Hyundai Exter: First Drive Review

Let's ignore the Hyundai Exter's connection to the Grand i10 Nios for the time being. Forget about the competition in the market. The Exter piques your interest. In order to determine whether or not this micro-SUV has the potential to become a member of your family, let's concentrate on its benefits and drawbacks.

Is the Exter an SUV?

Okay, no. But compared to a hatchback, it is more useful. It boasts increased ground clearance of 185mm, which boosts confidence on bumpy roads. Then comes its elevated seats and large windows, which improves your peripheral vision. This car's advantage is that it is simple to drive in urban areas due to the hatchback's footprint, and its tall stance gives the driver more assurance. 

Looks

Although it doesn't seem like an SUV, it does resemble a scale model of one. This is primarily due to the hatchback-like windscreen's sharp rake. However, the Exter's design has a lot of SUV attitude. It looks butch because of the numerous flat surfaces, flared wheel arches, all-over body cladding, and roof rails. However, the design specifics are where the enjoyment is. At the bottom, there is a skid plate with faux rivets. You also get large projector headlights at the bottom and LED H-shaped DRLs, just like on contemporary SUVs. 

Although the proportions appear strange from the side, they tried to create a boxy appearance. The dual-tone hue and the 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels give it a little bit of a premium appearance. Although Hyundai has made an effort to include details like these H-shaped LED taillights and the spoiler on top to make the design also look digestible, I must admit that I am not a fan of the Exter's rear profile because it appears to be a bit too flat.

Interiors

The Exter's interior features a monochromatic black theme that is broken up by accents in contrast colours. These come in body colour and are located on the AC vents and controls. The piping on the seats matches the exterior hue of the car exactly. The plastics being used are of good quality. The top one is slick, and the 3D pattern is attractive. The pattern, nevertheless, is a little too reminiscent to Tata's tri-arrow motif. 

Other than that, all of the controls, including the window switches, steering wheel buttons, and AC, are quite tactile. Even the upholstery is a premium-feeling blend of cloth and leatherette. But only the touchpoints and upper portion of the dashboard offer this high calibre experience. It would have been much nicer if the same had been applied to the door pads or the plastics below the dashboard. 

Features

Hyundai has provided the Exter with an excessive amount of features, if anything. The digital instrument cluster comes with very large, crisp readouts, and the MID in the centre is likewise quite detailed. You also receive a tyre pressure display, which is a pretty useful tool, along with your drive information and travel information. 

The infotainment system comes next. Although it is an 8-inch display, it differs significantly from the typical Hyundai 8-inch display. This is operating the superior user interface found on the larger 10-inch systems. As a result, you get voice commands that are incredibly simple to use, integrated navigation, and connected car technology. You can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with this system, although WiFi is not supported. You also receive a 4-speaker sound configuration with this system, and the sound quality is good. 

The dual-camera dash cam with an in-cabin and front camera follows. Due to the rise in traffic safety events, many purchasers now install aftermarket dash cams, so having a factory installed option is highly beneficial. Also, all of the wiring is concealed. Finally, a sunroof is included, making the Exter one of the most cheap vehicles with this feature. 

Additionally, you get wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, tilt-adjustable steering, rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines, electrically adjustable ORVMs, push-button start-stop, cruise control, and footwell ambient lighting. Finding missing features becomes challenging in light of all of this. It would have been more practical if the driver's side window could have been set to automatically down and up. And it would have been much better if automatic wipers were offered alongside automatic headlights. 

Cabin Practicality

The cabin for the Exter is fairly functional. You receive a wireless charger, making it simple to store smartphones. Then, on the side of the dashboard, there is a large storage area where you can conveniently store your wallet and other items. Two cup holders and a key storage compartment are included in the centre console. The glove compartment has a neat feature and is fairly large. One-liter water bottles fit comfortably in the door pockets, and there is additional room for a cleaning cloth or paperwork storage. 

There are numerous options for charging. Up front, there is a type-C port and a USB port. A wireless charger plugs into the 12V socket, but it can also be used as a USB port. However, a 12V socket is also available at the rear if you like. Lastly, cabin lighting. There are three interior lights in this car: two in the front and one in the centre.

Rear Seat Experience

It is very simple to get in and out of the automobile thanks to the huge door opening. After entering, the area is also spacious, and the enormous windows provide excellent overall vision. 

You can sit comfortably thanks to the soft seat padding and slightly higher seat base. There is plenty of space for the feet and knees, and the headroom is superb. The only major problem arises when you try to fit three persons here because of the narrow space. 

Although the storage is a little less, the features include adjustable headrests, rear AC vents, and a 12V socket. Although there is an armrest, cup holders, and door pockets, the seat back pocket is only provided behind the passenger seat. 

Safety