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At a first glance, its stylish and dare I say, cute. It’s a compact crossover that is set to become a top seller in the entry level segment. I got to sample the Exter at its launch in Gauteng recently and I have to say that I was more than impressed. All that car for a very low entry price? Hyundai SA has been relatively quiet on the local launch front but after some months of nifty negotiations with their parent company, the crossover SUV has landed from it’s build base in Chennai, India. Allow me to dissect the Exter.
E: Energetic Design. X: Xtra spacious interior. T: Technologically advanced. E: Enthusiastic powertrain. R: Robust and reliable safety. The Exters’ main competitors are the Suzuki Ignis, the Nissan Magnite, and perhaps the Renault Kiger.
Ready for fun
My first impressions when I saw the Exter was FUN. It brought a smile to my face. That smile was broadened when the price was revealed. It starts from R269 900 for the Premium manual.
The all-new Exter comes well equipped with a full arsenal of features and very attractive design elements – attributes that are needed as a contender in the fiercely competitive, and largest, crossover and SUV market segment that accounts for almost 38% of overall sales to date this year.
Exter…rior
The Exter features a progressive and unique crossover SUV design showcasing Hyundai’s identity of “Sensuous Sportiness”, characterized by a modern front, dynamic side and sporty rear design. The DNA of Hyundai’s crossover SUV line-up is also evident from the front grille design and the positioning of the daytime running lights (DRLs), with its LEDs in a signature H-shape, above the halogen headlights. The H-signature design is repeated in the rear lights of the Exter.
Spacious and comfortable interior
The interior is all what one would need: Spacious, comfortable and uncluttered. Plenty of leg/knee room for driver and passengers to make the journey, short or long, as comfy as possible. knee room and legroom, a relaxed seating position, and ample head and shoulder room to make even a long journey comfortable.
The interiors feature a sporty 3D pattern finish dashboard, complemented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob (for Executive and Elite variants), and a sporty black finish with colour inserts.
Seat cover schemes range from black with a grey trim to black with a blue trim, and black with a sage trim – all linked in different combinations with exterior colours. The Premium and Executive variants come with cloth seats, while the Elite’s seats are covered with a mixture of cloth and artificial leather material.
Features include:
A centre-mounted infotainment system with an 8-inch high-definition screen and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range. The screen also displays the rear-view parking camera’s image in the Executive and Elite versions.
The Drive
I set out from Stellenbosch and made the coastal trip to near Hermanus. The drive included tarred and untarred roads, often twisty and winding up and down. The Exter handled very well and with good fuel consumption and good gear ratios. No complaints, whatsoever!
The Exter is equipped with a very fuel-efficient 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that offers refinement and smooth acceleration. Maximum power output is 61 kW at 6 000 r/min., and it reaches peak torque output of 114 Nm at 4 000 r/min. Fuel-consumption of 5,7 litres/100 km for the manual transmission variants, and 5,9 litres/100 km for the auto derivatives (5 gear ratios).
Final Verdict
"The introduction of the Hyundai EXTER to the South African market is one of the most exciting events on our calendar for a quite a while. The EXTER’s beautiful, harmonious design lines and excellent proportions immediately draw attention, but it is not only a good looker – it offers a very well-equipped and spacious interior with comfortable room for front and rear occupants,” says Stanley Anderson, sales, operations and commercial director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Price:
With a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan, the EXTER offers a motoring package that includes peace of mind. Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km is also included.
