About Hyundai Exter SX Tech CNG

Hey car enthusiasts and smart buyers. Welcome back to our blog, where we help you navigate the exciting world of Indian automobiles. Are you looking for a new car that ticks all the boxes – budget-friendly, packed with the latest features, safe for your family, easy on monthly maintenance, and backed by reliable company service? Choosing the right car in India can be quite a challenge with so many options available. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a vehicle that has been making significant waves in the market, especially for those who prioritize efficiency without compromising on features: the new Hyundai Exter SX Tech CNG.

Hyundai has a knack for understanding what Indian car buyers truly want, and the Exter is their latest answer to the growing demand for compact SUVs that offer a lot. The SX Tech CNG variant, in particular, aims to give you the best of both worlds: SUV appeal and pocket-friendly running costs. Let us explore if it truly delivers.

Main Highlights of the Hyundai Exter SX Tech CNG

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel Petrol with CNG
• Cylinders: 4-Cylinder
• Max Power (CNG): Approximately 69 PS (67.7 hp) at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): Approximately 95.2 Nm at 4000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG

Design Overview

Exterior

The Exter proudly wears its SUV badge with a robust and muscular design. It stands out with its upright stance, square-ish wheel arches, and prominent H-signature LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a unique face. The parametric design elements on the grille and C-pillar add a modern touch, while skid plates at the front and rear, along with functional roof rails, enhance its tough SUV appeal. It looks rugged yet stylish, perfect for urban adventures and occasional rough roads.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by an all-black interior theme that feels modern and practical. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, offering good headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The digital instrument cluster provides all essential information clearly, and the overall fit and finish are typical Hyundai – premium for its segment. Storage spaces are adequate, making it a comfortable place to be for daily commutes or weekend trips.

Key Features

The SX Tech variant is loaded with features that elevate the driving and ownership experience.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluelink connected car technology (over 60 features)
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof (a segment-first for a micro-SUV)
• Camera: 360-degree camera for easy parking and maneuvering
• Charging: Wireless phone charging
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Dashcam: In-built Dashcam with dual cameras (front and rear) for added security
• Other notable features: Smart key with push-button start/stop, voice commands, rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, rear wiper and washer.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 185 mm

This generous ground clearance is a huge advantage for Indian roads, allowing the Exter to tackle potholes and speed breakers with ease, truly living up to its SUV aspirations.

Boot Space

• Boot Space (Petrol): 391 litres
• Boot Space (CNG): Significantly reduced due to the CNG tank, typically around 60-70 litres. This is a common trade-off for CNG variants, so plan accordingly for luggage.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

The Hyundai Exter is available with two powertrain options:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed Manual or Smart Auto AMT transmission.
• 1.2L Kappa Bi-fuel Petrol with CNG engine, available only with a 5-speed Manual transmission.

Safety Features

Hyundai has made safety a priority with the Exter.

• Airbags: 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain) are standard across all variants, a segment-leading safety feature.
• Braking: ABS with EBD
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control ESC, Vehicle Stability Management VSM, Hill Assist Control HAC
• Parking Aids: Rear parking sensors, rear parking camera
• Monitoring: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS
• Other: ISOFIX child seat mounts, seatbelt reminders for all occupants.

NCAP Rating Table

As of now, the Hyundai Exter has not been tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. We eagerly await its official crash test results. However, the standard provision of 6 airbags across all variants and other advanced safety features indicates a strong commitment to passenger safety from Hyundai.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP	Yet to be tested	Yet to be tested
Global NCAP	Yet to be tested	Yet to be tested

Rivals of Hyundai Exter SX Tech CNG

The Hyundai Exter steps into a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Punch
• Citroen C3
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis
• Maruti Suzuki Fronx (cross-hatchback)

How is the Car? Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Feature Loaded: The SX Tech variant offers an impressive list of features for its segment, including a sunroof, dashcam, and 360-degree camera.
• Safety First: 6 airbags standard across all variants is a significant safety advantage.
• Fuel Efficiency: CNG powertrain offers excellent running costs and mileage, making it very economical for daily use.
• SUV Appeal: Strong, upright SUV stance with good ground clearance is well-suited for Indian road conditions.
• Hyundai Reliability & Service: Backed by Hyundai's wide service network and reputation for quality and low maintenance.
• Spacious Cabin: Good interior space for passengers, making it comfortable for small families.

Disadvantages

• Boot Space (CNG): The biggest drawback of the CNG variant is the significantly reduced boot space due to the CNG tank.
• Performance (CNG): While adequate for city driving, the engine might feel a bit less peppy when running on CNG, especially on highways or during quick overtakes.
• No AMT with CNG: The CNG variant is only available with a manual transmission, which might be a deal-breaker for those who prefer the convenience of an automatic.
• Pricing: Compared to some rivals, the top-end SX Tech CNG variant might be on the pricier side, though justified by its features.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Exter SX Tech CNG emerges as a compelling package for Indian car buyers who are seeking a feature-rich, safe, and fuel-efficient urban SUV. It successfully combines the rugged appeal of an SUV with the practicality and low running costs of a CNG vehicle. While the compromised boot space and manual-only CNG option are points to consider, the extensive list of features, standard 6 airbags, robust build, and Hyundai's reliable service network make it an extremely attractive option.

If your daily commute involves a lot of city driving, and you value modern amenities, top-tier safety features, and excellent mileage, the Exter SX Tech CNG could very well be your next ideal car. We highly recommend you take it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it fits your lifestyle perfectly. Happy driving.