Say hello to the Hyundai Exter, the Korean brand’s upcoming and newest crossover. It seems they can’t get enough of mini-SUVs, and that’s not exactly a bad thing. Fans of the brand, they’re really spoilt for choice, but we here in the PH may have to hold our horses because this one’s bound for India. So what might we be missing out on?
For starters, the Hyundai Exter is even smaller than the Creta
Photo: Hyundai
Currently, the Hyundai Creta (and Venue) are the brand’s smallest crossovers in the PH. If we’re to go by reports, the Exter will only be 3,595 mm long, 1,575mm tall, and 1,595mm wide. To put that into perspective, the Creta is Length Overall (mm), 4,315mm long, 1,630mm tall, and 1,790mm wide. By all rights, it’s closer to the Jimny’s dimensions which are 3,645mm long, 1,720mm tall, and 1,645mm wide. Overall, this takes its description of being a “micro-SUV/crossover” to another level.
Photo: Hyundai
Other details included in Hyundai‘s announcement are 5 variants of the Exter, namely EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect. The unique “Ranger Khaki” color was also revealed for the pint-sized Exter.
Two engine options have also been announced. The first is a 1.2-liter Kappa Petrol engine (E20 Fuel Ready) which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission (5MT) or a Smart Auto AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The second is a 1.2-liter Bi-fuel Kappa petrol with CNG engine equipped with 5-speed Manual transmission. The latter can even make use of LPG. Well, this is bound for India, after all.
Photo: Hyundai
Signs point to a debut sometime in June, and chances are the grapevine has it right. Again, the Exter is first bound for India, but we’ve said that Hyundai PH is on a rampage in regaining its solid foothold in the country. The Venue is no longer being sold, the Creta may need some smaller company, and with the Suzuki Jimny making a killing, perhaps the Exter can give it some competition. That’s if it’s positioned correctly, more importantly, priced correctly, and most importantly, more easily obtainable from the dealership.
