About Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect Knight DT AMT

Hey there car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car in India? We know that search involves a lot of crucial decisions. You’re likely weighing your budget, prioritizing safety for your loved ones, thinking about monthly maintenance costs, desiring the latest features, and of course, wanting reliable company service. It’s a comprehensive checklist. Well, today, we are diving deep into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes and has created quite a buzz in the Indian automotive market: the new Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect Knight DT AMT. Let’s explore if this micro SUV truly lives up to the hype and is the right choice for your garage.

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine
• Cylinders: 4
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power: 83 PS (at 6000 rpm)
• Max Torque: 113.8 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Hyundai Exter immediately grabs attention with its distinctive and rugged micro SUV design. The Knight DT variant takes this a step further with exclusive blacked-out elements and red inserts, giving it a sporty and aggressive stance. You’ll notice the signature H-shaped LED DRLs, a bold grille, and squared-off wheel arches that contribute to its SUV appeal. The dual-tone (DT) finish adds a premium touch, making it stand out on the roads. It’s compact yet looks substantial, perfectly blending urban agility with a tough aesthetic.

Interior

Step inside the Exter’s cabin and you're greeted by a practical yet feature-rich space. The black interior with splashes of red accents (in the Knight variant) provides a sporty feel. Hyundai has done a commendable job with space management, offering good legroom and headroom for a car of its size. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with all controls easily accessible. Quality of materials is decent for its segment, making long drives comfortable.

Key Features

• Infotainment System: 8-inch Touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Connectivity: Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology
• Sunroof: Segment-first Electric Single-pane Sunroof
• Dashcam: Dual Camera Dashcam with multiple recording modes (another segment-first)
• Parking Camera: 360-degree Surround View Monitor
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charger
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Other notable features: Puddle lamps, Footwell lighting, Rear AC Vents, Cruise Control, Voice commands, Push-button Start/Stop

What is the Ground Clearance of the Hyundai Exter?

The Hyundai Exter boasts a healthy ground clearance of 185 mm, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces, without a worry.

What is the Boot Space of the Hyundai Exter?

The Exter offers a generous boot space of 391 litres, which is one of the best in its segment. This means ample room for your luggage on weekend trips or your weekly grocery haul.

What are the Dimensions of the Hyundai Exter?

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter comes with versatile powertrain options to suit different needs:

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine: Available with both a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
• 1.2-litre Bi-fuel (Petrol with CNG): This option is available exclusively with a 5-speed Manual Transmission, offering a greener and more economical driving choice.

Safety Features

Safety is a big highlight for the Hyundai Exter. It comes loaded with features designed to keep you and your passengers safe:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Day & Night IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter's safety has been independently verified, giving buyers peace of mind.

Note: The Hyundai Exter was tested by Bharat NCAP and achieved impressive 5-star ratings for both adult and child occupant protection, reaffirming Hyundai's commitment to safety in India.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect Knight DT AMT

The Hyundai Exter operates in a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Punch
• Citroen C3
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let's break down the Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect Knight DT AMT's strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

• Stunning Design: The rugged, upright stance combined with the Knight DT's sporty accents makes it a head-turner.
• Feature-Loaded Cabin: With a sunroof, dashcam, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and Bluelink, it offers features usually found in higher segments.
• Top-notch Safety: 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating instill great confidence.
• Spacious Interior: Offers surprisingly good cabin space for a micro SUV, making it comfortable for four adults.
• Convenient AMT: The Automated Manual Transmission makes city driving incredibly easy and stress-free, a huge plus for daily commutes.
• Hyundai's Service Network: Access to Hyundai's extensive and reliable service network across India.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles rough roads and speed bumps with ease.

Cons

• Engine Performance: While adequate for city driving, the 1.2L engine can feel a bit underpowered on highways, especially during quick overtakes.
• Rear Seat Width: While legroom is good, seating three adults comfortably in the rear might be a squeeze on longer journeys.
• AMT Jerkiness: Like most AMTs, it can exhibit some jerkiness during gear shifts, which might take some getting used to for new users.
• Cabin Plastics: While decent, some might wish for slightly more premium plastic quality in certain areas given the top variant's price point.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect Knight DT AMT emerges as a very strong contender in the competitive micro SUV segment. It beautifully blends striking design, an impressive list of segment-first features, and most importantly, a robust safety package with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. While the engine might not be a highway scorcher and the AMT has its characteristic traits, for urban dwellers seeking a stylish, practical, safe, and feature-rich compact SUV with the convenience of automatic transmission and reliable service, the Exter makes a compelling case.

It stands as a testament to Hyundai's understanding of the Indian market, offering a complete package that addresses key car-buying considerations. If you're looking for a vehicle that offers great value, peace of mind with safety, and a host of modern amenities, the Hyundai Exter should definitely be on your test drive list. It's not just a car; it's a statement.