About Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isnt it? We all look for that perfect balance. You want a car that fits your budget, keeps your family safe, doesnt burn a hole in your pocket with monthly maintenance, offers the latest features, and comes with reliable company service. Its a tall order, but what if we told you there is a new contender that aims to tick many of these boxes? Today, we are diving deep into a very interesting option for value-conscious and eco-friendly buyers: the new Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG.

Hyundai has truly shaken up the compact SUV segment with the Exter. And for those who prioritize fuel efficiency without compromising on space or features, the CNG variant, especially the S Executive trim, looks like a smart move. Lets explore everything you need to know about this micro-SUV.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG is its reliable 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel petrol engine.

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel (Petrol with CNG)
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Cylinders: 4
• 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
• Fuel Efficiency (CNG): Around 27.1 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

The Hyundai Exter stands out with its unique and rugged design, giving it a strong road presence despite being a compact SUV.

• Exterior: It features a bold, upright stance with H-signature LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that make it instantly recognizable. The parametric grille, squared-off wheel arches, and chunky body cladding give it a proper SUV feel. Roof rails add to its adventurous look.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a practical and well-laid-out cabin. The interior design is modern, with good quality materials for its segment. The dual-tone theme (depending on the variant) adds a touch of sophistication. There is ample space for five occupants, and the overall ergonomics are well thought out for comfort on longer drives.

Key Features

While the S Executive is not the top-end variant, it still offers a good set of features for everyday convenience and comfort.

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Digital instrument cluster with multi-information display
• Automatic climate control (available in higher variants, check specific S Executive features)
• Rear AC vents (check specific S Executive features)
• Front and rear power windows
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Voice control
• USB charging ports
• Steering mounted controls

What is the Ground Clearance of the 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 uneven surfaces.

What is the Boot Space of the Hyundai Exter CNG?

• The CNG tank does occupy a significant portion of the boot. While the petrol variant offers 391 litres, the Exter CNG boot space is reduced to 260 litres. This is still usable for small bags or a couple of suitcases, thanks to smart packaging of the CNG cylinder.

What are the Dimensions of the Hyundai Exter?

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter is available with two powertrain choices:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol engine: Available with a 5-speed manual or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
• 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel (Petrol + CNG) engine: Paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This is the variant we are focusing on today.

Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the Exter with a strong suite of safety features, even from the base model, making it a reliable choice for families.

• 6 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 Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (Available in higher variants, check S Executive)
• Reverse parking sensors
• Rear parking camera (in higher variants, check specific S Executive)
• Child seat anchor points (ISOFIX)

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter has undergone safety testing under the new Bharat NCAP protocol. Please note that a Global NCAP rating is not yet available for the Exter.

Rating Type	Rating Score	Details
Bharat NCAP (Adult Occupant Protection)	5 Stars	Excellent protection in crash tests
Bharat NCAP (Child Occupant Protection)	3 Stars	Good protection, but room for improvement
Global NCAP	Not Rated Yet	Await official testing

Rivals of Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG

The Hyundai Exter CNG competes in a growing segment, facing off against:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis (Petrol, but similar price point)
• Citroen C3 (Petrol)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Lets break down the good and the not-so-good about the Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG.

Pros (Advantages)

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The CNG variant offers superb mileage, making it very economical for daily commutes.
• Standard 6 Airbags: This is a segment-first and a huge plus for safety-conscious buyers.
• High Ground Clearance: 185 mm is ample for tackling rough Indian roads.
• Modern Design: Stands out with its robust and youthful SUV styling.
• Refined Engine: Hyundai's 1.2L Kappa engine is known for its smoothness and reliability.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Offers a good balance of comfort and technology even in mid-variants.
• Hyundai's Service Network: Extensive and reliable after-sales service across India.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly cuts into the usable boot area.
• No Automatic Option for CNG: Only a manual gearbox is available for the CNG variant.
• Performance Drop with CNG: While adequate for city driving, the power output is noticeably lower when running on CNG compared to petrol.
• Waiting Period: Depending on demand, there might be a waiting period for certain variants.
• No Sunroof in S Executive: If a sunroof is on your must-have list, you would need to look at higher, petrol-only variants.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter S Executive CNG emerges as a compelling package for Indian car buyers seeking a practical, safe, and highly economical compact SUV. It blends Hyundai's trusted reliability and expansive service network with the cost-effectiveness of CNG fuel. While the reduced boot space and manual-only transmission for CNG might be minor drawbacks for some, the Exter counters these with its segment-leading safety features, robust design, and excellent ground clearance.

If your priorities are low running costs, a sturdy build, and a safe family car that can handle diverse road conditions, the Exter S Executive CNG deserves a serious look. It truly offers a "smart move" for the modern Indian family. Go for a test drive and experience the Hyundai Exter CNG yourself. You might just find your next car.