Hyundai Exter upcoming micro-SUV, likely to launch in August
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai India has reported that its forthcoming micro SUV will be known as the Exter upon its launch. The Hyundai Exter’s series production will begin in July of this year, indicating an August launch in the market. The Exter micro-SUV, which was previously called the Ai3, will be made for India and later exported to neighboring nations.
The Exter will be the brand’s eighth SUV in the Indian market. It will be placed below Venue and will rival the market-leading Tata Punch and recently launched Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Exter is based on the Hyundai’s K1 small car platform. The same platform is being shared by Grand i10 Nios and Aura. It is likely to come with two petrol engines. There is a possibility of getting CNG and EV iterations in the near future. The size of the Exter may resemble the Korea-specific Hyundai Casper.
How it may look?
The Exter will have a boxy and upright stance just like the Venue. The two SUVs will have completely distinct looks, however, it’s possible that Hyundai’s “sensuous sportiness” design concept may be used in the new AI3. Even though the SUV has been seen on Indian roads several times with a lot of camouflage, some obvious design cues include daytime running LEDs, a split headlamp assembly like the Venue, and LED projectors in higher-spec versions. The higher models will also include features like a single-pane sunroof, LED inserts in the tail lamps, 15-inch machined alloy wheels, and roof rails.
The Exter is anticipated to have contemporary interior features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a push-button start/stop, a wireless charger, and leather upholstery. Typical of Hyundai automobiles, the dual-tone black and beige inside upholstery is also expected.
Exter’s Engine
A 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 83 PS and 114 Nm of torque is anticipated to power the Exter. A 5-speed manual transmission will be provided as standard equipment, with a 5-speed AMT possibly being offered as an option. However, there is a likelihood that Hyundai may also provide higher models with the 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine from the Venue.
Exter’s Rival
Hyundai India is launching Exter in counter the sub-compact SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch, and Citroen C3, and less-spec naturally-aspirated models of other compact SUVs like the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the future Maruti Suzuki Fronx.