As revealed in recent teaser, Hyundai Exter (Ai3) will have capabilities across city streets as well as no-road environments
To challenge bestselling Tata Punch, Hyundai will soon launch a new mini-SUV named Exter (Ai3). The term ‘Exter’ refers to external or outside, which is in sync with the SUV’s profile of an explorer. Be it the urban jungles or attractions beyond city limits, Hyundai Exter will be ready for every opportunity to explore the world.
Hyundai Exter has been spotted on road tests in India and overseas as well. It is expected to be launched later this year, most likely during festive season. Exter price range could be Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11 lakh, ex-sh.
Hyundai Exter (Ai3) spied snow testing
Recent spy shots reveal Exter testing in snow, which kind of reveals the SUV’s versatile capabilities. Of course, the snow is just around a centimetre. But even that could be problematic if the car does not have the relevant equipment to go with it. This is the first time this new Hyundai SUV has been spied testing in Europe. These spy shots were clicked in Sweden.
As Exter’s adventurous character has already been revealed in teasers, it is possible that the SUV could get drive modes (off-road mode, city mode, etc), traction control or something similar. Such features could be offered with top-spec variants of Exter.
Rival Tata Punch is also positioned as an SUV with mild-off-roading capabilities. It has features such as traction mode and 187mm of ground clearance. Hyundai will probably be looking to introduce a lot more adventure-focused features with Exter SUV.
The marketing buzz around Exter’s versatile character will also be a lot more intense. Punch had the first-mover advantage, whereas Exter will have to offer segment-first and best-in-class features to switch loyalties. Sunroof could be a possibility with top-spec variants.
Hyundai Exter will primarily target the young brigade, a segment of buyers that will continue to increase in size in coming years. India has the world’s largest young population, with a significant percentage looking to invest in a new car for the first time.
Hyundai Exter will have sporty styling and a range of hi-tech features that appeal to the younger generation. The SUV has a compact, boxy profile, H-shaped lighting element, sleek grille, LED headlamps and prominent front bumper. Other key highlights include sculpted bonnet, sporty alloy wheels, blacked-out pillars, roof rails, shark fin antenna and edgy tail lamps.
Hyundai Exter (Ai3) powertrain
Hyundai Exter (Ai3) will be a petrol-only car to begin with. It will borrow the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor from Hyundai Venue. The 1.2-litre unit churns out 83 PS of max power and 113.8 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The turbo unit makes 120 PS and 172 Nm. It is mated to either an iMT or 7-speed DCT.
In comparison, Tata Punch is equipped with a sole 1.2-litre petrol motor. It generates 87.8 PS and 115 Nm. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT. Both Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter could get CNG option and even an electric version in future.
