The Exter’s front fascia has closer resemblance to the Ioniq 5 than any of Hyundai’s ICE SUVs.
Following a teaser of just the silhouette earlier this month, Hyundai has now showcased almost the entire front fascia of its upcoming micro-SUV for India, the Exter. The design render even previews a few design cues that will be seen on more global Hyundai SUVs. The Exter is expected to enter production by July this year, which means a market launch can be expected by August. The Exter will be built for India and exported to markets abroad as well.
- Hyundai Exter to share underpinnings with Grand i10 Nios
- Will be petrol-only launch, CNG could join the line-up later
- Will rival the likes of Tata Punch, Maruti Ignis and Citroen C3
Hyundai Exter: front fascia teased
The Exter sports a very unique front-end design that’s currently not seen on any other Hyundai in India. Based on the brand’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, the Exter will get a split headlamp setup with new H-shaped LED DRLs. This design motif is, in fact, expected on more Hyundai SUVs like the next-gen Santa Fe that has been spied with a similar setup abroad.
Headlining the bonnet, the LED DRLs are housed in a darkened enclosure, but unlike popular trend, its not a full-width light bar. The front bumper, which houses the squarish main headlamp units, have an upright and blocky design with a blackened grille stretching the entire width of the bumper. The render also shows a faux silver skid plate, flared wheel arches and a window line that looks quite similar to the Venue and even the Casper sold abroad.
Overall, the Exter’s front fascia looks closer to the all-electric Ioniq 5 than to the likes of the Venue, Creta or Alcazar. It even gets a 2D Hyundai logo on bonnet similar to the Ioniq 5. Previous teaser image of the Exter have hinted at an upright stance, flattish bonnet and boxy proportions.
While Hyundai has not yet given us a look at the rear of this micro-SUV, one can expect squarish tail lamps, but here at the rear, it will likely be connected via a light bar. The side profile will have some faux cladding, especially around the wheel arches to add to its SUV appeal.
Hyundai Exter: platform, powertrain
Expected to measure around 3.8 meters in length, the Exter will share its underpinnings with the Grand i10 Nios hatchback, but it will come with added ground clearance and perhaps a retuned suspension as well. Under the hood, the Exter is expected to carry forward the tried and tested 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Nios, Aura, i20 and Venue. Transmission options are likely to include 5-speed manual and AMT gearbox.
However, unlike the Nios, the Exter is also expected to get a second engine option, which as we had reported before, will be a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This will not only give it a key distinction from the Nios and Aura, but it will also give the Exter a leg up on the Tata Punch which is what it will be squarely aimed at. A factory-fitted CNG kit can be expected to join the line-up later as its already offered on the Nios, and there are even talks of an all-electric version for the future.
Hyundai Exter: launch timeline, expected price
Expect Hyundai to drip feed more information about the Exter in the lead up to its launch in August this year. Expect it to be priced at a slight premium over the Nios (Rs 5.73 lakh – 8.51 lakh, ex-showroom), but it will definitely slot in below the Venue.
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