Provided teaser hints at a boxy-looking but angular SUV with styling that eclipses that of the now-discontinued Atos. Image: Hyundai
Its name announced earlier this month, Hyundai has officially released the first teaser image of the all-new Exter mini-SUV in India.
The model anticipated to replace the already discontinued Atos, known in India as the Santro, the Exter will be positioned below the Venue in the Hyundai’s line-up, but above the even smaller Casper sold in South Korea.
Known until last month by its internal moniker, Ai3, the provided images sees the Exter sporting a completely different front-end to that of the Casper, namely H-pattern LEDs within the light clusters, a rectangular honeycomb lower grille, thin intake below the bonnet, black A-pillar and roof rails, rectangular fog lamp surrounds and a satin silver lower skidplate.
Although no further details were revealed, including images of the rear, it is believed that the Exter will ride on the same platform as the Grand i10 Nios and feature a similar interior instead of mirroring that of the Casper.
Still set to fall within the sub-four metre category in India with a claimed overall length of 3 495 mm, 200 mm more the Casper, which Hyundai India rejected for being too small and not worth revising for the local market, the Exter has also been approved for exports, meaning it could come to South Africa in place of the Atos.
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It’s reliance on the Grand i10 Nios and European-market i10 extends further to the choice of engines, where two units are currently mentioned as options; the normally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol rated at 61kW/114Nm and the 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDI that pumps-out at 88kW/172Nm.
Transmission options for the former are expected to comprise of a five-speed manual or a five-speed automated manual (AMT), while the latter could get a five-or-six-speed manual and as an option, the seven-speed dual-clutch or the clutchless six-speed manual Hyundai refers to as iMT or Intelligent Manual Transmission.
According to the latest report by Autocar India, the Exter will enter production around July before going on-sale in India the following month.
Therefore, expect more teaser images and hints to become prominent throughout May until the eventual reveal takes place.
For now, no mentioning of the Exter coming to South Africa prevails, but should approval be given, expect Hyundai to commence sales closer to the of this year.
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