The all-new Exter comes well equipped with a full arsenal of features and very attractive design elements – attributes that are required 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.

What is it?

Stanley Anderson (Sales, Operations and Commercial Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa) describes the EXTER: “It does not only meet the needs of modern, young entry-level buyers, but also sets new standards in the segment for compact crossovers in the market. We are confident that the Hyundai EXTER with its long list of standard convenience and safety features will exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Exterior:

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.

Prominent silver skid plates at the front and rear add to the bold and sporty design, and the dynamic side-view is enhanced by 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (for the Executive and Elite versions). The Premium version also boasts attractive covers with a dynamic design for the 15-inch steel wheels.

Ground clearance is 185 mm, which, in combination with the generous amount of rubber on the 15-inch wheels, gives the EXTER the ability to tackle excursions on gravel roads.

Interior:

The Hyundai EXTER offers customers an expansive cabin with superior knee- and legroom, a relaxed seating position and ample head and shoulder room with a 290-litre boot capacity, says the manufacturer.

The interiors feature a 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 obsidian 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.

Equipment:

The Hyundai EXTER is also equipped with a type C USB Fast Charger, rear air conditioner vents, automatic temperature control with digital display (Elite version), steering wheel mounted paddle gear shifters for the Executive AMT and Elite versions; and Steering mounted audio and trip computer controls for the Premium, with cruise control switches added in the Executive and Elite versions.

In front of the driver is an advanced digital instrument cluster with various features such as a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, a tyre pressure monitoring system and parking distance information.

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.

Engine:

All models will use Hyundai’s 1200, four-cylinder petrol unit producing 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque. All manual gearboxes are 5 speed, while the AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) is also 5 speed. The Elite variant only comes with the AMT option.

Prices:

1.2 Premium Manual (R269 900), 1.2 Premium AMT (R294 900), 1.2 Executive Manual (R289 900), 1.2 Executive AMT (314 900) and the 1.2 Elite AMT (R334 900).

There is a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.