Following the ever-increasing introduction of affordable Chinese-built models to South Africa, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has now responded by launching the stylish and attractive Exter.
Initially destined for India only, local Hyundai executives convinced their Korean parent company to make the all-new Fiat Panda-sized compact crossover SUV available in South Africa to take on the likes of the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Starlet Cross.
The new Exter comes well equipped with attractive design elements (particularly when viewed from the front) and a full arsenal of features – attributes that are needed as a contender in the fiercely competitive, and largest, crossover and SUV market segment that accounts for almost 38% of overall sales to date this year.
However, it is expected that the South Korean automaker’s smallest (at 3,815 m long, 1,710 m wide, 1,631 m tall, with a wheelbase of 2.45 m and ground clearance of 185 mm) and most affordable crossover SUV locally will also entice Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Starlet, Suzuki Swift and Citroën C3 buyers out of hatchbacks and into the Hyundai fold.
FIRST OF A NEW DESIGN
The Exter’s design showcases Hyundai’s identity of “Sensuous Sportiness”, evident in the front grille design, the positioning of the daytime running lights (DRLs), with its signature H-shape LEDs above the halogen headlights, and the H-signature design repeated in the rear lights.
Its dynamism is enhanced by bold wheel arch cladding, distinctive character lines and parametric garnish on the C-pillar, silver skid plates front and rear, a rear spoiler and shark fin antenna, plus roof rails (with 70 kg load capacity), LED turn indicators and 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on the top models.
Three equipment levels and five variants of the Exter are available: The 1.2 Premium (with manual transmission) and 1.2 Premium AMT (automated manual transmission) sporting attractive covers for its 15-inch steel wheels, the 1.2 Executive (manual) and 1.2 Executive AMT; and the flagship 1.2 Elite AMT (with standard sunroof).
The Exter has six exterior colour options and three two-tone options for the Executive and Elite versions. In our view, the mini-SUV displays well in red, blue, and khaki colours. Inside the spacious and well-equipped cabin, the dashboard’s 3D pattern finish is complemented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob (in Executive and Elite variants).
Seat cover schemes range from obsidian black with a grey trim to black with a blue trim, and black with a sage trim – all linked in different combinations with exterior colours. The Premium and Executive variants come with cloth seats, while a combination of cloth and artificial leather material is used in the Elite models.
Standard features include driver seat height adjustment, front console dual cup holders, a type C USB fast charger, rear air conditioner vents, and automatic temperature control with digital display (in the Elite). The Executive AMT and Elite models have steering wheel-mounted paddle gear shifters, the Premium comes with steering-mounted audio and trip computer controls, with the Executive and Elite gaining cruise control switches.
The digital instrument cluster incorporates a 4.2” colour TFT multi-information display with open door warning and parking distance information. A central infotainment system with an 8” high-definition screen and smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is standard, and in the top models, the screen also displays the rear-view parking camera’s image. Boot capacity, according to Hyundai, is 290 litres.
Safety features and equipment include six airbags, an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) for the Premium and Executive AMT variants and the Elite, Hill Assist Control (HAC) on AMT variants only, Isofix child seat anchors, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
All versions are powered by the smooth 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 61 kW at 6,000 r/min and 114 Nm of torque at 4,000 r/min, coupled with either a five-speed manual transmission (in the Premium and Executive versions) or automated manual transmission (AMT), also with five ratios (the only option in the Elite).
The test route – negotiated in Executive models with manual transmission only – covered the most scenic roads around the Cape Peninsula, and we were quite impressed with the low engine noise levels and the quietness of the affordable newcomer’s well-insulated cabin on the road.
With sturdy underpinnings and a well-tuned suspension setup, the Exter inspired driving confidence in tight mountain pass corners. Still, while willing, the engine struggled somewhat against long uphill stretches, necessitating down-changes on the gearbox. At higher altitudes, this may require even more cog-swopping.
Even so, the small crossover delivered a well-balanced and relaxed driving experience (much better than some of its more costly rivals) and fuel consumption (Hyundai claims a figure of 5.7 l/100 km for the manual variants and 5.9 l/100km for the AMT derivatives) was satisfactory.
LAST WORD
With prices ranging from just under R270,000 for the Premium manual to R334,900 for the flagship Elite AMT, the Exter is priced competitively against its rivals, more so taking into account its standard seven-year/200,000 km warranty and three-year/45,000 km service plan.
The stylish newcomer will meet the needs of modern, young, entry-level buyers but will also appeal to budget-conscious buyers searching for a more spacious vehicle than a hatchback. With its long list of standard convenience and safety features, the Exter is a surprisingly good package available at a reasonable price, and as such, it is set to become a top seller in the local market.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © HYUNDAI SOUTH AFRICA
