Hyundai Exter

Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT is powered by a 1.2-liter Kappa petrol engine with a displacement of 1,197 cc. This 4-cylinder engine delivers 83 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which includes paddle shifters in the SX variant.

The AMT gearbox offers smooth gear transitions, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising. The paddle shifters allow manual control over shifts when needed. Power delivery from 40–80 kmph is sufficient for overtaking, but beyond 90 kmph, the engine starts feeling strained. Hyundai seems to have tuned it well for city and occasional highway runs but not for long-distance, high-speed cruising.

Fuel efficiency is decent. I managed around 14 kmpl on my usual Udyog Vihar–Azadpur–GT Karnal Road test route.

The suspension setup consists of McPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. Ride quality is acceptable on most surfaces, though some judder and bumps filter into the cabin at speeds above 50–60 kmph.

Stepping into the Hyundai Exter SX AMT reveals a thoughtfully designed cabin that balances functionality with modern aesthetics. The dashboard features a 3D-printed design, preventing it from looking too plain. The black and grey color scheme is somewhat dull, but the sunroof and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob add a premium touch.

A prominent 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the center, offering seamless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is responsive and lag-free, in typical Hyundai fashion. The ORVMs are electrically adjustable and come with an auto-folding function. The fully digital instrument cluster is sharp and easy to read in both day and night conditions.

Seating in the Exter SX AMT is designed for comfort, whether for short commutes or longer journeys. The seats are upholstered in a combination of fabric and leatherette. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable across all variants, which is useful for shorter drivers. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable headrests and decent legroom, but the rear bench is best suited for two adults—three would be a tight squeeze.

Climate control is handled by a fully automatic temperature system with a digital display, and rear passengers get dedicated AC vents. Additional conveniences include a cooled glovebox, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports.

The boot offers 391 liters of storage, providing ample room for luggage. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space when needed.

The Exter’s looks are unconventional but purposeful—the boxy shape contributes to its generous headroom. The black grille is flanked by sleek projector headlamps and distinctive LED daytime running lights. Front and rear silver skid plates, along with roof rails, enhance its rugged appeal.

The side profile features a high beltline and flared wheel arches that house 15-inch alloy wheels. Blacked-out A- and B-pillars create a floating roof effect. Other design touches include a black shark-fin antenna and black rear bumper trim. The Knight Edition offers a fully blacked-out exterior with subtle red accents.

At the rear, LED tail lamps mirror the front design, ensuring a cohesive look.

The Exter is equipped with six airbags, including driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags. It also features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Unfortunately, there is no official safety rating yet, but other cars based on this platform have only managed 2-star safety ratings at best.

The Hyundai Exter SX AMT makes sense for city buyers looking for a stylish, feature-packed compact SUV with decent fuel efficiency. At a starting price of just ₹6 lakh, it offers great value for money with very few compromises.