Hyundai’s Micro SUV Gets Christened “Exter”, Will Be Carmaker’s Answer To Tata Punch

• Hyundai names its micro SUV "Exter". 

• Will slot below Venue subcompact SUV. 

• Should get features such as a large touchscreen, sunroof and wireless phone charger. 

• Likely to get only petrol engine options, CNG version is expected as well. 

• Entry-level, small SUV should be priced from around Rs 6 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). 

Korean carmaker Hyundai has a new micro SUV in the works that’s been spied in India and abroad multiple times. Now, it has a name. The mystery SUV will be called the “Exter” in India, slotting below the Venue, and will lock horns with the successful Tata Punch.

Hyundai Exter looks and expected features 

We are yet to get any official previews of the vehicle, so we can only discern what it looks like with its spied test mules. The Exter micro SUV will bear an upright windshield with a similar A-pillar design as the Venue and Creta SUVs. In addition, it’ll get snazzy LED DRLs, roof rails, alloy wheels and cladding for a rugged look. 

It should get a substantial features list, too, with features such as a large touchscreen (likely the same eight-inch unit as the i10), a digitised driver’s display, cruise control, connected car tech, climate control and keyless entry. As for safety, the Exter should have multiple airbags, stability control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. 

Petrol-only drivetrains 

Going by the carmaker’s BS6 phase II lineup, it’s likely that the Hyundai Exter will be limited to petrol drivetrain options. The base engine should be the same 83PS, 1.2-litre petrol unit as the i10. The Exter should also get an automatic transmission (probably the 5-speed AMT) option and a CNG version could also be on the cards. 

• Hyundai Micro SUV First Teaser Released, To Be Launched Soon

• Hyundai’s Tata Punch Rivaling Micro-SUV Spied For The First Time, Expected To Launch In India In 2023

The Hyundai Exter is expected to break cover around mid-2023. It’ll rival the Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and Maruti Ignis. Prices are likely to start around the Rs 6 lakh mark (ex-showroom).