About Hyundai Exter SX Opt

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? It involves a lot more than just liking how a car looks. We think about our budget, how safe our family will be, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, how reliable the company's service network is. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be a real challenge. But what if we told you there's a new player in the market that's designed to meet most of these demands head-on?

Enter the Hyundai Exter SX Opt, Hyundai's latest offering that's making waves in the micro-SUV segment. The Exter isn't just another car; it's a statement. It promises a blend of style, space, safety, and smart features, all wrapped up in a package that's unmistakably Hyundai. As the top-spec variant, the SX Opt truly showcases everything this compact SUV has to offer. Let's dive deep and see if the Exter SX Opt is the right fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt comes with a reliable and fuel-efficient petrol engine:

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1197 cc

Max Power: 83 PS at 6,000 rpmMax Torque: 113.8 Nm at 4,000 rpmFuel Type: Petrol (also available with CNG option in other variants)

Design Overview

The Exter stands out with its bold and rugged design, perfectly suited for Indian roads.

• Exterior: It sports a distinctive front fascia with H-shaped LED DRLs, a parametric jewel pattern grille, and square headlamps. The muscular wheel arches, prominent cladding, and roof rails give it a proper SUV stance. The rear also features H-shaped LED tail lamps, tying the design together. It looks sturdy and modern.

Interior: Inside, the Exter offers a modern and well-laid-out cabin. The all-black interior theme with neat silver accents feels premium. You get a comfortable seating position, good visibility, and quality materials for its segment. The digital instrument cluster adds a touch of sophistication.

Key Features

The SX Opt variant is loaded with features designed for convenience and connectivity:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electric sunroof (voice-enabled)
• Dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear) – a segment-first!
• 360-degree camera
• Wireless phone charging
• Automatic climate control
• Digital instrument cluster with multi-information display
• Connected car technology (Hyundai BlueLink)
• Footwell lighting
• Cooled glovebox

Ground Clearance

A crucial factor for Indian roads, the Hyundai Exter offers a healthy 185 mm of ground clearance, making it capable of handling bumps and uneven surfaces with ease.

Boot Space

Despite its compact dimensions, the Exter boasts a very generous 391 litres of boot space, which is ample for your weekend getaways or grocery runs.

Dimensions

• Length: 3815 mm

Width: 1710 mmHeight: 1631 mmWheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter gives you options to suit your driving style:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 1.2L Kappa Petrol with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• (Also available with a 1.2L Kappa Petrol + CNG option in other variants, with a 5-speed MT)

Safety Features

Safety is a huge priority for Hyundai, and the Exter SX Opt exemplifies this:

• 6 Airbags Standard: Yes, all variants from base to top get 6 airbags!

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)Rear parking sensors and cameraTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)Child seat anchor points (ISOFIX)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are becoming increasingly important for Indian car buyers. Here’s how the Exter stands:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	3 Stars
Global NCAP	Not Tested Yet	Not Tested Yet

Note: The Hyundai Exter has received a commendable 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection under the new Bharat NCAP protocols.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Opt

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt faces stiff competition in its segment from popular models like:

• Tata Punch
• Citroen C3
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx (mildly, due to slightly higher pricing)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a balanced look at the Hyundai Exter SX Opt:

Pros

• Safety First: Standard 6 airbags across all variants is a huge plus, backed by a strong Bharat NCAP 5-star rating for adult safety.

Feature-Packed: The SX Opt variant offers an impressive list of features like a sunroof, dashcam, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging, which are often found in higher segments.Bold & Unique Design: Its micro-SUV styling stands out from the crowd, giving it a distinctive road presence.Refined Engine: The 1.2L Kappa engine is known for its smoothness and decent fuel efficiency, especially in city conditions.Spacious Boot: 391 litres of boot space is excellent for a car of this size.Hyundai Reliability & Service: Backed by Hyundai's extensive service network and reputation for quality.

Cons

• Rear AC Vents Missing: While the front cabin cools well, the absence of rear AC vents might be a concern for rear passengers in hotter climates.

No Diesel Option: Only available with a petrol engine, which might deter buyers looking for diesel fuel economy.AMT Performance: While convenient, the AMT can feel a bit jerky at lower speeds compared to a traditional automatic transmission.Price: The top-end SX Opt variant, with all its features, can feel a bit pricey for the segment, though the features do justify it to an extent.Engine Power: While adequate for city driving, it might feel a bit strained during spirited highway overtakes.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt truly punches above its weight. It brings a compelling package to the highly competitive micro-SUV segment. With its striking design, class-leading features like the dashcam and 6 airbags standard, impressive boot space, and a strong safety rating from Bharat NCAP, it's a vehicle that addresses many of the modern Indian car buyer's needs.

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that doesn't compromise on safety, connectivity, or style, and comes with the assurance of Hyundai's reliability, the Exter SX Opt should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that's ready for the urban jungle and spirited enough for those occasional highway trips. Go ahead, take a test drive, and experience the 'Exter' factor for yourself!