Choosing a new car in India is always a big decision. With so many options out there, every buyer weighs several key factors: how much will it cost to buy and maintain, how safe is it for my family, what are the latest features available, and how reliable is the company's service network? These are crucial questions, and today, we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to answer them all with confidence: the new Hyundai Exter HX8 AMT. This micro SUV has generated significant buzz, and for good reason. Let's break down everything you need to know about this exciting automatic car from Hyundai.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter HX8 AMT is powered by Hyundai's tried and tested 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine. This naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine is known for its refinement and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol
• 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)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Exter confidently embraces its SUV identity. It boasts a bold and upright stance with a distinctive parametric design language. Key exterior highlights include the H-signature LED DRLs that give it a unique face, prominent skid plates, chunky wheel arch cladding, and practical roof rails. The HX8 variant further adds stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appeal. It looks rugged yet modern, perfect for navigating both urban jungles and semi-urban landscapes.

Interior

Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and you are greeted by a well-appointed, all-black interior theme. The cabin feels surprisingly spacious for its segment. The dashboard layout is ergonomic and modern, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster that provides all necessary driving information clearly. The quality of materials used feels sturdy, and the fit and finish are typically Hyundai – precise and pleasing. It is a comfortable space designed with practicality in mind.

Key Features

The Exter HX8 AMT is loaded with features, making it a very attractive package for its price point. Hyundai has not held back in equipping this micro SUV with amenities usually found in higher segments:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Sunroof: Segment-first voice-controlled electric sunroof.
• Dashcam: Dual-camera dashcam with multiple recording modes.
• 360-degree Camera: For effortless parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Convenient for keeping your devices powered up on the go.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for optimal cabin temperature.
• Connected Car Tech: Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity suite.
• Paddle Shifters: For a more engaging driving experience with the AMT.
• Rear AC vents, footwell lighting, cruise control.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter offers a generous 185 mm of ground clearance. This is a crucial aspect for Indian roads, allowing the car to easily tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces without scraping its underbelly.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?

For a car in its segment, the Exter provides an impressive 391 litres of boot space. This is more than sufficient for weekend getaways, grocery runs, or carrying luggage for a small family.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter offers versatility in its powertrain options to cater to different buyer needs:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) (Focus of HX8 AMT)
• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with CNG and 5-speed Manual Transmission (For those seeking even lower running costs)

Safety Features

Safety is a cornerstone of the Hyundai Exter. It comes packed with both active and passive safety features, highlighting Hyundai's commitment to passenger protection:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants, a segment-first offering.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control.
• VSM: Vehicle Stability Management.
• HAC: Hill-start Assist Control.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seat installation.
• Rear parking sensors and camera.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

NCAP Rating Table

For any prospective car buyer, safety ratings are increasingly important. The Hyundai Exter has proven its mettle in crash tests:

The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult safety is a testament to the strong build and comprehensive safety package of the Exter, especially with 6 airbags as standard.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX8 AMT

The Hyundai Exter HX8 AMT enters a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals in the micro SUV and compact crossover space include:

• Tata Punch: Its biggest competitor, known for its strong build and GNCAP 5-star rating.
• Citroen C3: Offers unique styling and a comfortable ride.
• Nissan Magnite: A value-for-money compact SUV with good road presence.
• Renault Kiger: Shares its platform with the Magnite and offers good features.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros (Advantages)

• Feature-Rich: Segment-leading features like voice-controlled sunroof, dashcam, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging make it incredibly appealing.
• High Safety: 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP adult safety rating offer immense peace of mind.
• Good Ground Clearance: 185 mm is excellent for varied Indian road conditions.
• Spacious Cabin and Boot: Comfortable seating for four adults and a large boot capacity for its class.
• Smooth City Driving: The AMT gearbox, though not as smooth as a CVT, is well-tuned for city traffic, offering stress-free driving.
• Hyundai Brand Trust: Known for its strong service network, reliability, and good resale value.
• Stylish SUV Design: Stands out with its robust and modern looks.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Engine Performance: While adequate for city use, the 1.2-litre petrol engine might feel a bit underpowered for spirited highway overtakes or when fully loaded.
• Rear Seating for Three: Three adults in the rear might find it a bit cramped on longer journeys.
• AMT Characteristics: Despite improvements, the AMT might still exhibit a slight 'head-nod' effect during gear changes, which might not suit everyone.
• Interior Plastics: Some areas feature hard plastics, which is common in this segment but worth noting.
• Pricing: The top-end HX8 AMT variant can be priced quite competitively, bordering on the lower variants of some compact SUVs, which might make buyers consider alternatives.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter HX8 AMT emerges as a compelling contender in the bustling Indian automotive market. It successfully ticks most boxes for a modern Indian car buyer, offering a strong blend of style, an abundance of features, impressive safety credentials with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and the convenience of an automatic car. For those seeking a reliable, feature-packed, and safe budget car that handles urban driving with ease and looks good doing it, the Exter HX8 AMT is a serious option to consider. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh them, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small families looking for their next city car or even a versatile family car. With Hyundai's dependable service, the Exter HX8 AMT promises a hassle-free ownership experience.