Hyundai Exter SUV in Mzansi

Looking for small crossover SUV at a budget starting from R269 900, then Hyundai has the Exter ready for you. We attended its local launch in Cape Town.

The front gets LED Daytime running light in H pattern for a standout look. The main halogen headlamps are placed lower down with a prominent EXTER name badge placed above the polished black grille. A Silver skid plate is placed lower down the front. The design echos that seen on the larger Santa Fe in a smaller compact crossover.

There are 3 spec models to choose from starting from the Premium entry level to the Executive mid spec topped by the Elite spec. The Elite comes with a sub roof as standard whilst the two tone colour (gloss black roof) gives a catchy design.

There are SUV esque wheel arch cladding placed above 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (for the Executive and Elite versions). The Premium gets plastic covers on 15-inch steel wheels. Executive and Elite variants get roof rails that can handle up to 70kg of load. The rear has a shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and signature-H LED tail lamps. There is also a silver rear skid plate.

Standing at 3,815 m long, 1,710 m wide, and 1,631 m tall (1,585 m without roof rails) with a wheelbase of over 2,45 m, the Exter is surprisingly spacious inside. Hyundai claims the Exter has superior knee room and legroom, a relaxed seating position, and ample head and shoulder room to make even a long journey comfortable. There is a 3D pattern finish dashboard, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob (Premium, Elite). The Premium and Executive variants come with cloth seats, while the Elite’s seats are covered with a mixture of cloth and artificial leather material.

The ergonomics of the EXTER also brings with it many more standard features such as:

• Driver seat height adjustment;
• Adjustable rear headrests;
• A dashboard tray;
• Front console dual cup holders;
• Front and rear door map pockets; and
• A 290 litre boot capacity.

A centre-mounted infotainment system with an 8-inch high-definition screen and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range. The screen also displays the rear-view parking camera’s image in the Executive and Elite versions.

It sets a high standard with incorporation of features such as:

• A type C USB Fast Charger
• Rear air conditioner vents;
• Automatic temperature control with digital display (Elite version);
• Steering wheel mounted paddle gear shifters for the Executive AMT and Elite versions; and
• Steering mounted audio and trip computer controls for the Premium, with cruise control switches added in the Executive and Elite versions.

In front of the driver, there is a 4,2-inch colour TFT multi-information display.

The EXTER’s safety features include:

• Six airbags (dual front, side and curtain);
• An Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) for the Premium and Executive AMT variants and the Elite;
• Hill Assist Control (HAC) to ensure safe pull-off on an incline (also on AMT variants only);
• Three-point seatbelts for all occupants;
• Child seat anchors (ISOFIX) on outer seats of rear bench;
• An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution;
• A speed sensing auto door lock;
• A tyre pressure monitoring system; and
• Rear parking sensors for all variants, with a rear view camera for the Executive and Elite.

Powering all Exter models in Mzansi is Hyundai’s 1.2-litre Kappa 4-cylinder petrol engine pushing 61 kW/114 Nm. 

For the Premium and Executive variants:

• The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; and
• The same engine paired with an automated manual transmission (AMT), also with 5 gear ratios.
• The Elite variant only comes with the AMT option

The top speed of all variants is claimed at 165 km/h. Claimed Fuel-consumption of 5,7 litres/100 km for the manual transmission variants, and 5,9 litres/100 km for the EXTER AMT derivatives.

With a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan, the EXTER offers a motoring package that includes peace of mind. Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km is also included. 

The prices of the EXTER range are: