Exter Lands in SA

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has launched a new compact crossover SUV called Exter.

This most trusted brand is tapping into the ground that is quite competitive. They are confident that Exter’s arsenal of features and cute design elements will set it apart from the rest.

There are three equipment levels and five variants are available:

• The EXTER 1.2 Premium (manual transmission) and EXTER 1.2 Premium AMT (automated manual transmission);
• The EXTER 1.2 Executive (manual) and EXTER 1.2 Executive AMT
• And the flagship EXTER 1.2 Elite AMT.

According to Stanley Anderson, sales, operations and commercial director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, bringing Exter to SA has been on their calendar for a while.

“The EXTER’s beautiful, harmonious design lines and excellent proportions immediately draw attention, but it is not only a good looker – it offers a very well-equipped and spacious interior with comfortable room for front and rear occupants,” said Anderson.

He said Exter not only meet the needs of modern, young entry-level buyers, but also sets new standards for in the segment for compact crossovers in the market.

“We are confident that the Hyundai Exter with its long list of standard convenience and safety features will exceed the expectations of our customers,” he said.

Bold exterior lines

According to Hyundai, the all-new Exter features a progressive and unique crossover SUV design showcasing Hyundai’s identity of “Sensuous Sportiness”, characterized by a modern front, dynamic side and sporty rear design. The DNA of Hyundai’s crossover SUV line-up is also evident from the front grille design and the positioning of the daytime running lights (DRLs), with its LEDs in a signature H-shape, above the halogen headlights. The H-signature design is repeated in the rear lights of the EXTER.

Ground clearance is 185 mm, which, in combination with the generous amount of rubber on the 15-inch wheels, gives the Exter the ability to tackle excursions on gravel roads without worries.

Six exterior colour options are available across the range: Atlas White, Cosmic Blue, Tomboy Khaki, Fiery Red, Titan Grey and Starry Night. Customers can also choose from three two-tone options for the Executive and Elite versions: Cosmic Blue with a black roof; Tomboy Khaki with a black roof, or Atlas White also paired with a black roof.

In front of the driver is an advanced digital instrument cluster with various features such as:

• A 4,2-inch colour TFT multi-information display;
• A tyre pressure monitoring system;
• Open door warning; and
• Parking distance information.

Robust and reliable safety

Exter comes with strong safety features with extensive body application of Advanced High Strength Steel and High Strength Steel adding high durability, high rigidity and ensuring low Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels that ensures a safe driving experience for all occupants. 

The 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.

Power train

The Hyundai Exter comes equipped with a very fuel-efficient 1.2-litre Kappa 4-cylinder petrol engine that offers refinement and smooth acceleration. Maximum power output is 61 kW at 6 000 r/min., and it reaches peak torque output of 114 Nm at 4 000 r/min. 

Two drivetrain options are available 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 gear ratios are well-spaced for easy acceleration and smooth and comfortable driving.

The top speed of all variants was measured at 165 km/h. Fuel-consumption of 5,7 litres/100 km was  recorded 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. 

Exter pricing: 1.2 Premium manual R269 900, 1,2 Premium AMT R294 900, 1,2 Executive manual R289 900, 1,2 Executive AMT R314 900, 1,2 Elite AMT R334 900.