Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG

Are you on the hunt for a new car that perfectly balances your budget, keeps your loved ones safe, promises low monthly maintenance, comes loaded with the latest features, and offers top-notch company service? In India's dynamic car market, making the right choice can be a challenge. Today, we're taking a deep dive into an exciting option that aims to tick all these boxes: the Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG. Let's see if this urban SUV is the right fit for your garage.

Hyundai has truly made an impact in the compact SUV segment with the Exter. The HX6 Knight CNG variant offers a compelling package for those who prioritize fuel efficiency without compromising on style, safety, or modern features. This detailed review will help prospective buyers understand its every aspect.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG is powered by Hyundai's well-regarded 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel engine, designed to run efficiently on both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel (Petrol & CNG)
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 83 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Max Torque (Petrol): 113.8 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Max Power (CNG): 68bhp@6000rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 95.2 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (CNG variant is manual only)

This engine provides a good blend of performance for city commutes and highway runs, coupled with excellent fuel economy in CNG mode.

Design Overview

The Hyundai Exter stands out with its bold and rugged design, projecting a strong SUV presence. The Knight Edition further enhances its sporty appeal.

• Exterior Design:
  • Upright stance with a distinctive SUV character.
  • Signature 'H' LED DRLs for a unique front look.
  • Parametric front grille and robust skid plates.
  • Stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels.
  • The HX6 Knight variant features exclusive blacked-out elements like the front grille, skid plates, roof rails, and black alloy wheels, giving it an aggressive and premium finish.
• Interior Design:
  • Modern, spacious cabin with a dual-tone theme.
  • Digitised instrument cluster.
  • Comfortable seating and thoughtful storage.
  • The Knight edition's interior sports black upholstery with red accents on the dashboard and stitching, adding to its sporty ambiance.

Key Features

Hyundai is known for feature-rich cars, and the Exter HX6 Knight CNG is no exception:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Connectivity: Advanced Bluelink connected car technology.
• Convenience: Electric sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control.
• Added Value: Dashcam with dual camera, smart key with push-button start/stop, voice commands, rear AC vents, footwell lighting.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter offers an impressive 185 mm of ground clearance, making it highly capable of handling varied Indian road conditions, including potholes and speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?

While the petrol Exter provides a generous 391 litres of boot space, the CNG variant, including the HX6 Knight CNG, has a reduced capacity of approximately 225 litres due to the CNG cylinder. This is still practical for daily errands and small luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?

As a compact SUV, the Hyundai Exter is designed for urban agility:

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter provides versatile powertrain choices:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
• 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel CNG: Exclusively offered with a 5-speed Manual Transmission, focusing on superior fuel economy.

Safety Features

Hyundai has prioritised safety with the Exter, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of features as standard across variants:

• Standard Safety:
  • 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side & Curtain)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
  • Rear Parking Sensors & Camera
  • ISOFIX child seat anchorages
• Advanced Safety (on higher trims):
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Dashcam with Dual Camera

NCAP Rating Table

The safety credentials of the Hyundai Exter are impressive, particularly for its segment.

A 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection is a significant achievement, highlighting the strong structural integrity and safety features of the Hyundai Exter.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG

The Hyundai Exter operates in a highly competitive market. Its primary rivals, especially in the CNG segment, include:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis (Petrol)
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx (Petrol & CNG)
• Citroen C3 (Petrol)
• Nissan Magnite (Petrol)
• Renault Kiger (Petrol)

The Tata Punch CNG is its most direct competitor, offering similar practicality and efficiency in the CNG micro-SUV space.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a balanced perspective on the Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG:

Pros

• Leading Safety: Standard 6 airbags and a 5-star Global NCAP rating for adult protection make it extremely safe.
• Feature-Loaded: Packed with segment-firsts like a sunroof, dashcam, and 360-degree camera, offering great value.
• High Fuel Efficiency: The CNG powertrain ensures significantly reduced running costs.
• Bold SUV Styling: Distinctive exterior design, with the Knight Edition's blacked-out elements, ensures strong road presence.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa engine is smooth and offers adequate power for city and occasional highway use.
• Excellent Ground Clearance: 185 mm GC handles diverse Indian road conditions with ease.
• Reliable Service: Backed by Hyundai's extensive and trusted service network.

Cons

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder significantly limits luggage capacity, a consideration for longer trips.
• Rear Seating Width: While comfortable for two adults, seating three can be snug on extended journeys.
• Price Point: Higher trims, including the Knight CNG, can be pricier compared to some base variants of rivals.
• No Automatic CNG Option: The CNG variant is exclusively manual, which might deter urban buyers preferring an automatic transmission.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter HX6 Knight CNG stands out as a highly appealing package for Indian car buyers seeking a practical, stylish, safe, and fuel-efficient compact SUV. It brilliantly combines Hyundai's renowned build quality and feature-rich philosophy with the cost-saving benefits of CNG.

If you're a city dweller or a small family looking for a vehicle that's easy to drive, boasts a confident road presence, prioritises your safety with 6 airbags as standard, and promises excellent fuel economy, the Exter HX6 Knight CNG deserves serious consideration. While the reduced boot space in the CNG model is a trade-off, its overwhelming list of pros, especially its safety and comprehensive features, makes it a smart choice for the modern Indian car buyer. This car is about driving with confidence, comfort, and style, all while keeping your running costs low.