KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Exter available with a 1.2L Na petrol and dual CNG powertrain
- Equipped with sunroof, pedal shifters, and touchscreen infotainment
- Competes with Tata Punch, Maruti Fronx, and Nissan Magnite
The Hyundai Exter, the XL version of the i10 Nios, is a fantastic small SUV option for those who want a high stance, great headroom, and a low-maintenance vehicle at an affordable price. Launched in 2023, this car has found its audience, and they are satisfied with its offerings. In this article, we'll discuss its key features and how they compare to its rivals. So, let's dive in, and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
Also Read: Skoda Kylaq Key Features Explained - Why You Should Buy One
Hyundai Exter Key Features
8 inch Infotainment Touchscreen
It feels perfect for the size of the car. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen offers navigation, FM/Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Additionally, this screen is integrated with multiple regional language UIs.
Variants Available:
There are two iterations of this screen: one is a standard version, and the other is an HD version with Bluelink. The standard version starts from the S EXE variant and goes up to the SX (O), while the HD version with Bluelink starts at the SX (O) Connect and extends to the top-spec SX (O) Connect / Knight Edition.
Competitors Check:
- Tata Punch - The Punch is equipped with three infotainment screens: 3.5-inch, 7-inch, and 10.24-inch. With 10 variants to choose from, these screens are offered in ascending order. While the first screen has limited functionality, the other two come with several connectivity features.
- Maruti Fronx - Maruti offers two infotainment screen options, one of 7 inch and other of 9 inch. Thankfully, all the screens get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Nissan Magnite - This car too is offered with two screen setup, an 8 inch and 9 inch.
Electric Sunroof
An electric sunroof is now available, and due to high demand, it's being offered from the second variant onward. The top two trims feature a voice-enabled sunroof. When the Exter was first launched, this feature was limited to the top three trims, but in response to the strong demand, Hyundai has introduced special variants to cater to customers who seek it.
Variants Available:
The sunroof is there in all 13 variants, except the base one.
Competitors Check:
- Tata Punch - This small SUV offers sunroof from Adventure variant onwards, and this one is also voice-assisted.
- Maruti Fronx - No sunroof on this Maruti Suzuki small SUV.
- Nissan Magnite - Even Magnite lacks this popular feature.
Paddle Shifters
For an engaging driving experience, Hyundai offers paddle shifters with its AMT gearbox, a rare feature for a car of its price and engine. While it doesn't make the gear shifts faster, it gives the driver more control over them.
Variants Available:
From SX Smart trim, the paddle shifters are included with AMT gearbox.
Competitors Check:
- Maruti Fronx - This car is equipped with paddle shifters, but only with the 1.0L turbo petrol and 6-speed automatic gearbox in the Zeta and Alpha variant only.
- Nissan Magnite and Tata Punch misses out on this feature.
Hill Start Assist Control (HSAC)
Along with 6 airbags as standard, electronic stability control, reverse parking sensors, and more, Hyundai has made Hill Hold Assist (or Hill Start Assist Control) a standard feature on the Exter. This feature is particularly useful on inclines, as it automatically applies the brakes for at least 3 seconds, giving the driver time to engage the gear and press the throttle to navigate a sloping road with ease. This safety feature is a real blessing for new drivers.
Variants Available:
Comes as standard on Exter.
Competitors Check:
- Tata Punch - Renowned as, one of the most safe car in its segment, earning 5-stars in crash tests. Still it misses out on this saftey feature and surprisingly, has just 2 airbags as standard across all variants.
- Maruti Fronx and Nissan Magnite has it across all trims.
Dual CNG Technology
Customers looking for an alternative fuel option will find the Hyundai Exter available with CNG, but with a twist. The CNG tank is divided into two and placed strategically, ensuring it doesn't compromise the trunk space. This innovative solution addresses a significant issue, and customers have appreciated Hyundai's approach. While there isn't an official figure on the remaining space, it can easily accommodate two large suitcases.
Competitors Check:
- Tata Punch - Tata was the first ever brand to start this, and Punch with this offers a 210 L of boot space.
- Maruti Fronx - Fronx doesn't have dual-CNG but a regular full size tank of 55L of capacity.
- Nissan Magnite - Nissan has recently launched the Magnite with retro-fitted CNG, but it comes in a traditional manner.
Other Notable Features of Hyundai Exter
- Automatic AC
- Cruise Control
- TPMS
- Cruise Control
- Dashcam with dual camera
- Wireless Phone Charger
- Rear AC Vents
- Footwell Lightning
- Driver seat height adjustment
- Passenger vanity mirror
- Rear View Camera with guidelines
Features Missing In Hyundai Exter
360-Parking Camera
Rivals like the Nissan Magnite and Maruti Fronx are equipped with a 360-degree parking camera, which provides a complete view of the car's surroundings, making it easier to park confidently in tight spaces. What's more, this feature has become quite popular even in small cars these days, and we believe a feature-loaded car like the Exter shouldn't miss out on it.
Auto dimming IRVM
This premium feature is also missing in the Exter, and for a top variant priced at Rs 10.50 lakh ex-showroom, it should at least be offered. That said, the IRVM does come with telematic switches and features like SOS, RSA, and Bluelink. Rivals like the Nissan Magnite offer an auto-dimming, bezel-less IRVM, which is a segment first, and even the Fronx includes it, but only in the top-spec Alpha trim.
Armrest
Passengers in the front seats don't get an armrest, which is a downside of the car. For a vehicle that comes with cruise control and automatic gearboxes, it would have been ideal to include an armrest to ensure that the comfort level remains high.
| Features | Exter | Punch | Fronx | Magnite |
| Infotainment Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| 360-Parking Camera | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Armrest | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Verdict
The Hyundai Exter is a fantastic choice for those who want a spacious, feature-loaded small car with a higher stance at an affordable price. While it may not be the most stylish car, the interior offers a comfortable space that reminds us of larger SUVs. It is packed with features, and the sunroof is available across all trims. In a nutshell, Hyundai has created the perfect recipe for a highly value-for-money car under Rs 10 lakh.
