Hyundai has expanded its line up with an all-new compact crossover, the stylish and attractive Hyundai Exter, which is set to become another top seller for the well-established Korean brand.
The compact crossover segment of the South African vehicle market is one of the most fiercely contested and accounts for almost 38% of new passenger vehicle sales and this new model finally allows Hyundai to compete in that segment
Modern unique design
The Hyundai Exter features an attractive, unique, design which integrates beautiful, harmonious design lines and excellent proportions that immediately draw attention.
The unique crossover SUV design showcases Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and is characterised by a modern front end that incorporates Hyundai’s DNA via the front grille design and the positioning of the daytime running lights, with LEDs in a signature H-Shape, above the halogen headlights. The dynamic flavour continues along the side and includes a parametric garnish on the C-pillar. A sporty rear design sees the H-signature design repeated in the rear lights while the geometric detailing is continued along the length of the boot. A boot spoiler adds a further sporty touch.
Prominent silver skid plates at the front and rear add to the bold and sporty design while the dynamic side-view is enhanced by 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on Executive and Elite versions.
Bold and muscular wheel arch cladding lends a fresh appeal to the car’s profile and bridge-type roof rails with a 70kg load capacity on Executive and Elite variants expand its practicality.
The Exter boasts a ground clearance of 185mm, which when combined with the 15-inch wheels, gives the Exter the ability to tackle excursions on gravel roads with ease.
Spacious, well-equipped interior
The interior of the Exter is spacious and very well equipped. Knee and legroom are superior, and head and shoulder room are ample. This is complimented by a generous 290-litre boot capacity.
The interior is fitted with a sporty 3D pattern finish and dashboard, complimented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob on Executive and Elite variants.
The comfortable seats are covered in either obsidian black with a grey trim, black with a blue trim or black with a sage trim, all linked with the six different exterior colours. Premium and Executive derivatives feature cloth seats, while the Elite boasts a mixture of cloth and artificial leather material.
Standard creature comforts include driver seat height adjustment, adjustable rear headrests, a dashboard tray, dual cup holders, front and rear door map pockets and a sunroof on Elite models. Keeping occupants comfortable are rear air conditioner vents, automatic temperature control on Elite derivatives, steering mounted audio trip computer controls on Premium models and cruise control switches on Executive and Elite versions.
In front of the driver is an advanced digital instrument cluster that offers a variety of features including a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, a tyre pressure monitoring system, open door warning and parking distance information.
A high-definition centrally mounted infotainment system measures eight-inches and offers smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range. This screen also displays the rear-view parking cameras image on the Executive and Elite versions.
Standard safety features fitted to all variants include six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, Isofix child seat anchors, ABS with EBD, speed sensing auto door lock, a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear parking sensors. AMT models also feature an Electronic Stability Programme.
Under the bonnet
All models are fitted with a 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine that offers 61kW at 6 000rpm and 114Nm at 4 000rpm and on Premium and Executive is paired to a five-speed manual transmission or an automated manual transmission (AMT,) also with five gear ratios. Elite derivatives are available with the same engine but only with the AMT transmission option. The AMT transmission can be controlled via steering wheel mounted paddles on the Executive AMT and Elite versions.
Hyundai claim respectable fuel consumption figures of 5,7 litres/100km on manual models and 5,9 litres/100km on AMT derivatives.
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty and a three-year/45 000km service plan as well as seven-year/150 000km roadside assistance.
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium manual R269 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT R294 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual R289 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive AMT R314 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AMT R334 900
