Mid-spec Hyundai Exter SX vs Top-spec Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta: Which One To Pick?

The Hyundai Exter is the latest SUV on the block from the good folks at Hyundai. And even though it slots into a segment coined as mini-SUV, it effectively is a hatchback on stilts. That hatchback in question is none other than the Grand i10 Nios and they share quite a few similarities between them, including their price ballparks. 

The hatchback’s top-spec variant goes up to Rs 8.51 lakh, which is very close to the Exter’s mid-spec SX AMT variant’s prices at Rs 8.67 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). With just Rs 16,000 between them, cross shopping is imminent. So let’s take a look at which one will be a better pick:

Powertrains

Both the Exter and Grand i10 Nios share their powertrains. So there’s a four-cylinder 1.2-litre NA petrol engine, which produces 83PS and 114Nm. It can be paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. But the Exter AMT one-ups the Grand i10 Nios in a regard: paddle shifters to take manual control. In the Nios, you’ve to rely on tiptronic to shift gears manually. 

Both vehicles can also be had with a factory-fitted CNG kit which has an output of 69PS and 95.2Nm in CNG mode. It is geared using a 5-speed manual only. So there’s nothing to separate the two on this front.

Dimensions

The Hyundai Exter is definitely the bigger car here with a wider track and taller height as well. But because the floor base of the two cars is similar, there aren’t any differences in the vehicle's wheelbase. 

Exeter’s extra height is thanks to its tall-boy, upright stance and that disparity in width is down to the flared body elements and cladding. But boot space is one parameter where the Exter triumphs over the Grand i10 Nios quite significantly as it offers an additional stowage area of 131-litres.

Features

So both the Exter and Grand i10 Nios are pretty evenly matched in terms of features, save for the availability of a sunroof in the former. But considering the hatchback is the top-spec variant, it does get automatic headlights over the Exter, but that is it. 

Both get an 8-inch touchscreen unit, a 4-speaker audio system, automatic AC, a wireless phone charger, cruise control and more, while their safety kit is evenly matched as well with six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, rear defogger, and tyre pressure monitoring system. 

Price and verdict

With just Rs 16,000 between them, the choice between the Exter’s mid-spec variant and Grand i10 Nios’s top-spec variant comes down to the appeal of the Exter, because there isn’t anything else to set the two apart.

Both are more or less evenly matched in terms of features, get the same powertrains, and are even similar in terms of dimensions, with the Exter just inching ahead with its beefy body panels and extra luggage space.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Go Small And Top-spec Or Large And Mid-spec?

So, which one to pick? If you want to stand out from the myriad of hatchbacks and prefer that SUV-stance that the Exter offers, then the answer is a no brainer. But if you want something compact and well equipped, then the Grand i10 Nios would be a good pick. Ideally, it comes down to your preference on the basis of the body style as you wouldn’t go wrong with either.