About Hyundai Exter S Smart: Your Next Urban Adventure?
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Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're probably juggling a lot of thoughts: Will it fit my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance? Does it have all the latest features I need? And importantly, is the company's service reliable? These are all valid questions, and finding the right balance is key. That's exactly where the new Hyundai Exter S Smart aims to make a strong case for itself, especially for those eyeing the burgeoning micro-SUV segment. Let's dive deep into what makes this compact SUV a contender for your garage!
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Main Highlights: What Makes the Exter S Smart Stand Out?
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Engine Specifications: Peppy and Practical
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Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter S Smart comes with a familiar and well-proven engine from Hyundai. It's designed for efficiency and smooth city driving.
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- Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine
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- Maximum Power: 83 PS (at 6,000 rpm)
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- Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm (at 4,000 rpm)
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- Fuel Economy: Around 19.2 to 19.4 kmpl (depending on transmission)
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- Transmission Options: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
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This engine offers a good balance of power for city commutes and decent highway runs, with excellent fuel efficiency that's a boon for your wallet.
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Design Overview: Bold & Modern
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The Hyundai Exter truly stands out with its fresh, boxy yet modern design language, borrowing cues from larger SUVs. It's designed to make a statement.
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Exterior Design: Urban Explorer Vibes
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- Distinctive Front: Features H-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a unique signature.
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- Robust Stance: High bonnet line, prominent skid plates, and squared-off wheel arches lend it a proper SUV feel.
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- Parametric Design: Intricate detailing on the grille and C-pillar adds a premium touch.
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- Compact Footprint: Despite its SUV looks, it remains nimble for city traffic and parking.
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Interior Design: Feature-Rich and Comfortable
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Step inside the Exter, and you're greeted by a familiar yet upgraded Hyundai cabin feel. The S Smart variant provides a well-appointed space.
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- Modern Dashboard: A clean layout with an all-black theme (in most variants) and practical ergonomics.
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- Comfortable Seating: Decent legroom and headroom for four adults, with good under-thigh support.
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- Practical Storage: Plenty of cubbyholes, door pockets, and a spacious glovebox.
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- Digital Cluster: A segment-first fully digital instrument cluster with a colour TFT MID gives a modern touch.
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Key Features: Tech-Loaded for the Modern Buyer
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Hyundai is known for loading its cars with features, and the Exter S Smart doesn't disappoint for its segment. While some top-tier features are exclusive to higher variants, the S Smart offers plenty.
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- Infotainment System: 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired).
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- Voice Recognition: For easy control of various functions.
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- Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and call management.
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- Rear AC Vents: A welcome addition for rear passenger comfort (available from S variant).
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- Keyless Entry: For convenience.
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- Dashcam: (Often seen in the S Smart variant or higher S (O) Connect) A dual-camera dashcam to record your journeys and enhance safety.
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- Sunroof: A voice-enabled electric sunroof is available from the S (O) variant upwards, adding to the premium feel.
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- Automatic Climate Control: Available in higher variants (SX O onwards), not typically in S Smart.
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- Wireless Charging: Available in top-end variants (SX O Connect), not in S Smart.
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- 360-degree Camera: This premium feature is currently not available in any Exter variant.
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What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter?
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- The Hyundai Exter boasts a healthy 185 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads, speed breakers, and light off-road paths without scraping the underside.
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What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter?
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- The Exter offers a generous 391 litres of boot space, making it one of the most practical options in its segment for carrying luggage for weekend trips or grocery runs.
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What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter?
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- Length: 3815 mm
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- Width: 1710 mm
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- Height: 1631 mm
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- Wheelbase: 2450 mm
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These dimensions make it compact enough for urban driving yet spacious enough inside for a comfortable ride.
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Powertrain Options: Fuel Choices for Every Need
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Beyond the standard petrol engine, the Exter also offers a factory-fitted CNG option, providing more choices for buyers concerned about running costs.
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- Petrol: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol (83 PS, 113.8 Nm) with 5MT or Smart Auto AMT.
