Looking for a new car in India can feel like navigating a maze. You're constantly weighing budget against safety, wondering about monthly maintenance costs, craving the latest features, and, of course, trusting the company's service network. Well, what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, offering a compelling package for the modern Indian car buyer? Today, we're diving deep into the Hyundai Exter HX3 – a micro-SUV that's creating quite a stir in the market. Is it the right fit for your garage? Let's find out!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Hyundai Exter HX3 is a tried-and-tested engine known for its reliability and efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1197cc
• Maximum Power: 83 PS (Petrol) / 69 PS (CNG)
• Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm (Petrol) / 95.2 Nm (CNG)
• Transmission Options: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Exter HX3 boasts a distinct micro-SUV look that stands out on the road.

• Stance: Upright, rugged, and confident SUV stance.
• Front: Features the signature 'H' shaped LED DRLs, a parametric design grille, and squarish headlamps for a bold appeal.
• Side Profile: Muscular wheel arches, body cladding, and diamond-cut alloy wheels (on higher variants) give it a premium feel. Functional roof rails complete the SUV look.
• Rear: Continues the 'H' pattern in the taillights, connecting them with a textured black strip, adding to its unique identity.

Interior

Step inside the Exter HX3, and you're greeted with a practical yet feature-rich cabin.

• Dashboard: A neat and functional layout with an all-black theme.
• Infotainment: Dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Seating: Comfortable seats with decent bolstering, offering good support for city commutes and highway runs.
• Space: Surprisingly spacious for its segment, especially upfront, with adequate legroom and headroom for rear passengers.

Key Features

Hyundai has packed the Exter HX3 with a host of segment-first and desirable features:

• 8-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electric Sunroof (Single Pane) - A segment-first!
• Integrated Dashcam with Dual Cameras (Front & Rear) and multiple recording modes
• 360-degree Surround View Camera
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Automatic Climate Control
• Digital Instrument Cluster with Multi-Information Display
• Connected Car Technology (Hyundai BlueLink)
• Voice Commands
• Rear AC Vents

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter HX3?

• The Hyundai Exter HX3 offers an impressive 185 mm of ground clearance, perfect for tackling Indian roads and occasional rough patches.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter HX3?

• You get a generous 391 litres of boot space, making it highly practical for your weekend getaways or grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter HX3?

• Length: 3830 mm
• Width: 1723 mm
• Height: 1643 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Exter offers versatile powertrain choices to suit different needs:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
• 1.2-litre Bi-Fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG and 5-speed Manual Transmission (available in specific variants)

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter HX3, offering a strong package:

• 6 Airbags as standard across all variants
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
• 3-point seatbelts for all five occupants
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Burglar Alarm

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are becoming increasingly important for Indian buyers. Here's what we know about the Hyundai Exter HX3:

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX3

The Hyundai Exter HX3 competes in a hot segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Punch
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Citroen C3

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice.

Pros (Advantages)

• Feature-Loaded: Segment-first features like sunroof and dashcam give it an edge.
• Standard Safety: 6 airbags across all variants is a huge plus point for safety-conscious buyers.
• SUV Stance: Good road presence and high ground clearance make it suitable for Indian conditions.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa engine is smooth and fuel-efficient for city and highway drives.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers good interior space for a micro-SUV.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Known for wide service network and low maintenance.
• AMT Option: Adds convenience for city driving.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• AMT Jerkiness: Like most AMTs, it can feel a bit jerky at lower speeds.
• No Turbo Petrol Option: While the 1.2L is good, some rivals offer a more powerful turbo option.

Rear Design: The rear styling might not appeal to everyone.NCAP Rating Awaited: While expected to be good, an official rating would provide more peace of mind.Limited Colour Options on top variants: Some buyers might desire more vibrant choices.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter HX3 emerges as a very strong contender in the micro-SUV segment. It masterfully blends a rugged SUV look with a feature-rich and safe cabin, all powered by a refined and efficient engine. For Indian car buyers prioritising safety, modern tech, good ground clearance, and Hyundai's trusted ownership experience, the Exter HX3 makes a compelling case. It's a car that truly offers a lot of 'Exter-value' for your money. While direct safety ratings are still awaited, Hyundai's commitment to standard safety features is a reassuring factor. If you're in the market for a stylish, practical, and well-equipped compact SUV for your family, the Hyundai Exter HX3 should definitely be on your shortlist. We recommend a test drive to experience its charm firsthand and see if it aligns with your driving needs and lifestyle.