About Hyundai Exter S AMT

Welcome, fellow car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is an exciting journey, but it also comes with big decisions. You're probably thinking about your budget, ensuring the safety of your loved ones, predicting monthly maintenance costs, desiring the latest features, and trusting a reliable company service network. What if there was a car that ticked many of these boxes, especially if you're looking for an affordable automatic option with SUV looks? Today, we're diving deep into the new Hyundai Exter S AMT, a micro-SUV that's making waves in the Indian market. Let's find out if this compact powerhouse is your next ride.

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Exter S AMT

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine
• Max Power: 83 PS (at 6,000 rpm)
• Max Torque: 113.8 Nm (at 4,000 rpm)
• Fuel Efficiency (AMT): Approximately 19.2 km/l (ARAI certified), offering good Exter mileage.
• Transmission: 5-speed Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), making city commutes effortless.

Design Overview

The Hyundai Exter has a distinct road presence, blending urban appeal with rugged SUV cues.

• Exterior: It boasts a bold, upright stance, signature H-motif LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps) that give it a unique face, and chunky wheel arches with body cladding, truly giving it that mini-SUV feel. The parametric design elements add a modern touch, making the new Hyundai Exter stand out from the crowd.
• Interior: Step inside the Exter S AMT and you're greeted with a practical yet stylish cabin. The all-black theme is complemented by silver accents, giving it a sophisticated look. Space is surprisingly generous for a car of its size, offering comfortable seating for four adults. The ergonomics are well thought out, with controls easily within reach.

Key Features (Exter S AMT and across the Exter range)

• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, ensuring you stay connected and entertained.
• Convenience: Voice commands, steering-mounted controls, all power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors).
• Comfort: Manual AC in S trim (Automatic Climate Control available in higher variants).
• Premium Features (available in higher Exter variants): Electric Smart Sunroof, Dashcam with Dual Camera, Wireless Phone Charger, and Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology, adding to the comprehensive Exter features list.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?

• The Hyundai Exter ground clearance is 185 mm, which is ample for tackling Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?

• The Hyundai Exter boot space is a generous 391 litres, surprisingly large for its segment, making it perfect for weekend trips or grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?

• Length: 3815 mm
• Width: 1710 mm
• Height: 1631 mm
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter offers versatile engine and transmission choices:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Smart Auto AMT. This is the focus for our Exter S AMT review.
• 1.2L Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the Hyundai Exter doesn't compromise.

• Standard Safety: 6 airbags (a segment-first feature), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). These features ensure a high level of Exter safety for all occupants.
• Additional Features: Rear parking sensors, rear parking camera (S variant onwards), and ISOFIX child seat anchorages for enhanced child safety.

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter safety rating is a standout feature, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5-Star	5-Star
Global NCAP	Not Rated Yet	Not Rated Yet

Rivals of Hyundai Exter S AMT

The Hyundai Exter competes in a fiercely competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai Exter S AMT.

Pros (Advantages)

• Segment-leading Safety: Standard 6 airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating make it incredibly safe.
• Punchy and Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, and offers adequate power for city driving and occasional highway runs.
• Convenient AMT: The Smart Auto AMT makes driving in traffic a breeze, perfect for urban commuters looking for an affordable automatic car.
• Bold SUV Styling: Its aggressive looks, high ground clearance, and robust stance give it a strong road presence.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers good space for passengers and a segment-leading boot space of 391 litres.
• Feature-Rich: Even the S AMT variant comes with a good set of essential features, including an 8-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Higher variants add even more premium goodies.
• Hyundai Service Network: Benefit from Hyundai's extensive and reliable service network across India.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• AMT Jerkiness: Like most AMTs, it can exhibit some jerkiness at lower speeds, though Hyundai's unit is quite refined.
• Rear Seat Width: While spacious for four, seating three adults comfortably in the rear might be a squeeze on longer journeys.
• Some Features Reserved for Higher Trims: Desirable features like a sunroof, wireless charger, or automatic climate control are only available in the top-end variants, impacting the overall Exter S AMT features list directly.
• Highway Performance: While adequate for city, it might feel slightly underpowered for very aggressive highway overtaking maneuvers.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter S AMT emerges as a highly compelling package in the competitive micro-SUV segment. It beautifully balances style, features, performance, and crucially, safety. With its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, spacious cabin, convenient AMT, and the backing of Hyundai's trusted brand, it offers incredible value for buyers seeking an affordable automatic SUV.

If you're in the market for a smart, safe, and easy-to-drive urban SUV that won't break the bank, the Hyundai Exter S AMT should definitely be on your test-drive list. It's a strong contender that brings peace of mind and joy to your daily commute. Happy driving!