About Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision. You juggle so many important factors: how much will it cost to buy? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly running costs? Does it have all the latest features, and will the company offer good after-sales service? These are all valid questions, and finding a car that ticks most of these boxes can be a challenge. But what if we told you there is a compact SUV that is making waves for its balance of affordability, features, and peace of mind? Today, we are taking a deep dive into the Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG, a micro SUV that is catching the attention of many Indian car buyers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG comes with a tried and tested 1.2 litre Kappa Bi-fuel Petrol with CNG engine. This engine is known for its refinement and efficiency. When running on CNG, it produces:

• Power: 69 PS at 6000 rpm
• Torque: 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm

It is paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, making it easy to drive in city traffic and on highways. The Exter CNG delivers an excellent fuel efficiency figure of 27.1 km/kg, which is a major draw for budget-conscious buyers.

Design Overview

Exterior: The Exter stands out with its bold and rugged micro-SUV design. It features a unique H-pattern LED DRL signature, giving it a modern and distinct face. The prominent skid plates, roof rails, and chunky wheel arches add to its SUV appeal. Even in the EX Dual CNG trim, it manages to look substantial and stylish on the road.

Interior: Step inside and you will find a well-laid-out cabin with an all-black theme. The design is practical and functional. While the EX Dual CNG is an entry-level variant, it still offers a comfortable space with good visibility for all occupants. The build quality feels sturdy, typical of Hyundai.

Key Features

Even though the EX Dual CNG is a base variant, Hyundai has ensured it gets essential features:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (optional for base variant, but generally available in Exter line-up)
• Digital instrument cluster
• Steering-mounted audio and call controls
• Manual AC
• All power windows
• Front and rear charging ports

Higher variants of the Exter offer more premium features like an electric sunroof, wireless charger, automatic climate control, footwell lighting, and even a 360-degree camera, but these are not available on the EX Dual CNG.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter boasts a healthy 185 mm of ground clearance. This is excellent for Indian road conditions, allowing it to easily tackle speed breakers and rough patches without scraping its underbelly.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG?

This is where CNG cars often make a compromise. The Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG offers a significantly reduced boot space compared to its petrol counterpart due to the placement of the CNG cylinder. While the petrol Exter has a generous 391 litres, the CNG variant has very minimal practical boot space left, mostly suitable for small bags or groceries.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?

• Length: 3815 mm
• Width: 1710 mm
• Height: 1631 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

Beyond the EX Dual CNG, the Hyundai Exter is also available with a 1.2 litre Kappa petrol engine. This engine comes with both a 5-speed manual transmission and an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) option, offering flexibility for different driving preferences.

Safety Features

Safety is a huge priority for Hyundai, and the Exter leads its segment with an impressive array of standard safety features:

• 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side and Curtain airbags) - STANDARD across all variants!
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• Hill Assist Control (HAC)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera (available in higher variants)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (available in higher variants)

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter has achieved an impressive safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Oct 2023 Protocol)	5 Stars	5 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated

This 5-star rating from Global NCAP is a huge confidence booster for anyone considering the Exter.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG

The Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG competes in a growing segment of fuel-efficient and practical cars. Its key rivals include:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis CNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG (sibling rivalry!)
• Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros (Advantages)

• Excellent Safety: Standard 6 airbags and a 5-star GNCAP rating are segment-leading.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 27.1 km/kg mileage makes it incredibly economical to run.
• SUV Styling: Distinctive and bold design gives it good road presence.
• Smooth CNG Performance: Refined 1.2 litre engine offers decent power for city and highway driving.
• High Ground Clearance: 185 mm helps navigate tricky Indian roads easily.
• Hyundai Service Network: Extensive and reliable after-sales support across India.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Limited Boot Space: The CNG cylinder severely restricts luggage carrying capacity.
• Base Variant Features: The EX Dual CNG misses out on many premium features available in higher petrol variants.
• No Automatic Option: The CNG variant is only available with a manual transmission.
• CNG Refueling: Can be time-consuming to find and refill CNG stations in some areas.
• Price Premium: CNG variants typically cost more upfront than their petrol counterparts.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter EX Dual CNG emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian car buyers who prioritize safety, fuel efficiency, and a touch of SUV style, all within a reasonable budget. While the EX Dual CNG variant might be light on some premium features and compromises on boot space due to the CNG tank, its core strengths are undeniable: stellar safety with 6 airbags and a 5-star GNCAP rating, excellent mileage, and Hyundai's trusted reliability. If your daily commute involves navigating city traffic, and you are looking for a car that is easy on the pocket in terms of running costs, the Exter EX Dual CNG is definitely worth a test drive. It offers a smart blend of practicality and peace of mind, making it a strong contender in the micro SUV segment.