Hyundai Exter : Hyundai’s Exter has evolved into a segment-defining micro-SUV by 2026, offering bold urban swagger, family-friendly space, and wallet-friendly running costs starting at just ₹6 lakh ex-showroom.

This sub-4-meter powerhouse blends rugged looks with surprising refinement, perfect for Panipat commuters battling narrow lanes and rutted roads while hauling weekend groceries or school runs.

Refreshed with Pro packs and widespread CNG adoption, it undercuts rivals like Tata Punch while delivering Hyundai’s trademark reliability and features galore.

Muscular Design in a Pint-Sized Package

The Exter’s boxy, upright profile commands attention despite its compact 3,815mm length—1,710mm wide, 1,631mm tall, riding a 2,450mm wheelbase that maximizes cabin room without compromising agility.

Signature H-shaped LED DRLs frame a bold grille, flanked by projector headlamps that pierce fog like lasers, while sculpted wheel arches house 15-inch steelies (16-inch diamond-cut alloys up top) for a planted stance.

Ground clearance boasts 185mm, conquering speed breakers and light gravel with ease—approach angle around 20 degrees suits occasional adventures.

Boot capacity hits 391 liters, folding 60:40 rear seats unlock over 800 liters for bulky loads like cricket kits or market hauls.

Parametric styling includes roof rails, chunky skid plates, and twin-tipped exhausts mimicking premium SUVs.

I spotted one cruising Sector 22; Starry Night paint gleamed, ORVMs folding electrically to hug curbs.

Inside, the dual-tone cabin wraps soft-touch dash and elevated seats offering SUV command views—five passengers fit cozy, headroom generous even for tall uncles.

Colors span 10 options like Fiery Red and Cosmos Black, personalization via Pro graphics packs adding flair without extra cost.

Efficient Kappa Power with Dual-Fuel Flexibility

The familiar 1.2-liter Kappa NA petrol (1197cc, 4-cylinder) pumps 81.8bhp at 6,000rpm and 113.8Nm at 4,000rpm, delivering peppy low-end grunt for confident merges and overtakes.

Mated to a slick 5-speed manual or responsive AMT auto (paddle shifters on SX Tech), it posts ARAI figures of 19.2-19.4kmpl petrol, translating to real-world 16-18kmpl city-highway mix.

CNG variant shines brighter at 27.1km/kg ARAI (23-25 real), slashing costs to ₹2/km amid rising pump prices—37L petrol or 60L CNG-equivalent tank enables 600-700km ranges worry-free.

Drive modes—Eco, City, Sport—tailor throttle response; 0-100kmph clocks around 12 seconds, top speed governed at 160kmph.

Idle start-stop and drive-by-wire efficiency tweaks squeeze extra km, FWD layout keeping it simple and serviceable.

Dual-fuel seamless switching mid-journey proves godsend for budget-conscious fleets or households pinching paise.

Plush Ride Quality Mastering Indian Chaos

Hyundai’s Advanced Comfort suspension—MacPherson struts front, coupled torsion beam rear—compresses like cushions over potholes yet rebounds controlled, eliminating the dreaded wallow.

Electric power steering feels light as a feather for U-turns in gullies, firms progressively on NH44 cruises.

Cabin NVH impresses with acoustic laminated glass options, wind/road hush minimal at 100kmph—disc brakes upfront, drums rear deliver progressive stopping power aided by ABS/EBD.

In Punjab’s notorious road roulette, Exter glides where rivals jolt—rear passengers nap undisturbed, 185mm clearance wading minor floods unscathed.

Feature Fiesta Punching Segment Limits

An 8-inch floating touchscreen dominates with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluelink connected car tech enabling remote AC preheat or geo-fencing alerts via app.

Voice-assisted single-pane sunroof responds to “Hyundai, open roof,” auto climate control with rear vents chills summers fast, wireless charging pad juices phones mid-drive.

Cruise control (petrol/AMT), keyless entry, push-button start, and cooled glovebox add premium touches usually reserved for twice-the-price cars.

Dashcam (Pro variants), rear parking camera with guidelines, tilt-adjustable steering, and USB-C ports galore seal practicality.

Hindi voice commands handle navigation or music seamlessly; paddle shifters on AMT encourage spirited runs.

Comprehensive Safety Without Compromise

Six airbags blanket every occupant (driver, passenger, side, curtain top-trims)—a segment rarity—bolstered by ESC, hill-start assist, TPMS, and ISOFIX anchors.

Three-point seatbelts all-round, pretensioners yank tight on impact, speed-sensing door locks auto-engage.

Rear defogger clears monsoons, impact-sensing unlock pops doors post-crash.

3-star GNCAP rating whispers pending upgrades, but real-world robustness shines through high-strength steel usage.

No full ADAS suite yet, but basics like rear sensors and tyre pressure voice alerts prioritize peace.

Ownership Economics That Delight

Base EX at ₹6.65 lakh, SX(O) Connect AMT CNG ₹10.52 lakh—on-road Panipat figures ₹7.5-12 lakh, EMI dipping to ₹12k/month with festive deals.

State subsidies trim CNG further, resale holds 80% after three years thanks to Hyundai badge.

Nationwide 1,500+ service centers mean quick fixes, routine checks ₹3-4k every 10,000km, 3-year/unlimited km warranty extendable worry-free.

Petrol ₹6/km, CNG ₹2/km crushes competitors’ thirst—total ownership under ₹50k/year easy.

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Hyundai Exter Edge in Micro-SUV Wars

Against Tata Punch’s ruggedness or Renault Kiger’s flair, Exter wins on ride comfort, feature depth, and dual-fuel thrift—space defies dimensions, tech feels premium without premium pain.

Nissan Magnite matches specs cheaper but trails network; Exter’s Bluelink ecosystem hooks users digitally.

For Haryana hustlers, it’s alley-dodger by day, highway hauler weekends—rugged cladding shrugs dust, vents battle heat.