its edge. Hyundai’s playing smart—evolving without revolution, ensuring loyalists upgrade without regret.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
In the shark tank of Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Maruti Fronx, the Exter shines on features and refinement.
Punch edges on safety ratings, but Exter’s smoother AMT and CNG usability win city folks. Magnite offers space, yet lags in polish; Fronx tempts with style but pricier autos.
Owners love the Exter’s low maintenance—Hyundai’s network is everywhere—and resale buzz is strong post-2 lakh sales.
Downsides? Boot could be bigger for families, and it’s no off-roader despite the stance. Still, for urbanites, it’s value personified.
Real Voices from Indian Roads
Flip through reviews, and patterns emerge: “Effortless in Mumbai jams,” says one; “CNG savior amid fuel hikes,” chimes another.
A highway commuter praised its stability at 100kmph, while a newbie driver lauded the light controls. Niggles like narrow rear for three adults crop up, but overall, 4+ star ratings dominate. In Delhi’s dust and monsoons, that 185mm clearance proves golden.
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Hyundai Exter Your Next Urban Ally?
The Hyundai Exter isn’t perfect, but damn if it doesn’t nail what most Indians crave—affordable fun, efficiency, and surprises galore.
With the facelift looming, now’s prime time to snag one before prices nudge up. Whether solo commutes or family jaunts, it delivers without fuss. Head to a showroom; that test drive might just seal the deal.