About Hyundai Exter SX Smart

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision. You have to think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, the reliability of the company's service. It's a lot to consider, right? Well, today we are going to dive deep into a car that has been turning heads and checking many of these boxes for Indian car buyers: the new Hyundai Exter SX Smart. This micro-SUV from Hyundai promises a compelling package, and we are here to tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter SX Smart comes with a proven and efficient engine setup, designed for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

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

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Hyundai Exter truly stands out with its bold and boxy SUV-like design, giving it a strong road presence despite its compact size.

• Front Fascia: Features distinctive H-shaped LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that integrate beautifully with the grille, giving it a unique identity. The projector headlamps are placed lower in the bumper, enhancing its rugged appeal.
• Side Profile: Flared wheel arches with chunky cladding, prominent roof rails, and diamond-cut alloy wheels (on higher variants like SX Smart) give it a true SUV stance.
• Rear End: Continues the H-shaped theme with the tail lamps connected by a black strip, adding to its modern and wide look.
• Dual-Tone Options: The SX Smart variant often comes with attractive dual-tone paint schemes, making it even more appealing.

Interior Design

Step inside the Exter SX Smart, and you are greeted with a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious and well-appointed for its segment.

• Dashboard Layout: A clean and modern dashboard design, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as its centerpiece.
• Seating Comfort: The seats are comfortable and offer good support, even on longer journeys. The cabin feels airy, thanks to good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
• Premium Touches: Features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob (on AMT), and semi-leatherette upholstery enhance the premium feel.
• Practicality: Plenty of storage spaces, including door pockets and a glovebox, make it practical for daily use.

Key Features

The SX Smart variant of the Hyundai Exter is packed with features that enhance convenience, entertainment, and comfort.

• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless), Bluelink connected car technology
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof (segment-first in many cases)
• Camera: 360-degree camera system for easy parking
• Charging: Wireless phone charging pad
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Instrument Cluster: Digital instrument cluster with a multi-information display
• Other Notables: Voice commands, rear AC vents, cruise control, push-button start/stop

Ground Clearance

One of the key advantages of an SUV, even a micro-SUV like the Exter, is its ability to tackle rough Indian roads.

• The Hyundai Exter offers a generous 185 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for navigating potholes and uneven surfaces without a worry.

Boot Space

Practicality is important, and the Exter does not disappoint when it comes to luggage capacity.

• The Hyundai Exter provides a substantial 391 litres of boot space, making it one of the best in its segment and perfect for weekend getaways or grocery runs.

Dimensions

Understanding the dimensions helps you gauge its parking ease and cabin space.

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter offers versatility in its powertrain options to cater to different buyer preferences.

• 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol Engine: This is the primary engine option, available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (MT) or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The SX Smart variant is available with both MT and AMT choices.
• 1.2-litre Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG: For those seeking even greater fuel efficiency and lower running costs, the Exter also offers a factory-fitted CNG option, exclusively paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. While the SX Smart primarily focuses on petrol, it's good to know the range offers a CNG choice.

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter, offering a comprehensive suite of features.

• Airbags: 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain) are standard across all variants, a segment-first and a huge plus for safety.
• Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) are available on AMT and higher manual variants.
• Parking Assist: Rear parking sensors and a reverse parking camera. The SX Smart also gets a 360-degree camera.
• Other Features: ISOFIX child seat mounts, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (Highline), three-point seatbelts for all passengers.

NCAP Rating

Safety is paramount, and the Hyundai Exter has proven its mettle in crash tests.

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

The 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP for both adult and child occupant protection is a significant achievement and offers immense peace of mind to potential buyers in India.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Smart

The Hyundai Exter operates in a highly competitive segment, facing off against some strong contenders.

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

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Here is a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Hyundai Exter SX Smart.

Pros

• Safety First: A big win with 6 airbags standard and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child safety.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with segment-leading features like an electric sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and connected car tech.
• Spacious & Practical Interior: Surprisingly good cabin space for its size, making it comfortable for four adults.
• High Ground Clearance: 185 mm of ground clearance is perfect for Indian road conditions.
• Large Boot Space: 391 litres of boot space offers excellent practicality.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine is known for its smoothness and decent fuel efficiency.
• Bold SUV Styling: Its upright and aggressive stance gives it a desirable SUV appeal.

Cons

• No Turbo Petrol Option: While the 1.2L engine is refined, some rivals offer more powerful turbo petrol engines.
• Rear Seat Width: While legroom and headroom are good, seating three adults comfortably in the rear can be a bit of a squeeze on longer journeys.
• Ride Quality: The ride can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps, though it handles most undulations well.
• Price Positioning: Higher variants, while feature-packed, can be a bit on the pricier side compared to some direct rivals.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Smart emerges as a truly compelling package in the micro-SUV segment for Indian car buyers. It ticks nearly all the boxes: it's incredibly safe with its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and 6 standard airbags, it's bursting with features that make every drive convenient and enjoyable, and its design truly stands out. While a more powerful engine option might be missed by some, the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine is refined and efficient for urban and highway use. With generous ground clearance and boot space, it is a practical choice for families. If you are in the market for a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, safety, features, and everyday usability, the Hyundai Exter SX Smart should definitely be at the top of your list for a test drive. It's a smart choice for the modern Indian car buyer.