Officially launched in South Africa, the Hyundai Exter slots into the South Korean automaker’s local portfolio as the most affordable crossover. But do South Africans have reason enough to be excited about it? Charlen Raymond takes a closer look.
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Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite fast facts
- Price: R334 900
- Engine: 1.2l, four-cylinder, petrol
- Power: 61kW @ 6 000r/min
- Torque: 114N.m @ 4 000r/min
- 0-100km/h: 12.04 seconds
- Top speed: 165km/h
- Gears/drive: five-speed, FWD
- Service plan: Three years/45 000km
- Warranty vehicle: Five years/150 000km
- Warranty drivetrain: Seven years/200 000km
Based on the Grandi10 hatchback and sedan, the Exter is also built at Hyundai’s plant in Sriperumbudur, India. The crossover shares the same platform as its Grandi10 siblings. Only here, though, the Exter boasts slightly larger dimensions and a raised ride height (185mm). Interestingly, despite being a tad bigger, the crossover’s length (3 815mm) is the same as the Grandi10 hatch, resulting in a 216 L boot.
The line-up comprises Premium, Executive, and Elite specifications, in manual or automated manual transmission; both with five speeds. The Elite model is available with the AMT gearbox only.
With the picturesque Overberg serving as the backdrop for the Exter’s launch, CAR magazine gets behind the wheel of the 1.2 Executive MT model to find out more about the new range.
Exter 1.2 Elite specification
The Exter is not a bad looking vehicle. From the front, at least. The straight-up design is in line with Hyundai’s crossover portfolio, with the look capped off with bi-function projection headlamps. The side profile has a bulky stance, with the squared-ness enhanced by subtle design cues in the doors and wheel arches. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels add a nice touch, but the rear does not exude the same styling sense as the rest of the vehicle, looking almost uncomfortable. The black roof (body colour dependent), roof rails, and LED taillights add to the youthful feel, but do not bring the rear in line with the rest of the Exter’s look.
Inside, things do look up. Despite the exuberant use of hard plastics, the cabin is a well-adorned space. The steering wheel is well laid out, typically Hyundai, and is easy to use. The cruise control and volume controls are within easy reach, with your thumbs instinctively finding their way to it. In the Elite model, the climate control is operated electronically. Across the board, the USB and USB-C ports are below the dashboard and the multimedia screen also plays home to the rearview camera. Interestingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are operated by cable; not wirelessly.
A nice touch is the digital display in front of the driver. The menus are easy to access, and the displays are clear and uncluttered. In addition, as the engine’s speed increases, a lighting sequence dances to the throttle inputs. It’s perhaps unnecessary, but it plays to the Exter’s funky side. The Elite model also boasts a sunroof and cloth-vinyl seats.
In terms of the South African colour palette, prospective buyers can choose between Titan Grey, Shadow Grey, Fiery Red, Moonlight Blue, Cosmic Blue, Atlas White, and Ranger Khaki. The latter three hues, when opted for on the Executive and Elite models, come with the black roof, effectively creating a two-tone colour scheme.
On the road
This crossover has a lot to shoulder as it aims to give prospective buyers the best possible. All the models ride on the same platform as the rest of the range, and employ Hyundai’s 1.2l petrol engine that delivers 61kW and 114N.m.
The engine does enough to propel the little engine forward, but there is a fair amount of engine noise as the revolutions increase. The Exter is susceptible to strong winds, too, which can be attributed to its upright stance and 15-inch wheels. Had Hyundai opted for 16-inch wheels on the Executive and Elite models, road holding would have been vastly improved. Wind noise is evident at 100km/h and above, but does not intrude into the cabin.
Hyundai claims a fuel return of 5.7l/100km for the manual models, which is slightly better than the automatic models’ 5.9l/100km.
Hyundai Exter pricing
- Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT – R269 900
- Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT – R294 900
- Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive MT – R289 900
- Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive AMT – R314 900
- Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AMT – R334 900
All Exter models ship standard with Hyundai’s three-year/45 000km service plan, and a five-year/150 000km vehicle and seven-year/200 000km drivetrain warranty.
In summary
The Exter has a big role in enhancing Hyundai’s local portfolio. In taking over from the Venue as the automaker’s most affordable crossover, it must convince potential buyers of its prowess. The eye-catching price point will draw in consumers, but how the buying public reacts to the overt use of plastic will be key. On the other hand, because it is based on the Grandi10, it must live up to expectations. The interior is a familiar space and everything is ergonomically well-placed, but does it justify the slight premium over its siblings?
Only time will tell…
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