Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is always a big decision, isnt it? Youre juggling so many thoughts: Will it fit my budget? Is it safe for my family? How much will it cost to maintain every month? Does it have all the latest features I want? And what about the companys service network?

Well, if these questions are buzzing in your head, then youve landed in the right place. Today, were taking a deep dive into a car that promises to tick many of these boxes for the smart Indian buyer: the new Hyundai Exter HX3 CNG. Hyundai has made quite a splash with the Exter, and its CNG avatar is particularly exciting for those looking for great value without compromising on style or features. Lets find out if this micro-SUV is your perfect match!

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Hyundai Exter HX3 CNG is a tried and tested unit.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel Petrol with CNG
• Cylinders: 4-cylinder
• Power (Petrol): 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque (Petrol): 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Power (CNG): 69 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque (CNG): 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) only for CNG

Design Overview

Exterior

The Exter certainly stands out with its distinct SUV personality. Its got a tough, muscular look despite its compact size.

• Front Look: Bold and upright stance with a chunky grille. The H-signature LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) are a real head-turner, giving it a unique identity.
• Side Profile: Squared-off wheel arches, body cladding, and roof rails give it a proper SUV feel. The diamond-cut alloy wheels (in higher variants) add to its premium appeal.
• Rear Design: Modern tail lamps connected by a black strip, maintaining the bold design language.

Interior

Step inside, and you're greeted with a practical yet modern cabin.

• Layout: All-black theme for a sporty feel, with silver accents enhancing the premium touch.
• Comfort: Decent legroom and headroom for its segment, making it comfortable for city drives and short trips.
• Storage: Smart storage spaces throughout the cabin for your everyday essentials.

Key Features

The Hyundai Exter packs a punch when it comes to features, even in its CNG variants.

• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
• Connectivity: BlueLink connected car technology (in higher variants) offers remote functions and vehicle tracking.
• Sunroof: A Smart Electric Sunroof is a major highlight, available in SX CNG and higher petrol variants, bringing in that open-air feel.
• Dashcam: First-in-segment Dashcam with Dual Camera (front and rear) for added security and recording your journeys.
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control (in higher variants) for comfortable cabin temperatures.
• Digital Cluster: A fully digital instrument cluster with a multi-information display.
• Rear AC Vents: Ensures comfort for rear passengers.
• Voice Commands: For controlling various car functions.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter offers a healthy 185 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Hyundai Exter?

The petrol version of the Exter offers a generous 391 litres of boot space. However, for the CNG variant, the boot space is significantly reduced due to the placement of the CNG cylinder. While specific figures for the CNG variant are not widely published, expect it to be around 200-250 litres or less, suitable for a few soft bags.

What are the Dimensions of the Hyundai Exter?

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter comes with versatile powertrain choices to suit different needs.

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
• 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel CNG: Available only with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT). This is the variant we are focusing on today, offering excellent fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter, offering an impressive suite of features as standard.

• 6 Airbags: A segment-first and standard across all variants, providing enhanced protection for all occupants.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for controlled stopping.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability during sudden manoeuvres.
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): Works with ESC to improve stability in challenging situations.
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you to low tyre pressure.
• Rear Parking Sensors with Camera: For easy and safe parking.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seat installation.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are becoming increasingly important for Indian buyers.

Please Note: As of now, the Hyundai Exter has not been crash-tested by either Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. We anticipate its performance will be strong, given Hyundai's commitment to safety and the standard inclusion of 6 airbags.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX3 CNG

The Exter HX3 CNG faces competition from several popular models in the Indian market:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis CNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros)

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: CNG power means incredibly low running costs, a huge plus for Indian buyers.
• Standard Safety: Six airbags across all variants set a new benchmark in its segment.
• SUV Styling: A robust and attractive design that gives it a strong road presence.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Packed with modern features like a digital cluster, touchscreen, and even a sunroof in higher CNG variants.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa engine is known for its smoothness and reliability.
• Hyundai Service Network: Extensive and reliable service support across India.
• High Ground Clearance: 185 mm makes it suitable for diverse road conditions.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank eats into the boot capacity significantly.
• CNG Only Manual: No AMT option for the CNG variant might be a deal-breaker for some urban buyers.
• Performance Dip: Power and torque are noticeably lower in CNG mode compared to petrol, affecting highway overtaking.
• Higher Initial Cost: CNG variants are naturally pricier than their petrol counterparts.

Conclusion

So, is the Hyundai Exter HX3 CNG the right car for you? If youre someone who values incredibly low running costs, wants a safe car with a proper SUV look, and doesnt mind a slightly reduced boot for the sake of fuel efficiency, then the Exter HX3 CNG could be a fantastic choice. It brings Hyundai's renowned quality, features, and service to the growing micro-SUV segment, now with the added advantage of CNG.

While the reduced boot space and manual-only CNG option are points to consider, the Exter's strengths, especially its standard safety features and bold design, make it a very compelling package. It truly offers a blend of style, safety, and economy that's hard to beat in its class. Take a test drive, feel the car, and see if it aligns with your driving needs. Happy motoring!