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- CNG: 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel CNG (69 PS, 95.2 Nm in CNG mode) with 5-speed Manual Transmission only. This option offers even lower running costs with an impressive mileage of 27.1 km/kg.
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Safety Features: Hyundai's Commitment to Protection
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Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter, offering several key features as standard across all variants, which is a commendable move.
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- 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants (Driver, Passenger, Side & Curtain airbags).
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- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
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- ESC: Electronic Stability Control.
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- VSM: Vehicle Stability Management.
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- HAC: Hill Start Assist Control.
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- Rear Parking Sensors: Standard.
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- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Standard.
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- Rear Parking Camera: Available in higher variants.
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NCAP Rating Table: Awaiting Official Results
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Safety ratings from independent bodies like Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP provide an objective assessment of a car's crashworthiness. As of now, the Hyundai Exter has not been officially tested by either Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. We anticipate its ratings with great interest, especially given Hyundai's standard safety features.
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| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
| Bharat NCAP Rating |
Not Tested Yet |
Not Tested Yet |
| Global NCAP Rating |
Not Tested Yet |
Not Tested Yet |
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However, the inclusion of 6 standard airbags, ESC, VSM, and HAC across all variants shows Hyundai's proactive approach to safety, which is a strong positive.
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Rivals of Hyundai Exter S Smart: Who's the Competition?
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The Hyundai Exter steps into a hotly contested segment, going head-to-head with several popular models:
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- Tata Punch: Its primary rival, known for its strong build and GNCAP 5-star rating.
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- Maruti Suzuki Ignis: A quirky hatchback with SUV-like styling and Maruti's reliability.
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- Citroen C3: Known for its comfortable ride and distinctive styling.
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- Nissan Magnite & Renault Kiger: Compact SUVs offering great value and features.
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How is the Car? Pros & Cons of the Hyundai Exter S Smart
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Here's a balanced look at what works well for the Exter S Smart and areas where it could improve.
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Pros (Advantages):
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- Bold SUV Design: Stands out with its rugged yet modern looks.
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- Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with tech like an 8-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, rear AC vents, and a dashcam (in S Smart and above).
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- Standard Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, HAC across all variants is a segment-leading move.
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- High Ground Clearance: 185 mm is perfect for Indian road conditions.
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- Spacious Boot: 391 litres is impressive for its segment.
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- Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is smooth and fuel-efficient for city use.
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- Hyundai's Network: Wide sales and service network for peace of mind.
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- CNG Option: Offers an economical choice for high-mileage users.
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Cons (Disadvantages):
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- Engine Performance: While adequate for the city, it can feel a bit underpowered on highways, especially with a full load.
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- AMT Jerkiness: Common with AMT transmissions, it might not be as smooth as a torque converter or CVT.
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- No Diesel Option: Buyers looking for a diesel engine will have to look elsewhere.
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- Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for two adults, fitting three might be a squeeze on longer journeys.
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- NCAP Rating Pending: Lack of an official crash test rating might deter some safety-conscious buyers.
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- No 360-degree Camera: A feature seen in some rivals (in higher segments) that would have further boosted convenience.
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Conclusion: Is the Hyundai Exter S Smart Your Perfect Match?
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The Hyundai Exter S Smart emerges as a compelling package for Indian car buyers looking for a compact, stylish, and feature-packed SUV. It scores high on design, offers a comfortable and tech-laden interior, and sets a new benchmark for standard safety features in its segment with 6 airbags across the range. Its generous ground clearance and boot space make it highly practical for urban adventures and occasional highway trips.
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While the engine might not excite performance enthusiasts and the AMT has its usual quirks, for the average city commuter or a small family, the Exter S Smart provides an incredibly well-rounded experience. If you're on the hunt for a stylish, safe, and value-for-money micro-SUV backed by Hyundai's trusted service network, the Exter S Smart definitely deserves a closer look. Head to your nearest Hyundai dealership and take it for a spin; you might just find your next urban companion!