Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT

About Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're thinking about your budget, how safe it will keep your family, those monthly maintenance costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, how reliable the company's service network is. Well, what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, and then some? Today, we're taking a deep dive into one of the most talked-about new entrants in the compact SUV space: the Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT. This micro SUV has made quite a splash, especially for those looking for an automatic option without breaking the bank. Let's find out if the Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT is your next ride.

The Hyundai Exter, launched to rival established players, aims to offer a complete package. The S Plus AMT variant, in particular, balances features, convenience, and value, making it a strong contender for first-time car buyers and small families alike. With Hyundai's reputation for quality and service, the Exter automatically gains a trust factor. Let's explore everything this exciting new car brings to the table.

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT comes with a reliable and fuel-efficient engine perfect for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol
• Cylinders: 4-Cylinder
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power: 83 PS (at 6,000 rpm)
• Max Torque: 113.8 Nm (at 4,000 rpm)
• Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

Exterior

The Hyundai Exter boasts a fresh, rugged, and appealing design that truly stands out in the micro SUV segment. It gets a distinctive face with H-shaped LED DRLs that integrate seamlessly with the grille, giving it a modern and futuristic look. The chunky skid plates, squared-off wheel arches, and roof rails enhance its SUV appeal. The compact dimensions make it agile for city traffic, while the overall stance gives it a substantial road presence. You also get stylish alloy wheels on higher variants, adding to its premium feel.

Interior

Step inside the Hyundai Exter and you are greeted with a well-designed, practical, and spacious cabin. The interior follows Hyundai's modern design language, featuring a neat dashboard layout. The all-black theme with subtle accents gives it a sporty yet sophisticated feel. The seats are comfortable, offering good support for both city drives and longer journeys. There's ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, and surprisingly good space for rear passengers for a car of its size. The quality of materials used feels durable and built to last, which is typical of Hyundai.

Key Features

The Hyundai Exter is packed with features, many of which are segment-firsts, making it a very compelling package. Here are some notable ones:

• Infotainment System: 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Digital Instrument Cluster: Fully Digital Driver Display with Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Electric Sunroof: Yes, a voice-enabled electric sunroof is available (segment-first in many variants)
• Connectivity: Hyundai BlueLink Connected Car Technology
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charging
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Camera: Rear parking camera and a 360-degree camera (in top variants)
• Other Features: Cruise Control, Projector Headlamps, Steering Mounted Controls, Rear AC Vents (segment-first)

Ground Clearance

The Hyundai Exter ground clearance is quite generous for its segment, ensuring it can handle rough Indian roads with ease.

• Ground Clearance: 185 mm

Boot Space

Despite its compact footprint, the Hyundai Exter boot space is very practical for daily use and weekend trips.

• Boot Space: 391 litres

Dimensions

Understanding the Hyundai Exter dimensions helps appreciate its compact yet spacious design.

• Length: 3,815 mm
• Width: 1,710 mm
• Height: 1,631 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2,450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter is available with a single petrol engine option but offers two transmission choices:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) (Our focus, offering clutch-free driving convenience)
• There is also a CNG option available with the 1.2-litre engine and a 5-speed Manual Transmission.

Safety Features

Hyundai has put a strong emphasis on safety with the Exter, making it one of its biggest selling points. The Hyundai Exter safety features are impressive for its segment.

• Standard Safety: 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) across all variants
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
• ESC, VSM, HAC: Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-start Assist Control (available in AMT variants)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter NCAP rating is a significant highlight, establishing it as a very safe option in its segment.

NCAP Rating	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Global NCAP	Not Tested Yet	Not Tested Yet

Rivals of Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT

The Hyundai Exter competes in a crowded yet popular segment. Its main rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced look at the Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT pros and cons:

Pros

• Segment-Leading Safety: 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating is a huge confidence booster.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with desirable features like an electric sunroof, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a digital cluster.
• Good Ground Clearance: 185 mm means it handles bad roads and speed breakers with ease.
• Spacious Interior: Surprisingly good space for four adults and a practical 391-litre boot.
• Refined Engine (City): The 1.2-litre Kappa engine is peppy and smooth for city driving.
• AMT Convenience: Offers clutch-free driving, making it easy in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• Hyundai's Network: Extensive service network and reliable after-sales support.

Cons

• AMT Characteristics: Like most AMTs, it exhibits a noticeable head-nod during gear changes, especially under hard acceleration.
• Engine Refinement: The 3-cylinder engine can get a bit vocal at higher RPMs, and some vibrations are noticeable.
• Highway Performance: While adequate for occasional highway trips, it can feel slightly underpowered for spirited long-distance driving.
• No Turbo Petrol: Lacks a more powerful turbo-petrol engine option which some rivals offer.
• Some Hard Plastics: While well put together, some interior plastics feel a bit hard.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT truly emerges as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings a compelling blend of style, space, safety, and features, all backed by Hyundai's reliable service network. If you're looking for a practical, feature-packed, and incredibly safe automatic car for your daily commutes and family trips, the Exter S Plus AMT makes a very strong case for itself. Its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, segment-first features like 6 airbags as standard, and generous ground clearance make it an ideal choice for Indian roads and families prioritising safety and convenience. While the AMT might have its typical quirks, the overall package offers tremendous value for money, making the Hyundai Exter S Plus AMT a decision you won't regret. Go ahead, take a test drive, and experience the 'Awesome' yourself!