What's the Hyundai Exter's performance like?

The Hyundai Exter (read our launch report) is a brand-new compact crossover designed for urban driving and competes with cars like the Suzuki Fronx and the new Toyota Starlet Cross.

Based on the well-loved Hyundai Grand i10, it offers a practical and fashionable package with a range of features and higher ground clearance. What's it like to drive, though? Is it a bit of a slow-poke or energetic enough for everyday life beyond the city?

A black Exter at Benguela Cove wine farm.

Engine and Performance

The Exter is equipped with Hyundai's trusty 1.2-litre four-cylinder Kappa petrol engine, which is also found in the higher-specced Grand i10. While this may not seem particularly powerful, the car's lightweight design (it tips the scales at a featherlight 940kg) allows for brisk acceleration. The engine delivers enough power for city driving and highway cruising, though it may feel slightly strained at speeds over 130km/h. 

The Exter has 61kW and 114Nm and can reach 100 km/h from 0 in 12.6 seconds.

Transmission

The Exter has a 5-speed manual and an automatic manual gearbox, also known as an 'AMT' transmission. We've only driven the manual, which is smooth and easy to operate, with a light clutch pedal. 

Only the 5-speed manual models were available on launch.

I am not a fan of AMT transmissions, but if you can't be bothered with shifting gears yourself, this trade-off may be worth your while. (I would rather stick with the manual, without any doubt.)

Related: Nissan Magnite vs Suzuki Fronx vs Renault Kiger

Driving Dynamics

Thanks to its well-tuned suspension, the Exter offers a comfortable and stable ride. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making the car easy to manoeuvre. The brakes are effective, providing confident stopping power. 

Fun yet functional - the Exter is one of our favourite sub-compact crossovers at the moment.

The only downside is that stability control is only available in the higher-spec Exter models, but 6 airbags are standard across the board.

Fuel Efficiency

The Exter's fuel efficiency is reasonable for a small crossover. However, the car's shorter gearing can impact fuel economy at higher speeds. Driving primarily in urban areas, you can expect decent fuel efficiency of around 6-7 L/100 km.

Red suits the Exter's cheeky demeanour well.

Verdict

The Hyundai Exter offers a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and a decent level of fuel efficiency. Its riding height allows for good visibility in traffic. While the engine may not be the most powerful, it's sufficient for most driving needs.