Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? We all think about a few key things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for our family, what the monthly expenses will be like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company service is. It is a balancing act between budget, features, and peace of mind. Well, what if I told you there is a new car that ticks most of these boxes, especially if you are looking for an economical and feature-packed ride? Today, we are taking a deep dive into the Hyundai Exter HX8 CNG, a micro-SUV that is making waves in the Indian market.

The Hyundai Exter burst onto the scene as a fresh contender in the compact SUV segment. It promises rugged looks, a host of modern features, and importantly, the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit. For many Indian buyers, CNG means significantly lower running costs, and that is a huge plus. Let us break down what makes the Exter HX8 CNG a strong contender for your next garage spot.

Main Highlights of Hyundai Exter HX8 CNG

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Petrol with Bi-Fuel CNG
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 69 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual (CNG variant only)
• Fuel Efficiency (CNG): Approximately 27.1 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Exter boasts a unique and quirky design that certainly stands out. It has a boxy, upright stance, giving it a true SUV feel despite its compact size. You get a distinctive front grille, H-pattern LED DRLs, projector headlamps, and skid plates that add to its rugged appeal. The squared-off wheel arches and roof rails further enhance its micro-SUV persona.

Interior Design

Inside, the Exter offers a surprisingly spacious and practical cabin. The dashboard design is modern and clean, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system. Hyundai has used good quality materials for the segment, and the all-black theme with subtle accents looks premium. There is ample headroom and legroom for four adults, making it comfortable for city commutes and occasional long drives.

Key Features

The Exter HX8 CNG comes packed with features that are often found in higher segments. Here are some highlights:

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Electric Sunroof: A segment-first feature, adding a premium touch.
• 360-degree Camera: Makes parking and maneuvering in tight spots much easier.
• Wireless Phone Charging: Convenient for keeping your devices juiced up.
• Automatic Climate Control: For consistent cabin comfort.
• Connected Car Technology (BlueLink): Offering a host of remote functions and safety features.
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Voice-enabled commands
• Rear AC Vents (Petrol variants, check specific CNG trim for availability)

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

• Ground Clearance: 185 mm. This is quite good for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle speed breakers and rough patches with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?

• Boot Space: While the petrol Exter offers a generous 391 litres, the CNG variant has significantly reduced boot space due to the CNG cylinder. Expect minimal usable space, typically around 20-30 litres or less, suitable only for small bags or soft luggage. This is a common trade-off with factory-fitted CNG cars.

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 two main powertrain choices:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine: Available with both a 5-speed manual transmission and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) for convenience.
• 1.2L Kappa Bi-Fuel CNG Engine: Paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, offering excellent fuel efficiency and lower running costs. This is the variant we are focusing on, the HX8 CNG.

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter, offering a comprehensive suite of features:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants, a segment-first and a huge advantage for safety.
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Seatbelt reminders for all seats

NCAP Rating

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here is how the Hyundai Exter stacks up:

Note: The Hyundai Exter has received an impressive 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection from Bharat NCAP, highlighting its strong safety credentials for the Indian market.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter HX8 CNG

The Exter competes in a hotly contested segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG
• Citroen C3
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Advantages

• Excellent Safety: 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adults is a huge plus.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging are segment-leading.
• Fuel Efficient: The CNG option offers significantly lower running costs, ideal for daily commutes.
• SUV Styling: Robust and attractive exterior design with good ground clearance.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Backed by Hyundai's wide service network and reputation for quality.
• Spacious Cabin: Good headroom and legroom for its size.

Disadvantages

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank takes up almost all the boot space, making it challenging for luggage.
• Slightly Underpowered on CNG: Power output is lower in CNG mode, which might be noticeable on highways or while climbing inclines with a full load.
• CNG-only Manual: No automatic transmission option for the CNG variant.
• Price: The top-end HX8 CNG variant can be a bit pricier than some direct rivals.
• Rear AC Vents: Not available in all CNG variants, check specific trim.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter HX8 CNG truly stands out as a compelling package for Indian car buyers. It successfully blends the rugged appeal of an SUV with the economy of a CNG vehicle, all while packing in a class-leading list of features and, most importantly, top-notch safety. If your priorities include low running costs, a safe and feature-rich cabin, and a car that looks good and handles city traffic well, the Exter HX8 CNG deserves a serious look. Yes, the compromised boot space is a factor to consider, but for many, the benefits of economy and features will easily outweigh this. It is a smart, modern, and trustworthy choice that offers great value for your money. Go take a test drive; you might just find your next car in the Hyundai Exter HX8 CNG!