Looking for your next car in India? It is a big decision, balancing budget, safety, maintenance, features, and reliable service. Today, we dive into a car making waves in the Indian market: the new Hyundai Exter HX8. This compact SUV aims to tick all those boxes for modern Indian families. Let us see if it is the perfect fit for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
• Cylinders 4-cylinder
• Maximum Power 83 PS at 6000 rpm (Petrol), 69 PS at 6000 rpm (CNG)
• Maximum Torque 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm (Petrol), 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm (CNG)
• Fuel Type Petrol and CNG

Design Overview

The Hyundai Exter HX8 stands out with its bold and modern design.

• Exterior It features signature H-shaped LED DRLs, a parametric grille, chunky wheel arches, and prominent skid plates for a rugged compact SUV look. Dual-tone alloy wheels (on HX8) and roof rails add to its stylish appeal on Indian roads.
• Interior Inside, the Exter HX8 offers a practical and premium cabin. It features an all-black interior, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a well laid out dashboard. Clever packaging ensures decent passenger space, making it comfortable for city drives and short trips.

Key Features

The Exter HX8 is packed with features, especially for its segment

• Infotainment System 8-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless)
• Connectivity Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology
• Sunroof Voice Enabled Electric Single Pane Sunroof
• Camera Segment first 360-degree Surround View Camera
• Charging Wireless Phone Charger
• Climate Control Automatic Climate Control
• Dashcam Dual Camera Dashcam with multiple recording modes
• Other Conveniences Rear AC Vents, Cruise Control, Footwell Lighting, Paddle Shifters (AMT only)

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter offers a generous 185 mm of ground clearance. This is great for tackling challenging Indian road conditions and uneven surfaces without worrying about scraping the bottom.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter boasts an impressive 391 litres of boot space. This makes it one of the most practical cars in its segment for carrying luggage, groceries, or even gear for a weekend getaway.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?

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

Powertrain Options

Hyundai offers the Exter with versatile powertrain choices to suit different buyer preferences

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine with Factory-fitted CNG and 5-speed Manual Transmission

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the Exter HX8 leads the segment with its extensive safety package

• Airbags 6 Airbags standard across all variants
• Braking ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Stability Control ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
• Seating 3-point seatbelts for all five passengers
• Child Safety ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Other Safety Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rear Parking Sensors and Camera

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are becoming crucial for Indian car buyers, and the Hyundai Exter delivers confidently.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX8

The Hyundai Exter operates in a highly competitive micro SUV segment. Its main rivals include

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

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Here is a balanced look at what makes the Hyundai Exter HX8 shine and where it could improve.

Pros

• Feature Rich Loaded with segment-first features like 6 airbags standard, a voice-enabled sunroof, and a dashcam, offering great value.
• Safety 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child safety makes it one of the safest in its class.
• Design Bold, rugged SUV design with strong road presence.
• Powertrain Options Choice of petrol manual, AMT, and factory fitted CNG caters to diverse needs.
• Practicality Best-in-class boot space and good ground clearance for Indian conditions.
• Hyundai Service The wide and reliable Hyundai service network is a big plus for ownership experience.

Cons

• Engine Performance While refined, the 1.2L engine might feel underpowered for spirited highway driving or fully loaded conditions.
• Price Top-end HX8 variant can be pricey, though feature-rich.
• Interior Plastics Hard plastic use in the interior might feel basic compared to premium offerings.
• No Diesel Option For those who prefer diesel engines for higher mileage, there is no diesel option available.

Conclusion

So, is the Hyundai Exter HX8 your next car? If you seek a compact SUV blending safety, features, style, and practicality for city and occasional highway drives, it is an excellent choice. Its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating offers immense peace of mind. The extensive feature list, including sunroof and 360-degree camera, enhances every drive. With reliable Hyundai service and multiple powertrain options, it offers something for everyone. While not the most powerful, its overall package makes it a strong contender for a new family car or stylish urban explorer. Take a test drive to see if it meets your needs. Happy car hunting.