Finding value for money in the Hyundai Exter range
With three trim levels (Premium, Executive, and Elite), choosing the Exter that delivers the best value for your money can be tricky. Let's break down each Exter model's features and price points to help you decide.
Read our launch report of the Hyundai Exter here.
Hyundai Exter feature breakdown by variant
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT
- Price: R269 900
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
- Power Output: 61kW
- Torque: 114Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Features: Manual air-conditioning, cloth seats, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4-speaker sound system, a USB port up front, 4 x electric windows, a tyre-pressure monitor, 15-inch steel wheels, rear parking sensors, ISOfix anchors, child locks, a folding rear seat, remote central locking, a height-adjustable steering wheel with satellite buttons, and automatic headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. Six airbags are standard across the board.
Should you buy a used Hyundai Exter?
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT
- Price: R294 900
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
- Power Output: 61kW
- Torque: 114Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
- The same features as the Premium MT
Is the Hyundai Exter good for new drivers?
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive MT (tested on launch)
- Price: R289 900
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
- Power Output: 61kW
- Torque: 114Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Features: All the Premium model's features plus 15-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist, a faux leather-covered steering wheel, cruise control, side indicators in the mirror housings, a rear-view camera, and roof rails.
What's the Hyundai Exter's performance like?
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive AMT
- Price: R314 900
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
- Power Output: 61kW
- Torque: 114Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AMT
- Price: R334 900
- Engine: 1.2L Kappa Petrol
- Power Output: 61kW
- Torque: 114Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
- Features: All Executive features + stability control, climate control, gloss black mirror housings, partial faux leather trim, and a sunroof.
Top 3 things you need to know about the Hyundai Exter
Finding the value sweet-spot
The decision ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. Here's a breakdown to help you choose:
Value-conscious driver: If you prioritise affordability and are comfortable with a decent set of standard features, the Premium (R269 900) might be the best choice.
Comfort seeker with a budget: If you value equipment like alloy wheels, cruise control, and a rear-view camera but want to stay under R300,000, opt for the Executive Manual at R289 900. The AMT transmission adds convenience but bumps up the price by R25 000.
Tech and luxury enthusiast: If you desire a sunroof, automatic climate control, and stability control and your budget isn't a major constraint, the Elite AMT (R334 900) is the one for you. However, the price difference between the Executive (Auto) and Elite is significant, so consider whether these features justify the extra cost.
Verdict
Ultimately, it's up to you and the features you deem important in a car.
Stability control is a must-have, and it's disappointing that only the top-spec AMT model has this as a standard feature.
Be that as it may, the Exter is still a great little car to own as an everyday runabout. I would buy the entry-level manual model to get the best value. Search for new and used Hyundai Exter models here.
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