About Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners. Are you currently searching for your next set of wheels in India? The process can feel like a maze, right? You are probably juggling so many questions in your mind. What is my budget? How safe is the car for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance cost? Does it have all the latest features I need? And importantly, is the company service network reliable? These are all super important points, and we completely get it.

Well, today we are diving deep into a car that is creating quite a buzz in the Indian market: the new Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT. Hyundai has a knack for understanding what Indian buyers want, and the Exter aims to tick many boxes. So, let us see if this micro-SUV could be your perfect match. We will break down everything you need to know in simple terms.

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2 L Kappa Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Maximum Power: 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm

Design Overview

The Exter really stands out with its bold and rugged design, giving it a true SUV feel despite its compact size. Hyundai calls it a micro-SUV, and it certainly looks the part.

• Exterior Design:
  • Front Look: Dominant grille, square-ish headlamps, and the signature H-shaped LED DRLs give it a distinctive and modern face. It has a tough and imposing presence.
  • Side Profile: Pronounced wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels (for this variant), and roof rails add to its SUV stance. The dual-tone paint option (DT) further enhances its sporty appeal.
  • Rear Design: H-shaped LED taillights mirror the front DRLs, creating a cohesive design language. A rugged skid plate completes the look.
• Interior Design:
  • Cabin Layout: The interior feels premium and spacious for its segment. It features an all-black theme with subtle contrasting accents.
  • Comfort and Space: Hyundai has done a great job maximising cabin space, offering good headroom and legroom for four adults. The seats are comfortable for city commutes and decent for longer journeys.
  • Practicality: Thoughtful storage spaces and an ergonomic dashboard make the cabin user-friendly.

Key Features

The SX Opt Connect DT AMT variant is packed with features, making it a very appealing package.

• Infotainment Screen: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Hyundai BlueLink connected car technology with over 60 features.
• Sunroof: Segment-first voice-enabled electric sunroof.
• Camera: 360-degree Surround View Monitor for easy parking.
• Charging: Wireless phone charging.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control.
• Dashcam: Factory-fitted dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear).
• Other notable features: Digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, cruise control, push-button start/stop.

What is the Ground Clearance of Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT?

• Ground Clearance: 185 mm. This is quite good for Indian roads, helping it tackle bumps and potholes with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT?

• Boot Space: 391 litres. This is one of the largest boot spaces in its segment, offering ample room for your luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT?

• Length: 3815 mm
• Width: 1710 mm
• Height: 1631 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2450 mm

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter for the Indian market primarily comes with one engine option, which is quite refined and fuel-efficient.

• Engine: 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine.
• Transmission: For the SX Opt Connect DT AMT variant, it features a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), offering the convenience of an automatic with decent fuel efficiency. A 5-speed manual transmission is also available in lower variants.

Safety Features

Safety is a big priority for Hyundai, and the Exter comes loaded with features to keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Airbags: 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants).
• Braking: ABS with EBD.
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
• Hill Assist: Hill Assist Control (HAC).
• Parking Aids: Rear parking sensors and camera, with a 360-degree camera on the top variant.
• Tyre Pressure: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Other: ISOFIX child seat anchors, seat belt reminder for all seats.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here is what we know about the Hyundai Exter:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	3 Stars	3 Stars	Tested for the South African market (base model with 2 airbags). Results for Indian spec with 6 airbags might differ.
Bharat NCAP	Yet to be tested	Yet to be tested	Awaiting results for the made-in-India Exter.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT

The Hyundai Exter goes head-to-head with some strong competitors in the micro-SUV and compact hatchback segment:

• Tata Punch: Its primary rival, known for its strong build and appealing design.
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis: A quirky urban crossover with Maruti s reliability.
• Citroen C3: Offers a unique design and a comfortable ride.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a balanced look at the Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT:

Advantages (Pros)

• Feature-Loaded Cabin: It boasts segment-first features like a voice-enabled sunroof, dashcam, and 360-degree camera, making it very appealing.
• Attractive Design: The rugged SUV-like styling with H-shaped LED DRLs gives it a strong road presence.
• High Ground Clearance: 185 mm of ground clearance is excellent for tackling varied Indian road conditions.
• Spacious Interior & Boot: Offers good cabin space for passengers and a large 391-litre boot.
• Standard 6 Airbags: A big plus for safety, making 6 airbags standard across all variants.
• Refined Engine & Smooth AMT: The 1.2L Kappa engine is refined, and the AMT offers convenient city driving.
• Hyundai Service Network: The extensive and reliable Hyundai service network is a major advantage.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Highway Performance: While good for city, the 1.2L engine might feel a bit underpowered for spirited highway driving or quick overtakes.
• AMT Lag: Like most AMTs, there can be a slight head-nod effect or lag during gear changes, especially noticeable to those used to torque converter or CVT automatics.
• Perceived Build Quality: Some might find the build quality, though solid, not as robust as its direct rival Tata Punch.
• Price of Top Variant: The SX Opt Connect DT AMT variant can feel a bit pricey for a micro-SUV.
• Limited Engine Options: Only one petrol engine option, no diesel or stronger turbo-petrol available.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT truly emerges as a strong contender in the crowded Indian automotive market. It combines a robust SUV design with a surprisingly spacious and feature-rich interior, especially in this top-end variant. With its segment-leading features like the dashcam and voice-enabled sunroof, coupled with the convenience of an AMT, it is perfectly suited for urban commutes and occasional highway trips.

While the engine might not excite thrill-seekers on the highway, its refinement and the overall package make it a practical and desirable choice. The standard 6 airbags across all variants and Hyundai s trusted service network further add to its appeal. If you are looking for a compact, feature-packed, and safe micro-SUV with the convenience of an automatic, the Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a fantastic option that balances modern features, practical space, and strong safety, making it a smart buy for many Indian families.