About Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG

Hello, car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You are not just buying a vehicle, you are investing in comfort, safety, and peace of mind for your family. There is so much to consider budget, safety features, monthly running costs, the latest tech, and of course, reliable company service. Well, if you have been looking for a compact SUV that ticks most of these boxes, especially if fuel efficiency is a top priority, then you are in for a treat. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a very interesting contender the new Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG. Lets see if this micro-SUV is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG is powered by Hyundais proven 1.2-litre Kappa Bi-fuel petrol engine. This means you get the flexibility of running on petrol or switching to CNG when you want to save some money at the pump. Heres a quick look at its numbers:

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel (Petrol with CNG)
• Cylinders: 4
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 83 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 113.8 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 69 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Design Overview

Exterior

The Exter really stands out with its robust and rugged SUV design. It embraces the new-age micro-SUV look perfectly. You get a tall, confident stance, H-shaped LED DRLs that are unique and instantly recognizable, and a bold front grille. The parametric design elements on the bumpers and sides add a modern touch. Its a car that looks ready for both city streets and a bit of adventure.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-laid-out, practical, and surprisingly spacious cabin. The dual-tone interior theme in some variants feels premium. The dashboard design is clean and functional, with a focus on user experience. The quality of materials used is good for its segment, and everything feels solid and well-put-together, typical of Hyundai.

Key Features (SX Smart Dual CNG)

Hyundai has packed the Exter SX Smart with a host of features to enhance your driving experience:

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Technology
• Voice-enabled Electric Sunroof (a segment-first for some variants)
• Automatic Climate Control
• Cruise Control
• Digital Instrument Cluster with Multi Information Display
• Rear Parking Camera with Sensors
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Projector Headlamps
• Footwell Lighting
• Steering Mounted Audio and Bluetooth Controls

Ground Clearance

The Hyundai Exter boasts an impressive ground clearance of 185 mm. This is excellent for Indian roads, helping you glide over speed breakers and navigate rough patches with ease.

Boot Space

In its petrol avatar, the Exter offers a generous 391 litres of boot space. However, as with all CNG cars, the CNG cylinder occupies a significant portion of the boot. The Exter CNG offers a practical, though reduced, boot space which is sufficient for small bags or groceries, estimated around 60-70 litres after cylinder accommodation.

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions of the Hyundai Exter:

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter primarily comes with a 1.2-litre Kappa engine. You have two main powertrain choices:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: Available with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
• 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel (Petrol with CNG): Available only with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT). This is the focus of our review today.

Safety Features

Safety is a big highlight for the Exter. Hyundai has made sure to equip it with strong safety credentials:

• 6 Airbags: Standard across all variants (front, side, curtain airbags). This is a game-changer in its segment.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock
• Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock

NCAP Rating Table

The Hyundai Exter has achieved an impressive safety rating from Bharat NCAP, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.

Rating Type	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars
Global NCAP	Not tested under Global NCAP protocols relevant to the Indian market variant.	Not tested under Global NCAP protocols relevant to the Indian market variant.

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG

The Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG faces competition from a few key players in the growing CNG micro-SUV and hatchback segment:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis CNG (though more of a hatchback)
• Potentially the upcoming Mahindra XUV3XO CNG (if introduced)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Lets break down the good and the not-so-good about the Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG.

Advantages (Pros)

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: CNG option provides significantly lower running costs.
• Top-notch Safety: Standard 6 airbags and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child protection is a huge plus.
• Feature-Rich: Voice-enabled sunroof, connected car tech, automatic climate control, cruise control offer great value.
• SUV Stance: Looks like a proper SUV, offers a commanding driving position and good ground clearance.
• Smooth Engine: The 1.2L Kappa engine is refined and offers decent performance for city and highway drives.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Backed by Hyundais extensive service network and reputation for quality.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder significantly eats into the boot space, limiting luggage capacity.
• Performance on CNG: While adequate, there is a slight drop in power and torque when running on CNG compared to petrol.
• Higher Initial Cost: CNG variants are generally more expensive than their petrol counterparts.
• No Automatic Option for CNG: The CNG variant is only available with a manual transmission.
• Refueling Network: CNG pump availability can still be a concern in some regions.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Smart Dual CNG makes a very compelling case for itself in the Indian market. It blends the desirable SUV aesthetic with practical fuel efficiency, class-leading safety, and a host of modern features. While the reduced boot space and manual-only CNG option might be minor drawbacks, the sheer value proposition, especially for those prioritizing low running costs and safety, is hard to ignore. If you are in the market for a smart, safe, and economical compact SUV for your family, the Exter SX Smart Dual CNG should definitely be on your test drive list. It is a fantastic option that truly offers a well-rounded package.