About Hyundai Exter S Executive Plus Dual CNG

Hey car enthusiasts and smart buyers! In India, buying a car is more than just a purchase; it's a big family decision. We all look for that perfect balance of affordability, top-notch safety, low monthly maintenance, the latest features, and of course, reliable company service. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be a real challenge. But what if we told you there's a new contender that's making waves by promising exactly that? Today, we're taking a deep dive into the Hyundai Exter S Executive Plus Dual CNG, a car designed to fit perfectly into the Indian family's garage and lifestyle.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter S Executive Plus Dual CNG is powered by Hyundai's well-regarded 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, cleverly configured to run on both petrol and CNG. This bi-fuel setup offers the best of both worlds

• Engine Type 1.2L Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG
• Displacement 1197 cc
• Max Power (Petrol) Approximately 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol) Approximately 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Max Power (CNG) Approximately 69 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG) Approximately 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Gearbox 5-speed Manual Transmission only for CNG variants
• Fuel Economy (CNG) Impressive figures, typically around 27.1 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

The Exter stands out with its distinct micro-SUV appeal, blending ruggedness with modern aesthetics.

Exterior Design

• Bold Front Fascia Features a parametric front grille and eye-catching H-signature LED DRLs, giving it a strong road presence.
• SUV Stance With prominent wheel arches, roof rails, and chunky body cladding, it truly looks like a miniature SUV.
• Stylish Wheels Dual-tone alloy wheels (on higher variants) add to its premium feel.
• Connected H-Tail Lamps Unique H-shaped LED tail lamps enhance its modern and distinctive look.

Interior Design

• Spacious Cabin Despite its compact footprint, the Exter offers a surprisingly roomy cabin, especially for front passengers.
• All-Black Theme The interior boasts an all-black theme with subtle accents, giving it a sporty and sophisticated feel.
• Digital Cluster A fully digital instrument cluster provides all essential driving information clearly.
• Quality Materials Hyundai has used good quality materials for its segment, making the cabin feel durable and well put together.

Key Features

The Exter is packed with features, making it one of the most value-for-money options in its class.

• Infotainment Screen A crisp 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support are standard, along with Hyundai's Bluelink connected car technology (in specific variants).
• Sunroof An electric sunroof, a segment-first for some variants, adds a premium touch.
• 360-degree Camera Offers a comprehensive view around the car, making parking and maneuvering much easier (available in top variants).
• Wireless Charging Convenient wireless phone charging pad (available in top variants).
• Automatic Climate Control Keeps the cabin comfortable irrespective of outside temperatures.
• Dashcam with Dual Camera Records front and rear views, enhancing safety and security (available in specific variants).
• Rear AC Vents Ensures comfort for rear passengers.
• Cruise Control For relaxed highway driving.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance 185 mm. This generous ground clearance is perfect for tackling Indian road conditions and minor off-road excursions with ease.

Boot Space

• Petrol Variant Boot Space 391 litres.
• CNG Variant Boot Space The CNG tank takes up significant space, reducing the usable boot capacity to approximately 60 litres. This is a compromise for the fuel efficiency.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter offers two main powertrain choices

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
• 1.2L Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG Engine Paired exclusively with a 5-speed Manual Transmission, offering exceptional fuel economy. Our focus, the S Executive Plus Dual CNG, falls under this category.

Safety Features

Safety is a big highlight for the Exter, setting new benchmarks in its segment.

• 6 Airbags Standard Yes, that's right. Every variant of the Exter comes with 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain), a segment-first and a significant safety advantage.
• ABS with EBD Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for better braking control.
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Helps maintain vehicle stability during sudden maneuvers.
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) Works with ESC to ensure stability.
• HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) Prevents roll-back on inclines.
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) Provides real-time tyre pressure information.
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera For safer parking.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts For secure child seat installation.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial for any buyer.

Rating Agency	Hyundai Exter Rating
Bharat NCAP	Not yet officially tested or rated
Global NCAP	Not yet officially tested or rated

While the Exter boasts impressive standard safety features like 6 airbags, we eagerly await its official crash test ratings from Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. Based on Hyundai's commitment to safety and the extensive safety kit, expectations are high.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter S Executive Plus Dual CNG

In the competitive Indian market, the Exter CNG faces off against several capable contenders

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
• Citroen C3 (Petrol) - though not directly a CNG rival, it's a cross-hatch competitor.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice.

Pros (Advantages)

• Unmatched Safety 6 airbags as standard across all variants is a game-changer in this segment.
• Excellent Fuel Efficiency The CNG option offers significantly lower running costs, a major plus for daily commutes.
• Feature-Rich Cabin Loaded with premium features like an 8-inch touchscreen, auto climate control, and depending on the variant, even a dashcam and sunroof.
• SUV-like Presence Its bold design, high ground clearance, and commanding driving position give it a strong appeal.
• Refined Engine Hyundai's 1.2L Kappa engine is known for its smooth operation and reliability.
• Hyundai Service Network Access to Hyundai's extensive and reliable after-sales service network across India.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Compromised Boot Space (CNG) The biggest drawback of the CNG variant is the very limited boot space due to the CNG tank.
• Adequate Performance (CNG) While sufficient for city driving, the CNG mode sees a noticeable drop in power compared to petrol, making highway overtakes less spirited.
• No Automatic CNG The CNG option is only available with a manual transmission, which might be a deal-breaker for some urban buyers.

Rear Seat Width While comfortable for four adults, fitting three adults in the rear can be a bit snug on longer journeys.Pricing Compared to some rivals, the Exter might feel slightly premium, especially for its top-end CNG variants.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter S Executive Plus Dual CNG emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian car buyers. It successfully blends the much-desired SUV styling with the economy of CNG, all while prioritizing safety like no other in its segment. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's safe, feature-packed, and won't burn a hole in your pocket with fuel costs, and you can live with the limited boot space, then the Exter CNG should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that offers peace of mind, a touch of premium, and smart savings, making it an intelligent choice for the modern Indian family.