Extra Exter
As South African consumers continue to feel the pinch, many are downsizing their cars going from D0-segment (Fortuner, Everest) to C-segment SUVs and from C-segment (Tucson, Qashqai) drivers downscaling into what has fast become the most lucrative vehicle segment by far, B-segment compact crossover. Automakers have been packing this market with well-priced and even better-equipped vehicles. One of the latest entrants into the segment is the Hyundai Exter, a compact SUV with concept car styling.
Related: Hyundai Exter (2024) First Drive Review
Hot on the heels of its local launch in Cape Town, we secured a test unit for a week-long road test with the family in tow, ready to face the Johannesburg rush hour traffic.
What's the Hyundai Exter's performance like?
Styling
Those old enough to remember the Hyundai Matrix will immediately recognise the styling here. The Exter has blocky squared-off dimensions and chunky body elements in wheel arches and front and rear bumpers; it's best to describe it as urban offroad. The body and styling elements exude a sense of rough and ready 4x4 prowess, but this little vehicle is meant only for the urban jungle. A hexagonal patterning on panels throughout the car ties the inside to the outside, giving the Exter a modern futuristic touch.
The Drive
The Exter rubs shoulders with some great vehicles in this segment and can be proud of its drive dynamics. It is one of the better driving vehicles in the budget crossover segment with a compliant but not overly soft suspension and punchy drivetrain. The Exter is Indian-built, and this needs to be taken into account as this vehicle has been engineered for low-speed city driving, so out on the open road keeping up with highway speeds, it does struggle. Up to speeds of 120km/h on the freeway, the Exter is brilliant, but at these speeds, even the sniff of an uphill will see you rowing through the gears to keep the same forward momentum; it has been designed to trundle around at sub 100km/h speeds in an urban environment.
Performance
The Exter is odd in this segment; forgoing a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo setup, the Hyundai is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combo is good for 61kW and 114Nm, with the best power made under 3500 r/min. The Exter is surprisingly quick, accelerating from 0-100 in just over 12.0 seconds at altitude without forced induction.
Space and Comfort
The Exter may be competing in the compact crossover market segment, but its clever design and interior packaging make it relatively comfortable. There is plenty of space inside, with 5 adults seated comfortably. Legroom in the rear may not be as ample for larger-bodied individuals, but it's comfy enough for a lengthy urban drive to and from the office. The boot is decent, holding 290 litres, expanding to 1 275 litres with the back seats down. The seats are firm and supportive, with an upright, elevated driving position. The large glasshouse allows for excellent 360-degree visibility.
Safety
The Hyundai Exter does not currently have an ANCAP rating, but Hyundai expects a 4-star rating when the vehicle is tested later this year. The vehicle has ABS and 6 airbags for the driver and passenger, side-impact, and curtain. It also has tyre pressure monitoring, park distance controls, and Isofix in the outer rear seats.
Fuel Consumption
Hyundai claims the Exter should return 5.7 L/100km. However, after combining cycle testing and pushing the car to its limits, we returned between 6.2 to 6.9 L/100km, getting just over 600km from a tank of fuel.
Price
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium manual | R 269 900 |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual | R 289 900 |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium auto | R 294 900 |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive auto | R 314 900 |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AT | R 334 900 |
*Hyundai Exter is sold with a 7-year/200 000km warranty and 3 year 45 000km service plan
The Verdict
The Exter is a cool little car. It would be perfectly suited to new families, pensioners, university students, and new drivers. It does what it says on the tin without any fuss or fail, and as long as you're not in a hurry, it is a perfectly affable drive. However, it does have its work cut out for it as the segment is very busy, and it goes up against stalwarts like the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Suzuki Fronx, and Toyota Starlet Cross.
