Hello car enthusiasts and future car owners. Are you currently searching for your next set of wheels. In India, buying a car involves a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has the latest features, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. Well, you are in luck. Today, we are going to take a deep dive into a car that checks many of these boxes and has really made a splash in the market - the new Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT. Let us explore what makes this compact SUV a strong contender for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT packs a punch with its reliable and efficient engine. It uses a familiar unit that Hyundai has perfected over the years:

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Maximum Power: 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission AMT

This engine is known for its smooth performance and decent fuel efficiency, making it perfect for both city commutes and occasional highway runs.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Hyundai Exter truly stands out with its bold and rugged design. It has that proper SUV stance despite its compact size. The front fascia features an H-shaped LED DRL signature, a split headlamp design, and a chunky grille that gives it a very strong road presence. From the sides, you get prominent wheel arches and stylish dual-tone alloy wheels that add to its sporty appeal. The rear design is equally distinctive with H-shaped LED taillamps connected by a black strip, completing its modern look. It is designed to turn heads.

Interior

Step inside the Exter and you will be greeted by a well-designed and practical cabin. The interior layout is clean and user-friendly. The all-black theme with subtle accents gives it a premium feel. The seats are comfortable and offer good support, even on longer journeys. Hyundai has focused on maximizing cabin space, and it feels surprisingly roomy for a car in its segment. The quality of materials used is good, living up to Hyundai's reputation for well-finished interiors.

Key Features

The Exter HX6 AMT is loaded with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and safety. Here are some notable ones:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Connectivity: Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
• Sunroof: Segment-first electric sunroof - a definite crowd-pleaser
• Camera: 360-degree Surround View Camera for easy parking
• Charging: Wireless phone charging
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Dashcam: In-built Dashcam with dual cameras front and rear
• Other Convenience: Keyless entry, push-button start-stop, voice commands

Ground Clearance

A crucial aspect for Indian roads is ground clearance, and the Exter does not disappoint here. It offers a healthy 185 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling uneven roads, speed breakers, and light off-roading with confidence.

Boot Space

Despite its compact dimensions, the Hyundai Exter surprises with its generous boot space. You get a massive 391 litres of boot capacity, which is one of the best in its class. This means ample space for your weekend luggage or grocery runs.

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions of the Hyundai Exter:

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

These dimensions contribute to its nimble handling in the city while offering a stable ride on highways.

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter offers versatility in its powertrain options. While we are focusing on the HX6 AMT, it is good to know the range:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine: Available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT Automated Manual Transmission. This is the unit in the HX6 AMT.
• 1.2L Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG: Also available with a 5-speed manual gearbox for those looking for even lower running costs.

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a top priority with the Exter. It comes packed with a comprehensive list of safety features:

• Airbags: 6 airbags standard across all variants driver, passenger, side, curtain
• Braking: Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Stability: Electronic Stability Control ESC, Vehicle Stability Management VSM, Hill Start Assist Control HAC
• Parking: Rear parking sensors and camera
• Dashcam: Dual camera dashcam
• Other: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are becoming increasingly important, and the Hyundai Exter has performed commendably.

This 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP is a huge confidence booster for prospective buyers, proving the Exter is a very safe choice for you and your family.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT

The Hyundai Exter faces stiff competition in the booming micro SUV segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Punch
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Citroen C3
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bold SUV Styling: Unique and attractive design that stands out.
• Feature Loaded: Offers segment-first features like electric sunroof and dashcam.
• High Safety Rating: 5-star Bharat NCAP rating offers peace of mind.
• Spacious Cabin and Boot: Excellent interior room and a large 391-litre boot.
• Good Ground Clearance: 185 mm is perfect for Indian road conditions.
• Smooth AMT: Convenient and easy to drive in city traffic.
• Hyundai Reliability: Comes with the backing of Hyundai's wide service network and reliability.

Cons

• Engine Performance: While adequate for city, it might feel slightly underpowered on highways with a full load.
• AMT Jerkiness: Like most AMTs, it can exhibit some jerkiness during gear shifts, especially at lower speeds, though Hyundai's AMT is one of the better ones.
• Rear Design: The rear design might not appeal to everyone.
• Price: Top variants can get a bit pricey compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter HX6 AMT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings a fresh design, a feature-rich cabin, and, most importantly, top-notch safety to the table. If you are looking for a stylish, practical, and safe automatic car for your daily commutes and family trips, the Exter HX6 AMT is definitely worth considering. It offers a compelling package that balances style, comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Visit your nearest Hyundai dealership for a test drive and experience the Exter for yourself. Happy motoring.